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Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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Kathleen O'Connor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Like many therapist profiles, this page could list my degrees and credentials, provide a vague description of what clients I work with, and be distant but warm; however, that is not how I work with clients or how I am in the world. I want this page to help you decide if we’ll work well together, not just list the things I’ve done. What you probably want to know is 1) do I know what I’m doing and 2) are we a good fit in working together. I have been working in the mental health field, specifically with eating disorders, since 2014 in a variety of capacities including inpatient, residential, and crisis stabilization programs. I am passionate about eating disorder recovery and collaborating with patients to find balance in their lives. I am body-positive and Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned. I have experience in working with families, couples, and individuals in addition to facilitating group therapy. My primary focus lies in helping to support clients and their loved ones in understanding and moving forward in the path to recovery through individual and family therapy. I have earned the distinction of being a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) by the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, and have been an officeholder for the Heartland chapter of iaedp since 2019 and remained committed to pursuing ongoing education within the field. There are so many people who hesitate to come to therapy or to move forward in eating disorder recovery due to having been previously unsuccessful with a “one size fits all” approach. I work with you to figure it out. I’m not a smile-and-nod, sit in silence type of therapist. I'll call you out on your BS, but I can do that in a way where we can both laugh. I'm not afraid to talk about anything you need to talk about. Intrusive thoughts? Feeling like you’re the only person to feel this way? You’d be surprised to find that you’re not alone. Therapy will provide a safe space to be yourself and a supportive environment to help meet you where you’re at and work towards creating lasting change in your life.

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Anahi Aragon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

For many first-generation and immigrant adults, life can feel like constant translation. Translating language, expectations, emotions, and identities between different worlds. Over time, that pressure can turn into anxiety, burnout, or the sense that you have to carry everything alone. I’m Anahí Aragon, a Mexican-American, Spanish-speaking therapist at NeuroBloom Mental Health Collective in Chicago. I work with adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and the complex experience of growing up between cultures. For many first-generation and immigrant adults, life can feel like constant translation. Translating language, expectations, emotions, and identities between different worlds. Over time, that pressure can turn into anxiety, burnout, or the sense that you have to carry everything alone. I’m Anahí Aragon, a Mexican-American, Spanish-speaking therapist at NeuroBloom Mental Health Collective in Chicago. I work with adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and the complex experience of growing up between cultures. My approach combines CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, and somatic work to help you understand your emotional patterns and build tools that actually work in real life. Therapy with me is supportive, collaborative, and human. We can talk about the serious things while also leaving room for laughter, culture, language, and humor along the way. I offer therapy in English and Spanish and welcome clients who want a space where their cultural background and lived experiences are truly understood. If you’re curious about starting therapy, you can reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

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Gail Reich Psychotherapy
Counselor
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Free Minded Counseling, PLLC
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Our general approach to therapy is to view each individual with no judgments or preconceptions; whatever you want to focus on will be our focus as well. At the end of the day, we want you to leave our sessions having either added more tools to your tool belt or having strengthened the tools that you are already using. We primarily approach therapy with a “Person-Centered” orientation; we understand that you are the expert on yourself, and we are only there to provide context, to facilitate your growth, and to help you overcome or manage any obstacles you may be facing. Our specific interventions depend on what we may be working on at the time, and may draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness based therapies, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Reality Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Some of our specialty areas with our clients are cultivating healthy and strong relationships (romantic, family, friends), couples, grief, trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, career counseling, and others.

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Amy Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Life doesn’t come with a manual—though it sometimes feels like everyone else secretly got one. When stress, anxiety, trauma, or old patterns start getting in the way, I can you you figure out what isn’t working, understand why it keeps showing up, and develop realistic strategies to move forward. My approach is collaborative, grounded, and goal-oriented.

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Jennifer Wagner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Abound Counseling and Wellness
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

If anxiety, intrusive thoughts, OCD, phobias or depressive thoughts take up too much space in your life, I will work with you to uncover their sources. You can establish and engage in useful coping skills that will allow you to spend less time battling your thoughts and more time living the life you want. If you're a couple struggling with relationship concerns, I will work with you to restore harmony in your relationship and strengthen your connection. I aim to provide a safe, warm and non-judgmental environment for my clients to explore their emotions, while also feeling comfortable and validated when sharing experiences, thoughts and behaviors. I practice using evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO-DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), as well as self-compassion and mindfulness techniques. Gottman Method Couples Therapy informs my work with couples. If you choose therapy as a next step, I would be honored to work with you and support you in your journey of self-growth and healing! Schedule an appointment online or reach out with any questions.

