Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

We understand how hard it can be to balance life, school, friends, and sports and other activities. There is so much going on in your lives right now! We are a full service counseling practice accepting new clients in person and via telehealth. We have been around for over 18 years and have an entire team that can see new clients with various presenting issues. We work with young adults who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, family issues, stress, identity, racial identity and struggles with life transitions. We're here to help!

At RISE Wellness & Therapy, PLLC our philosophy is to believe in you when you have difficulty believing in yourself and to hold on to hope until you can hold it on your own. Following a strength based, relational model we believe that you are the expert in your life and through the therapeutic relationship you have the opportunity to create a healing experience. Now, therapy may not always be easy, but it will be intentional. Just like all relationships, it will be imperfect, but it will be a safe and accepting place for you to explore how to become the version of yourself you want to be. Much like the phoenix, you can rise from the ashes renewed, and ready to raise your possibilities.

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I value serving clients from a strengths-based perspective and utilizing a client’s internal strengths as a motivation for change. I enjoy incorporating mindfulness and helping clients use the present moment to better understand their experiences. An early inspiration for myself was being inspired by Patch Adams and finding humor as a way to help others heal. While I know that therapy can be challenging, I try to bring in lighter moments to help allow ourselves breaks on your journey to change. I have a social work degree from Aurora University with a specialty in addictions counseling and am a member of the National Association of Social Workers. I have over 5 years of experience in the mental health field and have worked with clients in a variety of settings including: inpatient hospitalization, residential and outpatient therapy. I have served as a therapist in both individual and group settings. I have had the opportunity to serve clients who have experienced substance use, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. I am comfortable serving survivors of trauma, and I am here to pay witness to what you need to share. I have experience using the therapeutic modalities: CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness. I am happy to incorporate your spirituality into our practice and to help you explore your faith. In my free time, I enjoy aerial yoga, reading fantasy books, and listening to Harry Potter based podcasts. I look forward to hearing from you and continuing your journey together, because you don’t have to do it alone.

Tonya Vander, LCSW, understands what trauma and grief look like when life is severely altered, and she offers a strong, empathic ear and tools to guide clients through healing. She creates safe spaces for individuals to feel heard, encouraged, and accepted. She supports clients age six and up struggling with depression, family conflict, mood disorders, stress, and is especially skilled at treating: Trauma/PTSD: Tonya is highly skilled at treating trauma and supporting clients through the tremendous repair work needed to heal. She helps clients focus on hope and resiliency no matter what barriers they're facing. Tonya understands change takes time, but there's possibility to overcome anything and move forward.

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I am passionate about working with young adults and first generation immigrants that are struggling with anxiety, burnout and stress. I understand the unique challenges college students face because I myself have been a student on/off for over 10 years. I come from a first generation household and have worked with immigrants my entire professional life. I know how hard it can be to grow up in a culture that has different values than those at home and how this can lead to questioning your own identity and where you feel you belong. I welcome the opportunity to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself to live in alignment with your natural strengths and ambitions.

Catherine is a therapist with over a decade of experience, and has a trauma-informed, relational approach to recovery. She works with clients to address wounds, both conscious and unconscious, in ways that empower and prioritize client voices. Catherine actively fights against injustices and oppression, both individual and systemic.

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.

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Hi there, my name is Juan Contreras, and I'm a therapist at Mindful Therapy Services in Chicago. We have no waitlist at this time and currently accepting new clients. Clients often come see us because they're looking for a down-to-earth therapist. We offer therapy services for most issues including anxiety, depression, relationships issues, college navigation/transition, first generation college students, immigrant background, LGBTQ+, ADHD, suicide ideation, emotion regulation and expression, and more. We do accept insurance (most PPO plans like BCBS, Aetna, USHIP, UnitedHealthCare, and Cigna) and can verify your benefits before getting started. For convenience, we offer online therapy allowing for more flexible scheduling for during the day or later in the afternoon. Why wait? Get started with a free 15-minute introduction call by emailing us at info@mindfultherapyservices.net

Hello and welcome! I'm Kammy Brown, a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, here to support you in reaching your mental health goals. My practice focuses on providing personalized and compassionate care through a blend of evidence-based therapies and medication management. I am committed to creating a warm, inviting environment where you feel safe and empowered to take charge of your mental wellness. My approach is rooted in understanding your unique experiences and needs. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma, I am here to help guide you on your journey to healing and growth. Together, we will develop a tailored plan that equips you with the tools and strategies needed to overcome challenges and enhance your well-being. In our work together, you can expect a collaborative and supportive relationship. I believe in the power of partnership and open communication, ensuring that you are an active participant in your care. My goal is to help you build resilience, find balance, and achieve a more fulfilling and joyful life. I am excited to be part of your journey and look forward to working with you to create positive, lasting change. If you're ready to take the first step towards better mental health, please feel free to reach out. Let’s embark on this journey together, and I’ll be here to support you every step of the way!

