Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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College can look manageable from the outside while feeling overwhelming behind the scenes. I work best with students who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, difficulty focusing, burnout, or the pressure to keep up academically and socially. You may feel like you are working harder than everyone else to stay organized, wondering whether ADHD could explain lifelong challenges, or finding that strategies that once worked are no longer enough. I offer thoughtful, individualized care that looks beyond symptoms to understand your health, daily life, and goals.

Dr. Hannah Waldman is a psychotherapist who works with emerging adults, young adults, and older adults facing a range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship challenges, and difficulties related to stress and life transitions. She takes an integrative and collaborative approach to therapy, blending symptom-focused techniques—such as CBT, DBT, and ACT—within a relational framework. Hannah is committed to staying current with the latest research, particularly in areas relevant to her clients’ needs. She has experience supporting individuals dealing with aging, grief, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, eating disorders, chronic pain, and navigating gender-affirming care. Throughout her career, Hannah has worked with clients from diverse backgrounds across the lifespan, including varied identities in terms of gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, culture, nationality, and socioeconomic status. Her additional clinical interests include mood disorders, personality disorders, and religious trauma. In her work, she strives to empower clients while fostering deeper insight into the self, personal history, and relationships.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling school, relationships, identity questions, and pressure to “have it all together.” My role is to offer a grounded, compassionate space where you don’t have to perform or explain yourself perfectly to be understood. I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience working with college students and young adults navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, identity development, relationship concerns, self-worth struggles, and life transitions. I’ve worked in a variety of settings including higher education, group therapy, and community-based car. My approach is collaborative, relational, and trauma-informed. I don’t believe therapy is about fixing you. It’s about helping you understand yourself more deeply, unlearn patterns that no longer serve you, and build a life that feels aligned with who you actually are. Together, we work at your pace, honoring your history while focusing on practical tools that support emotional regulation, boundaries, confidence, and resilience. Students often tell me they appreciate that sessions feel both reflective and grounding. We can explore the “why” behind your experiences while also building skills you can use day to day. I welcome clients who feel stuck, disconnected, emotionally overwhelmed, or unsure how to trust themselves again. Reaching out for support is a meaningful step, not a sign of weakness. If you’re looking for a therapist who is thoughtful, honest, and genuinely invested in your growth, I’d be honored to work with you.

Located in the Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, Bailey and Associates Counseling and Psychotherapy offers individual psychotherapy and counseling services and art therapy. You currently have the choice to meet online or in office. I specialize in working with adults seeking change. My approach to counseling is client-centered and trauma-informed, encouraging the expression of personal narrative to build self-understanding and community. I support clients in the use of art-making as a grounding tool to process experiences and relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. My intention is to establish a collaborative space alongside clients that fosters bravery; where we can collect helpful coping tools as we work toward clients' goals together. To me, "healing" lies in seeking peace and a sense of wholeness, and not in achieving "perfection." My specialties include supporting individuals with a history of PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and/or living with chronic illness. I enjoy supporting my clients through spiritual exploration and developing a healthy relationship to art. My approach is sex-positive and LGBTQIA2S+ affirming. I love working with artists, Veterans, and existential explorers. I understand how intimidating it can be to start therapy for the first time or to find a new therapist after wrapping up with someone else. I take pride in my ability to put others at ease as we build our relationship with patience and compassion. Please don't hesitate to reach out to schedule a consultation and find out if we are a good therapeutic match.

Ashley (Evans) McTaggart is a Registered Dietitian and a alumna of Northern Illinois University. With over six years of experience in the eating disorder field, Ashley is deeply passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery journey. She began her nutrition career at a residential eating disorder facility in downtown Chicago and later expanded her expertise through roles in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. Ashley’s nutrition philosophy emphasizes building a healthy and positive relationship with food, integrating mental, emotional, physical, and social health.

I offer engaged, purposeful therapy on relationships, work and school-related issues, life transitions, and stress management. I specialize in working with adults as they navigate increasing responsibilities at school and work, while also managing life transitions such as dating, marriage, parenthood, and losses. Many of my clients describe feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed. I integrate current research and traditional approaches: many benefit by learning skills for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness; others explore bigger-picture issues related to values and sense of purpose. I completed my clinical training (Doctoral Internship and Fellowship) at Northwestern University after having graduated with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School. In my previous life, I obtained a Ph.D. in Economics from Princeton University.

Relief and hope can grow from psychotherapy - lasting effects of nonjudgment, trust and stable support from another. Learning to talk through issues can lead to the development of your own unique voice - intrapersonally and with others - spur creative ways to address problems, and result in new or greater insight and a deeper understanding of feelings and needs.

