Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

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Maybe you’ve been telling yourself you should be able to handle this by now. But lately, everything feels heavier. Your energy is low, motivation is hard to find, and even small tasks can feel overwhelming. You may notice yourself pulling away from people, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to break. At times, you might find yourself reaching for something—whether it’s substances, distractions, or numbing behaviors—to get through the moment, even when it doesn’t bring lasting relief. For some, this shows up as persistent sadness, emptiness, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others. For others, it may look like anxiety, burnout, or being caught in cycles of overthinking and self-criticism. These experiences can also show up in relationships pulling away, avoiding hard conversations, or finding yourself in the same painful dynamics again and again. You may notice that your inner voice is harsh or unforgiving, making it even harder to find a way forward. Together, we will gently identify and address these patterns while building more compassion, stability, and connection—both within yourself and in your relationships I work with teens and adults navigating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, traumatic experiences, and life transitions. I provide LGBTQAI+-affirming therapy grounded in cultural humility, creating a safe and validating space to explore identity, relationships, and lived experiences. I also support individuals who are exploring their relationship with substances, whether that means reducing use, understanding patterns, or working toward recovery. I have completed training toward my Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential and am CADC-eligible, which allows me to integrate evidence-based approaches for substance use into our work. My practice is trauma-informed and guided by phase-oriented treatment approaches. In our early work, we focus on safety, stabilization, and building self-regulation skills to help you feel more grounded—even when things feel heavy or overwhelming. As you begin to feel more supported and resourced, we may shift toward processing more difficult experiences and understanding the roots of depressive patterns or substance use. Therapy is always paced according to your readiness. I prioritize transparency throughout therapy, ensuring you understand each step of the process and why certain approaches are used. My goal is to create a space that feels collaborative, supportive, and grounded—so you can move from feeling stuck and depleted toward feeling more engaged, connected, and able to experience meaning in your life again.

We work with adults of all ages as well as teenagers. We see many clients who are working through anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, "failure to launch," and the effects of trauma. Our clinicians have expertise in neuro-diversity including ADHD/ADD and ASD. We have therapists with clinical interests in so-called “men’s issues” as well as therapists who identify as LGBTQIA+ and who speak Mandarin. We facilitate a process by which clients are able to build their resiliency skills, empowering them, long-term, to survive the inevitable challenges of life.

Cloud Nine Counseling specializes in helping college students and young adults navigate anxiety, relationships, body image concerns, life transitions, and spirituality. Balancing school, work, friendships, and personal growth can be overwhelming, but therapy can provide clarity and support. Using evidence-based approaches—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS)—Cloud Nine Counseling helps clients reduce anxiety, build meaningful relationships, improve self-image, adjust to life changes, and explore faith and spirituality. For those seeking faith-based guidance, Christian counseling is available upon request. Cloud Nine Counseling offers a nonjudgmental, strengths-based approach to help clients gain confidence, heal from past experiences, and create a fulfilling future. Looking for support during college and beyond? Reach out to learn more about how therapy can help.

People often come to therapy to try to understand something: something about themselves, their relationships, or their past experiences. I enjoy joining my clients in these moments of exploration with warmth, attunement, and collaboration. I specialize in working with people of marginalized experiences and identities. If you have ever felt like an outsider because of your identities, past experiences, sensitivity, gifts, or because of how you live in this world, you deserve a space that is dedicated to your healing and growth. I specialize in working with marginalized folks including queer, trans, kinky, polyamorous, and neurodivergent clients.

I help people process trauma, manage their emotions and anxiety, and maximize their performance with the combination of talk therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Brainspotting, and/or Internal Family Systems (IFS). A Free 15-minute consultation is offered to ensure a good fit.

My background is in psychodynamic therapy. This type of therapy helps you to better understand patterns that play out in your life, how your mind works, the internal conflicts you wrestle with, the defense mechanisms you use, and other things you might not be fully conscious of. By learning more about yourself and your struggles, you are better equipped to make changes in your life, solve your problems in the ways you want to solve them, and break out of the self-defeating patterns you find yourself stuck in. I specialize in working with adults with longstanding difficulties, including depression and anxiety, overwhelming emotions, issues with self-esteem, impulsivity, and self-destructive behavior. I am not a believer in quick fixes or easy answers. Being in therapy is hard work and a major commitment. I often meet with people long term and sometimes in twice-weekly therapy. I aim to be an ally as you work to make changes that won’t just make you feel better today but will change your life in the years to come.

Life can be challenging. I believe psychotherapy with a therapist who is a good match can help one more successfully navigate those challenges. I work collaboratively with my clients. I aim to create a nonjudgmental and supportive environment to explore difficult issues together -- to better understand what one is currently facing, to help manage those difficulties, and to ultimately make life more rewarding and meaningful. I have over 30 years of clinical experience and have worked in a variety of settings including university counseling centers (Univ. of Illinois, Univ. of Michigan, Northwestern Univ., The School of the Art Institute of Chicago), and LGBTQ and feminist services (Howard Brown Health Center, Planned Parenthood, Chicago Women's Health Center). I maintain a general practice where I see a wide diversity of men and women for issues including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and identity.

NK Psychological Services is a consultation-centered practice providing comprehensive psychological services across the lifespan. We offer psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families, along with neuropsychological and diagnostic assessment. Our psychodynamically-informed clinicians work collaboratively, bringing multiple perspectives to complex cases. We work with children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges from life transitions to longstanding patterns that no longer serve them.