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure who you’re becoming? Maybe you’re starting school, adjusting to a new country or community, exploring your identity, or trying to balance creativity, responsibility, and perfectionism. If you’re still reading this, I want you to know how proud I am of you. Reaching this point is no small thing. By exploring support, you’ve already begun your healing journey, and I’m proud of you for honoring yourself in this way. I specialize in supporting college students, especially underrepresented students, including international, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and First-Generation students. I am also passionate about helping adults working through childhood trauma, teens who have experienced bullying, artists, and single parents who are navigating academic or career stress, transitions, identity exploration, creative blocks, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. As a bilingual immigrant therapist and formerly international student, I understand how hard it is to adjust to new systems while trying to stay true to yourself. My approach is grounded, approachable, and evidence-informed: as a certified art therapist, I blend art therapy, talk therapy, and somatic tools (like breathwork and grounding practices) tailored to your needs. You won't need to bring the “right” words—I’ll help you access insight through images, movement, and your own embodied experience. Together, we’ll explore what feels stuck and what feels possible for you. I’ll help you reconnect with your creativity, soothe anxiety, build self-compassion, and feel more firmly rooted in your values and identity. I’ll be with you to create a safe space as you explore your identity, memories, and the emotions they carry. I would love to be part of your journey, toward celebrating your identity, honoring your story, and discovering that what makes you different is, in fact, your greatest strength. If something in this profile resonates with you, I’d love to connect. Please reach out for a free 15-minute consultation call to see if we're a good fit!

The majority of my clientele are in undergraduate or graduate programs. I assist clients in working through the stress, anxiety and uncertainty of this pivotal point in life.

Welcome to Reparo Health. I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals seeking support in understanding themselves, managing emotional challenges, and building healthier patterns in daily life. I support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, identity-related challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is integrative and collaborative, drawing from CBT, ACT, mindfulness-based strategies, and trauma-informed care to help clients gain insight and develop practical coping tools. My work is culturally responsive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and grounded in warmth, empathy, and curiosity. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, navigating a significant change, or exploring personal growth, my goal is to offer a supportive space where you feel understood, empowered, and equipped to move toward meaningful and lasting change.

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You don’t need a polished goal to start therapy. I work with adolescents and adults who are dealing with anxiety, stress, burnout, identity questions, or major life changes, as well as people who just want to understand themselves better. We can start wherever you are. Therapy can serve different purposes at different times. It might be a space to slow things down, to make sense of experiences, or to experiment with new ways of responding to challenges. We adjust the focus as your needs become clearer. I’ve spent the last decade working with a variety of Chicagoans across the city, from the North Side to the South Side. I love the work because I get to grow and learn from the people I support just as often as I offer them opportunities for their own growth. I believe the greatest strength of the human species is our ability to support each other. I will never be judgmental. I think everyone deserves second chances and I will fight to help you find yours. Therapy can be overwhelming, but a first session should simply introduce two people and lay out the groundwork for future sessions. Once we understand your goal, and align our expectations, we can start digging into the process behind it. Just ask!

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.

For four years, I sat in my corporate cubicle daydreaming of becoming a psychotherapist. I could only ignore my calling to work in service of the human condition for so long before ultimately embarking on a 180° career change. Since then, I have come to intimately understand that transformation does not happen in isolation. In the sanctity of private sessions, I have witnessed clients encounter shame with tender curiosity, reparent themselves, uncover and mindfully address values-incongruent tendencies, reframe disempowering personal narratives, implement boundaries, somatically resolve trauma, and develop deep trust in intuition. Stigma often mischaracterizes the pursuit of psychological healing and emotional reckoning through therapy as a testament to one’s weakness. But the term “psycho-therapy” translates to “serving the soul.” Commitment to the therapeutic process, and therefore acknowledging a need for additional support, is a reflection of one’s quiet strength, humility, and capacity for self-advocacy. Within my professional purview, a person’s choice to seek therapy is an act of redemptive warfare for their soul. My clinical interests include counseling adolescents, young adults, and adults seeking support for anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD, and recovery from early childhood trauma. My therapeutic style is predominantly informed by psychodynamic theory and neuroscience, however my educational and clinical experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to facilitate interventions aligned with additional modalities, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT. I am compassionately direct in my counseling approach and appreciate the injection of humor into sessions where appropriate. I have received certification in both Levels I and II of Applied Polyvagal Theory (PVT) in Yoga (16-hour) and I am currently a student in the Somatic Experiencing (SE™) Professional Training Program, seeking to complete the educational & related requirements of the program to use the Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP) credential.

Are you exhausted? Is your anxiety running the show? Do you feel burnt out from your classes, your responsibilities, or living through a pandemic? Maybe you know what you want but need assistance getting started. Maybe you're unsure of what you want, but know that something feels off and your current situation isn’t serving you. The good news is things CAN get better. Together we’ll talk about where you are, where you want to be, and create a plan to get you there. I have experience in a number of concerns including burnout, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and life transitions.