Hey there! Are you dealing with feelings of guilt, negative self-talk, doubt, or worthlessness? You don't have to handle these challenges on your own. My aim is to assist you in navigating your emotional struggles using various theoretical approaches, such as cognitive behavior therapy, existential therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I believe that therapy shouldn't be one-size-fits-all; that's why I customize my approach to suit your personality and specific needs. I am dedicated to creating a warm, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment to ensure that each session is both helpful and enjoyable for you. I have been fortunate to work closely with individuals dealing with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, imposter syndrome, and addiction. I am passionate about helping people overcome challenges and embrace their true selves. If you are ready to start a new chapter in your life, I encourage you to take the first step toward change by scheduling a free consultation with me today!

Hello, I'm Mili Kuriakose, and I work at The Family Institute. As a therapist, I believe in meeting you exactly where you are on your journey. My approach is centered on collaboration — together, we’ll build a therapeutic path that highlights your strengths and addresses your unique needs. By understanding your personal history and the ways it intersects with society, I strive to embrace the complexities of your experiences. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable exploring your thoughts, feelings, and goals.

Meredith Starr is a Registered Dietitian and Director of Nutrition Services at Allow Wellness in Chicago. She is an alumna of the University of Illinois at Chicago Coordinated Nutrition Program and began her nutrition career at UI Health general inpatient services while working part-time at a residential treatment facility for eating disorders. Meredith is deeply passionate about the treatment of eating disorders and has been practicing in this field for the past nine years. Meredith's personal nutrition philosophy centers on building a healthy relationship with food and is inclusive of mental, emotional, physical and social health. Meredith aligns herself with size-inclusive and non-diet nutrition approaches. She is passionate about empowering others in their relationship with food and their bodies. Allow Wellness is currently offering outpatient group nutrition sessions and profession presentations. Meredith welcomes all stages of readiness with regard to your relationship with food and your body shape and weight. If ready to schedule, please contact her today.

Kevin holds a Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University – Fullerton as well as a Master of Music in Music Therapy from Illinois State University. His training includes extensive clinical experience in inpatient psychiatric care, medical and oncology settings, college counseling, and community-based mental health. Kevin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), and his education integrates relational, trauma-informed, cognitive-behavioral, and multicultural frameworks to support individuals, couples, and families across diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Culture shapes what we believe, how we act, and how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world. Sometimes these influences clash with our authenticity, leaving us feeling disconnected, uncertain, or overwhelmed. But feeling stuck doesn’t mean staying stuck; you have the capacity to grow, change, and rediscover who you are. Together, we can explore the cultural messages you’ve absorbed and ask: Is this truly me, someone else’s expectation, or a mixture of both? In our work together, you can reclaim your story, challenge limiting expectations, and step into a more authentic and empowered self. As inner shifts take root, they ripple into your relationships, goals, and daily life. Our work together isn’t only about the past, it’s about creating a present and future that truly feels like yours. Whether you are seeking personal insight, wanting to change behaviors, wishing to heal from past traumas, pursuing a sense of connection, and/or looking to reclaim your authentic self, the most important and often most challenging step is starting the process. I would be honored to support you on your journey.

When you're surrounded by expectations, it can be hard to know what's actually yours. Maybe you're trying to meet your family's expectations, questioning your identity, navigating anxiety, or wondering why everyday tasks feel so much harder than they seem for everyone else. Therapy can help you quiet the outside noise and reconnect with the person you want to become. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating anxiety, identity development, neurodivergence, executive functioning challenges, family relationships, and major life transitions. Together, we'll explore what's getting in your way while building practical tools that help you manage overwhelm, navigate change, and feel more confident in your daily life. I'm especially passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ students, individuals exploring queer identity, and those processing religious trauma or family expectations. You don't have to choose between honoring your authentic self and honoring your experiences. Therapy offers space to explore both with curiosity, compassion, and without judgment. My approach is relational, somatic, and trauma-informed. I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, and evidence-based behavioral strategies to help you reconnect with your values, strengthen self-trust, and create lasting change. My hope is that therapy helps you hear your own voice more clearly, trust yourself more fully, and build a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and aligned with who you are.

Chicago Counseling Collective is an inclusive, downtown Chicago-based group practice offering collaborative, culturally informed care for individuals, couples, and groups. We provide both in-person and virtual sessions.

Coral Heart Counseling provides therapy to those who want to live their best life, but find it hard to do so because of the various life stressors that have gotten in the way. These individuals usually feel like aspects of their life are too much and that their mind, body, and spirit are out of sync; they’re overwhelmed. Our clientele are young adults who are tired of struggling with life events such as relationships, transitions, racial and cultural identity, adulting, imposter syndrome, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, academics and success, perfectionism, and past traumatic moments. We want to help our clients move beyond what’s holding them back. We assist in our clients’ growth by utilizing various modalities that are meant to bring out a person’s strengths, show them their power, and allow them to see how much they matter in this world. We also provide guidance on difficult issues that individuals may be faced with so that they can decide what is best for them. We believe in providing a safe space and necessary skills for our clients to achieve their goals. Our aim is that our clients encounter enhanced emotional intelligence, relational/relationship advancement, and peace. We hope that you will take a step towards freedom of the mind, feeling at ease, and self-love by reaching out to us.