I am a clinician dedicated to providing a space for every client to better understand themselves, others, and how they fit into the world. My role as a therapist is to show clients that they are understood and accepted so that they may develop the courage and confidence to make their own decisions. I work with adults, adolescents and couples of all backgrounds. I collaborate with the client in analysis of thought, feeling, and action to gain insight into and mastery over the self. With couples, sessions are emotion-focused and informed by the Gottman method, with the goal of improving communication. If you experience problems related to divorce, trauma, sexuality, grief, loneliness, anxiety, life transition, or a general sense of purposelessness, I have confidence that I can help.

I'm a bilingual therapist offering both in-person and virtual sessions. Whether you're navigating life transitions, pursuing personal growth, or simply in need of support, I commend you for taking this meaningful step. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, uncover your strengths, and develop practical tools to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. I bring a unique perspective to my practice, rooted in connection, trust, and shared understanding. My approach is shaped by my professional experience, education, and personal journey—including my roles as a wife, mother, large family dynamic, and as a Chicago native. I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your path to growth and healing.

Being in college right now is tough. Personal struggles, family issues, and the pressure to keep it all together, plus the chaos of everything going on in the world, it makes sense that you're feeling overwhelmed. If you’re dealing with difficult past experiences, family stress, or just the daily pressure of trying to stay afloat, you don’t have to go through it alone. I specialize in helping people process tough emotions, navigate life transitions, and manage stress in healthy ways. I’ve worked with folks navigating trauma, family dynamics, and anxiety—and I use tools like EMDR and IFS to help you work through what’s weighing you down. Therapy is about giving you the space to deal with what’s hard and find practical ways forward, so you can feel more in control and less stuck. I’m passionate about working with women, gender-expansive individuals, and LGBTQ+ folks. No judgment. Just real, down-to-earth support to help you move forward.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who values creating a space of agency and collaboration between myself and my clients. I apply evidence-based behavioral therapy approaches to help teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, OCD, and/or depression. I place a strong emphasis on providing gender/LGBTQ+ affirming, culturally conscious, and sex-positive care. I am committed to creating a safe & inclusive space for clients to be able to show up authentically and feel understood. I aim to empower clients by meeting them where they are at on their journey. I strive to maintain a compassionate therapeutic environment that fosters growth and healing. I provide clients with practical skills and tools they need to reclaim control and find freedom from anxiety.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you looking for support in order to achieve the kind of life you envision? Maybe you are struggling to succeed in one of life's domains including socially, work, school, or family relationships. I would be honored to have an opportunity to work with you. The warm and supportive environment in my office helps clients feel comfortable working through personal challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family conflict, ADHD (adult and children), trauma, job stress and other life stressors. I have worked extensively helping adults, adolescents, couples, and families. I employ a human-centered cognitive behavioral approach with a solution-focused emphasis. Often the first step is the hardest. The voice you will hear on the other end of the phone will be sincerely interested in helping you.

I've been a psychotherapist for over ten years skilled in treating mental health disorders or distress. I use cognitive behavioral therapy to support students with academic challenges, peer and relationship struggles, life transitions, trauma, and more. I provide individual psychotherapy services (virtually or in person) at Pure Health Center in Lincoln Park walking distance from your campus. Currently, I offer flexible evening and weekend appointments to accommodate students' busy schedules. You can search my name "Megan O'Brien- Chicago IL" on Psychology Today to learn more about my practice or find me on Pure Health Center's website. You may also send an email to schedule a FREE 15-minute consult to get started. I look forward to working with you. Warmly, Megan O'Brien

Searching for a therapist can feel daunting, especially when life’s challenges seem to outweigh the moments of clarity. Yet, taking this step toward your well-being is a testament to your resilience and courage. Therapy offers not just a safe haven, but a pathway to understanding, growth, and personal empowerment. Whether you’re an athlete striving for peak performance, or an individual navigating the complexities of daily life, I’m here to support you on your journey. Together, we can navigate the psychology of performance, challenge thought patterns and behaviors, and explore personal beliefs to foster self-awareness, build self confidence, and tap into your inner champion. My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that true healing involves nurturing both the mind and body. By blending traditional therapeutic modalities with sports psychology techniques, we can cultivate a strong relationship between the mind and body that can promote overall well-being.

The past few years have been incredibly difficult for everyone, regardless of background or finances. In my practice I strive to create a warm and welcoming space where we can curiously and compassionately explore your concerns. I genuinely believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my goal is to assist you with discovering and deciding how to live your best life. Throughout the pandemic I was specializing in working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, isolation, interpersonal conflict, and grief. I have extensive history working with the college-aged population from my doctoral internship at Illinois State University and Spalding University’s counseling centers. I also have experience working in higher levels of care with non-college aged adults at outpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and inpatient levels of care. While working together we’ll collaboratively explore areas where you may feel stuck and discuss the use of new, more adaptive coping skills to help you move in the direction of your goals. I have many years of experience teaching classes focusing on evidence-based treatments, such as: DBT, ACT, and CBT. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

At HumanKind Psych we specialize in anxiety and eating concerns, but we also work with a variety of different struggles, from mood and panic to relationship difficulties, addiction, and trauma. We are passionate about helping high-achieving young adults let go of perfectionistic tendencies, treat themselves with more compassion, and stop being so hard on themselves. We also offer ADHD evaluations. We are not here to tell you what to do-- we believe YOU are the expert on yourself and we will help you build trust in yourself to move forward toward the things that matter most to you. We use the Intuitive Eating framework and the Health at Every Size approach when working with food and body image concerns. We work hard to ensure you feel safe and understood, and we welcome your feedback along the way. We're always learning and growing, so if something doesn't land quite right, we encourage you to tell us so that we can move through it together and help you get the support you need. Our therapists are warm and authentic, and it's important to us to keep it real. We don't sugarcoat or tiptoe around things (even the difficult things!) because we truly want to help you live your best life.