Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Hello, my name is Dr. Zulexis Alcaide, and I’m a Postdoctoral Resident at Balanced Awakening. I’m so glad you’re here. I am passionate about helping women who are done living on autopilot and ready to take intentional control of their purpose, identity, and emotional well-being. As a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), I specialize in Emotional Intelligence (EQ) development and Positive Psychology. I use an integrative approach that blends evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) with the SPIRE model of well-being — a holistic framework that helps you understand how the spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational, and emotional areas of your life are interconnected. I work best with individuals who are ambitious, reflective, and growth-oriented — often managing career demands, emotional overwhelm, and high expectations, sometimes without the support they truly need. They’re not just looking to manage symptoms; they want to deepen their self-awareness, create meaningful change, and build a life aligned with what matters most to them. In our work together, we’ll identify your personal strengths, clarify which areas of your life need more attention, recognize where things feel disconnected, and explore how those areas may be impacting your well-being We’ll reflect, reprioritize, and design habits, goals, and practical strategies that support your growth across every area: 🧠 Emotional & Mental Skills – EQ, self-awareness, emotional regulation, mindfulness, resilience 🧩 Cognitive Skills – problem-solving, decision-making, goal-setting, time management 💬 Interpersonal Skills – communication, boundaries, conflict resolution, active listening 💫 Self-Identity – confidence, self-compassion, values clarification, purpose alignment 💼 Life & Professional Skills – adaptability, leadership, financial awareness Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood changes, burnout, relationship challenges, or a life transition — or simply feel something is missing — you don’t have to face it alone. I’m passionate about offering culturally sensitive therapy to Latina and Spanish-speaking women who are looking for a supportive space to grow emotionally and individually. Let’s explore how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact — and create a therapy experience that supports a mindful lifestyle and helps you fully engage with the present. Think of therapy as a meaningful investment in your long-term fulfillment and in becoming your ideal self. Ready to start? Book a consultation today.

My clients are people who often feel stuck in their thoughts, whether those thoughts are anxious, self-critical, perfectionistic, or filled with doubt. They might be struggling with OCD, social anxiety, phobias, trauma, or just the overwhelming pressure to always get things “right.” My clients come from a variety of background and identities. They want relief, but not just a quick fix. They’re looking to better understand themselves, break free from rigid patterns, and move toward a life that feels more connected, meaningful, and aligned.

Dr. Daniels is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, who together with her team specialize in women’s mental health concerns. We Utilize evidence-based psychotherapies in working with women struggling with many life difficulties ranging from depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, adjusting to new life experiences, grief and loss, challenging life transitions, as well as peri and postnatal mental health, infertility, pregnancy loss, and parenting. Dr. Daniels also has a specialization in neuropsychological assessment for the purpose of diagnostic clarification, decisional capacity, and to develop appropriate treatment recommendations.

Third Eye Counseling is a psychotherapy practice in the Lakeview/Roscoe Village area of Chicago providing individual therapy, yoga-informed therapy, and couples counseling. Our services are wellness-based, authentic, focused on growth, and grounded in social justice. We aim to balance motivating and challenging each client towards change with providing space for acceptance and acknowledgement of strengths.

Welcome! My name is Caitlin and I'm a clinical psychologist that specializes in cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT), especially in the treatment of anxiety and related struggles. I mostly work with young adults and college students. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify active goals for treatment, with a focus on living a life that is flexible, fulfilling, and guided by one's values. I strive to create a supportive and strong therapeutic bond with my clients by using warmth, unconditional positive regard, compassion, and some lightheartedness and humor, when appropriate. I have extensive experience in providing CBT therapies, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), mindfulness, self compassion, behavioral activation, and motivational interviewing. I know it can be intimidating to start therapy and find a therapist who is a good fit. I would love to schedule a complimentary initial phone call to learn more about you, tell you about my approach, and answer questions you may have, and we can together determine if it feels like a good fit. I currently have availability afternoons and evenings, Mon-Thurs.