Hi! I’m Matthew Boltz and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I provide therapy for children, adolescents/teenagers, and adults in Chicago. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, autism, behavioral disorders, depression, executive functioning difficulties, family stress, life change & transitions, school/work stress, stress, and self-esteem. I have over 10 years of experience working in the field of social work and providing behavioral/mental health services. I began my career working in inpatient and outpatient hospitalization programs and then spent five years working within the education system to provide mental health services as a social worker in elementary, middle, and high schools across the state of Illinois. I have extensive experience working with many subject matters in regard to the education system such as school functioning, special education law, IEPs and 504’s, coordination of care between support staff, and advocacy within the school setting. While working in the school, I also began working in private practice providing therapy to a variety of people with different presenting issues and concerns as mentioned above. I utilize techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness-based therapy to support treatment goals through skill-building, gaining insights, and clarifying values. I employ a person-centered and strengths-based approach when working with my clients to honor each of their own individual wants and needs during the therapeutic process. I am an affirming and accepting therapist that provides a collaborative, non-judgmental, and supportive therapeutic environment. My goal is to empower each client with the coping strategies and skills necessary to make the desired changes in their own life. If you have any other questions, would like to schedule a brief phone consultation, or want to schedule your first appointment, please feel free to call or email me. I look forward to talking with you.

You may be navigating a rupture in your relationship, adjusting to a major life transition, or trying to reconnect with yourself and those around you. Maybe you’re part of a family balancing the pressures of athletics, or you’re working to reintegrate into a familiar or new life context. At the core, you want to feel understood, rebuild trust, and find a sense of stability and connection within yourself and your relationships. I specialize in working with couples rebuilding trust after infidelity, families of athletes navigating sport and family life, individuals facing major life transitions, and those reintegrating into their environments. My therapeutic style is collaborative, supportive, and systemic, drawing from approaches like CBT, EFT, narrative, IFS, and more. I tailor therapy to each client’s needs, often using metaphors and shared interests to make the process relatable, meaningful, and personal. As a bilingual speaker, I am able to provide therapy in English and Thai. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to take that step alone. I know how important it is to feel seen, hopeful, and reassured when facing challenges in life and relationships. Together, we can explore what feels heavy, uncover your strengths, and create space for healing and growth. If you’re ready to reconnect with yourself and those who matter most, I’d be honored to support you on that journey.

First of all, I appreciate your time reviewing my profile. Here's what you can expect from our work together: I deliver evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally competent treatment for a wide range of mental health diagnoses and substance use disorders. In every session, I aim to empower clients with mental health education, acknowledge strengths, and bring compassion and honesty to vulnerable moments in therapy. It is my hope that we can spend time understanding how past experiences are influencing the present and work towards more authenticity and self-led actions in the future. Skilled in Acceptance and Commitment, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy techniques, I assist clients to develop deeper self-awareness and mindfulness, process underlying feelings and beliefs, improve psychological flexibility, and strengthen coping skills as clients work towards their specific goals. I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling along with an additional certifications in trauma, sex-informed counseling, substance use counseling, and grief and loss. I use an integrated, person-centered approach to treat a variety of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, panic, life/education/career transitions, trauma, struggles with interpersonal relationships and attachment, ADHD, self-esteem, chronic mental health issues, and less healthy coping mechanisms such as substance use, people-pleasing, self-criticism, and other self-punishing behaviors. Please reach out if you have any specific questions/concerns, I would be happy to address them with you. Certifications: LCPC, CADC, ADHD-CCPS, CCTP, CAGCS, CSTIP

If it feels like everyone else got the handbook for adulthood except you, you're not alone. I work with young adults navigating anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, and relationship stress. You might struggle with intrusive thoughts, panic, people-pleasing, or the pressure to have everything figured out. Together, we'll move beyond insight by building practical tools, facing fears gradually, and creating healthier patterns so you can feel more confident, grounded, and free to fully engage in your life. Our work is collaborative, supportive, and focused on real change. Together, we'll understand the patterns keeping you stuck while building practical skills to regulate your nervous system, face fears, and respond differently to life's challenges. Therapy isn't just about talking—it's about helping you feel more confident, grounded, and free. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you're used to handling everything on your own. You don't have to keep carrying it all alone. If you're looking for a space that's both supportive and practical, where we can work toward meaningful change together, I'd love to connect and see if we're a good fit.

I specialize in working with clients to process grief and trauma. Before starting Rainy Day, I worked at an out-patient day center for trauma and mood disorders as the lead art therapist, eventually shifting to be a therapist at a group practice. I work alongside you to support your growth in personal and professional experiences through trauma, grief, and life transitions.