Welcome! Taking the first step to start therapy can sometimes feel scary, and beginning your journey to healing is something to be proud of. I am honored to walk alongside you and help you navigate throughout this experience. My role as a therapist is to create a safe environment that helps you feel heard, understood, and valued. I bring empathy, authenticity, and genuineness to the therapeutic relationship and I value the inner strength and empowerment of every individual. I embrace the importance of working collaboratively with you to identify and achieve your therapeutic goals. I strive to facilitate a welcoming and non-judgmental space so you can be the truest form of yourself. I am particularly passionate about working with students. This phase of life comes with a unique set of challenges such as adjusting to life transitions, working through school and career stressors, managing relationship and family challenges, and exploring one’s developing identity. I aim to help you navigate stress management, prevent burnout, and set a healthy work/life balance. I also specialize in working with clients with body image issues and eating concerns, and have extensively researched ADHD and concentration difficulties in young adults. As a clinician, I integrate numerous techniques and work from a culturally-sensitive framework utilizing cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and strengths-based approaches. I also have specific training in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and the Gottman method. Experience My prior clinical experiences include providing individual, group, couples, and family therapy at a private practice and in numerous college counseling centers. I most recently completed my doctoral internship at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Counseling Center. I have supported clients from a wide array of racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds with many unique presenting concerns. I have been fortunate to work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults throughout my training. I am passionate about empowering my clients to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Hi! We are a team of therapists with a special focus on emerging adults navigating the pivotal transition into college and adulthood. We understand the unique challenges of this stage, from the pressures of academic responsibilities and perfectionism to struggles with self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. We’re also here to help with relationship, roommate and friendship issues, as well as concerns around dating, sexual health, and identity. We approach our clients with cultural humility and create a non-judgmental space for all types of relationships, sexualities and genders.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As a bilingual (Spanish & English) trauma-sensitive therapist, I offer integrative, individualized care. My approach is shaped by your unique needs. Everyone has a unique story and deserves an individualized approach to treatment. I believe in a holistic and caring approach, actively listening and engaging with you to build a strong therapeutic alliance- a vital step in healing. In our work together, my focus will be on understanding you as a whole person, shaping our therapeutic path around your unique experiences and needs. I believe that building a strong, trusting relationship is the foundation of all healing. In the safe space we create, you'll have the opportunity to process your emotions, build resilience, and discover new ways of coping. With a deep respect for your background and identity, I am committed to empowering you to improve your quality of life and mental health.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Coffee Chat Counseling is a Chicago, IL based counseling practice that strives to make therapy approachable by providing a warm, non-judgmental, and supportive environment for our clients. We specialize in services for individuals who are aged 13 and older. Coffee Chat Counseling was developed to provide approachable and sustainable mental health care to its clients, while also advocating for change in the mental health care system. We want to improve access to services, as well as seek to de-stigmatize mental health on a societal level. We recognize the connections between mental health and experiences of systemic oppression and are committed to social justice work, anti-racism, and the decolonization of mental health practices. Our therapists work to ensure that we maintain a safe and affirming space for clients who identify as BIPOC and those who are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Coffee Chat Counseling believes that therapy should not have a one-size-fits-all approach. Our counselors have training in Art Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) modalities to ensure they are able to tailor sessions to their clients' unique needs. We know that taking the first step in your therapy journey can be daunting - our goal is to be here to support you through this process so that we can work together to access your strengths, establish safe boundaries, explore different directions, heal from trauma, and instill confidence in your decision-making.

Ashley Knight is a therapist who recognizes that no problem or issue is too big or small to be addressed, and understands that therapy should feel like a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. Ashley works with late adolescents to middle adult clients who are dealing with depression, anxiety, adjustment, relationship, and life transition issues. Ashley strives to meet clients where they are so they can aim to reach their full potential and goals.

My experience includes emotional & mood concerns, identity exploration, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, academic & vocational distress, and grief. Sharing your true self in therapy is a vulnerable act, and I respect your courage. I am mindful of your needs and meet you where you are. I would be honored to help you with the next step of your journey.

Grey Area Therapy is a small, private practice conveniently located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood with easy access to public transportation and an emphasis on building meaningful, authentic connections with clients. Our therapists offer a range of specialties and address needs related to: -Anxiety -Depression -Body Image -Race/Ethnicity/Culture -Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity -Individual/Generational Trauma -Identity -Family-of-Origin -Life Transitions -Careers/Professional Goals Our therapists offer both in-person and virtual appointments and have weekend and evening availability. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United/Optum insurance and offer free 15-minute phone consultations to help you find a therapist that works for you!

Hi, I’m Dan (they/them). Life can feel heavy sometimes, and we all reach moments when we need support. Mistakes, falling back into old habits, and difficult periods are often seen as signs of failure, but in mental health, these moments are often part of the process rather than the end of it. During these times, it can become easy to feel disconnected from yourself, your progress, or the direction you once had. Therapy can become a space to explore your experiences, make sense of them, and reflect on how you want to move forward. Because everyone brings different experiences, needs, and goals into therapy, I approach the process collaboratively and individually. I believe your insight, lived experiences, and understanding of yourself should remain central to the work we do together. I utilize a holistic, harm-reduction-based approach to create a non-judgmental space where you can feel free to be yourself while recognizing that you are not defined by the difficulties you face. I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. Many of the ways we respond to stress, relationships, emotions, and uncertainty are shaped by earlier experiences and coping strategies that may no longer fully serve us in the present. Moreover, there are aspects of life and our circumstances that we may not be able to change. Therapy can provide space to better understand those patterns while exploring new ways of coping, relating, and responding to those experiences with greater awareness, flexibility, and intention. I work with individuals navigating trauma, substance use, LGBTQIA+ related experiences, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. My goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported throughout the therapeutic process. If you feel ready to begin exploring these experiences more deeply, I would be honored to support you through that process.

Counseling Solutions is a group practice located in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago, currently providing telehealth services. We are a group of experienced therapists skilled in treating a number of issues and concerns. All of our staff seek to form a warm and engaging connection wtih our clients. We offer a diversity of experience, areas of expertise, and age and life experience. We also have clinicians available who are bilingual in Spanish.

Hi, I’m Spencer (they/them)! I’m a queer, non-binary, neurodiverse therapist who believes that everybody deserves a space in therapy. Working in mental and behavioral health spaces I have found that it can be difficult to find professionals who are competent and specializes in working with the LGBTQ+ community, and I aim to help change that! So much about therapy revolves around identity. Having a therapist who is part of your communities can make all of the difference. I work from a systems, anti-opressive, and liberation focused lens, meaning that there are many factors both internal and external that affect our well-being, one of which is community! Community is important for everybody, but especially for LGBTQ+ identities. This was one of the main reasons I chose to name my practice Neighborhood Psychotherapy, along with being based in Chicago and coming to love and appreciate the city’s strong sense of community and neighborhood identities, and being inspired by the work of Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. My therapeutic approach weaves together DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Thearpy), CBT (Cognative Behavioral Therapy), Mindfulness, and Trauma-Focused interventions to deliver the best care possible to my clients. I specialize in offering therapy for anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD/Austim, Neurodiversity, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Having experienced the world as a queer and neurodiverse individual, I understand the profound impact of being truly seen. I see my work as collaborative, let’s work together to set goals and effect change in your life.

Hi, I’m Laura Let’s Explore Who You Are and Who You Can Become I’m here to help you navigate the journey of understanding yourself, especially when it comes to your gender identity. With a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling and a background in Fine Arts and Psychology, I use a creative and thoughtful approach to guide you through this process. At Thrive Ahead Co., I offer a space where you can safely explore your feelings, process your thoughts, and find the clarity and confidence to move forward. Who I Work With You might be feeling anxious or unsure about your identity, and that’s okay. I work with people who, like you, are ready to dive deep into understanding themselves. Maybe you feel like there’s a lot to figure out, and you need a place where you can reflect and explore without judgment. You want to grow, to feel more secure in who you are, and maybe even discover new ways to experience joy and fulfillment. You might not have all the answers right now, but you’re curious. You’re looking for someone who can guide you through this—someone you can trust, who will collaborate with you, and who can bring a little humor into the process when needed. If you’re open to change, even when it feels a little scary, we’ll make progress together. How We’ll Work Together Our sessions will be a mix of traditional therapy and creative exploration, depending on what feels right for you. I believe that growth happens when you have the space to be yourself, explore your thoughts, and express your emotions—whether through conversation, art, or a bit of both. I’ve worked with people in all kinds of settings, helping them unpack what’s going on inside and move toward a clearer, more confident version of themselves. In our work together, I’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll go from there at your pace. Are You Ready? If you’re ready to take a closer look at who you are and where you want to go, I’m here to walk that path with you. This process is about discovering more of yourself, finding your strengths, and moving toward a life where you feel secure and true to who you are. You don’t have to figure this out alone—I’m here to support you on your journey.

I have been working as a licensed clinical psychologist for over 20 years, serving adults in both individual and couples’ therapy. My style is supportive and non-judgmental in order to create a safe and trusting atmosphere. As a Humanist, I believe that people are always striving to succeed, but at times are blocked by fears, doubts and loss of clear identity. I see my clients as collaborators in the therapeutic process, and together we create a personal path for growth and change.

Leslie is a licensed clinical social worker. She earned her Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, and her Bachelors in Social Work at Luther College in Iowa. Leslie has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with various issues including depression, anxiety, coping skills, difficult life transitions, and building self-compassion. She has worked with individuals in many different settings ranging from individual and group therapy to crisis intervention in the Emergency Room. Leslie practices from a strength-based approach and combines several modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness. Throughout treatment, she works with clients to utilize coping skills, identify their core values, and develop a strong sense of self. Leslie believes that regardless of age, clients are their own expert and therefore aims to build a strong therapeutic relationship that provides a warm and accepting environment that can lead to positive change.