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Intentions Psychotherapy PLLC
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Intentions Psychotherapy provides therapy and life counseling in Chicago, IL via tele-health. Our goal is to help clients in their healing, struggles and suffering from current and past life experiences. Therapy allows us to see patterns that are not serving us well and gain insight on new behaviors and changes we can make to improve our circumstances. Therapeutic interactions and coping skills can help clients work through painful life events and create a new narrative in how they experience the world. With time and patience you can discover a path to living a better quality of life. We are here to help clients find meaning and understanding, as they become positive agents in their lives. Change is waiting for you!

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TINA MAVALANKAR
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

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.

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The Healing Palace
Clinic or agency
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Welcome to The Healing Palace ✨ College life can feel like a whirlwind — balancing classes, relationships, work, and figuring out your future. At The Healing Palace, we understand that behind the hustle, students often carry stress, anxiety, trauma, and unspoken challenges. We’re here to be your safe space. A place where you can breathe, unpack the weight you’ve been carrying, and discover healthy ways to thrive mentally, emotionally, and socially. Our team of therapists specializes in supporting young adults as they navigate identity, relationships, and the pressures of everyday life. Whether you’re seeking one-on-one therapy, group support, or just a space where you can feel heard without judgment, The Healing Palace is here to walk with you. Because your mental health matters. Your voice matters. You matter.

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Amanda R Lorenz PhD
Psychologist
Skokie, IL
Accepting new clients

Dr. Amanda Lorenz PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, and relationship problems. Adopting a holistic approach toward wellness, I integrate a developmental perspective with practical techniques to collaboratively address the symptoms and goals of my clients. I have advanced training in several evidence based practices to help my clients cope and overcome current and past difficulties and concerns.

Photo of Elizabeth Sobenes LCPC PLLC
Elizabeth Sobenes LCPC PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Hello! My name is Elizabeth and I am a bilingual/bicultural therapist. I provide sessions both in English and Spanish based on the needs of my clients. I provide a safe space for clients to share their unique stories and perspectives, allowing us the opportunity to learn more about their experiences and their behaviors. I am passionate about empowering my clients by helping them discover the tools they need to cope with difficult times and challenging feelings.

Photo of Jada Choate, LCSW
Jada Choate, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

I am a licensed clinical social worker offering telehealth psychotherapy to adults (18+) across Illinois and Maine. I work with students and young adults navigating anxiety, stress, trauma, identity exploration, and major life transitions—particularly those who may appear high-functioning on the outside while feeling overwhelmed internally. My approach is collaborative, relational, and trauma-informed, integrating ACT, CBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based interventions. I aim to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly seen and can build insight, resilience, and practical coping skills. Telehealth allows for flexible, accessible care that fits into busy academic schedules and supports students who are living off campus, balancing work and school, or transitioning between home and school environments. I am happy to serve as an off-campus referral resource and collaborate with campus partners as appropriate to support continuity of care.

Photo of Caroline Aiken LCSW PLLC
Caroline Aiken LCSW PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Forest Park, IL
Accepting new clients

Do parts of you feel stuck? Are you longing for more fulfillment? The process of co-creating a trusting holding space with an experienced, patient professional can lead to profound connection, clarity, and renewed sense of meaning and understanding. I show up with calmness, curiosity, and compassion. My role is to honor your lived experiences while supporting you in moving towards greater alignment and harmony within yourself. I use an integrative, intersectional, and individualized approach including mindfulness, self compassion, and somatic -based therapies to support individuals experiencing chronic distress. My approach is informed by my training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). I am a Level 1 trained IFS therapist. My experience includes supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds who have histories of trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, complex family dynamics, and substance use. I work from an anti-oppressive framework and invite exploration of institutional impacts on individuals. Therapy creates a safe container for us to be with our pain, metabolize it, and put an end to it. It is an intentional space to be present to exploring experiences, processing feelings, and growing self-compassion. Please feel free to book a free consultation call on my website or submit an inquiry using the "contact me" button on my website. All inquiries are welcome!

Photo of Kimi Simms LCSW PLLC
Kimi Simms LCSW PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Growing up, I felt very isolated because I was a half-Japanese child growing up in a predominantly white community. When I was young, I didn’t understand why I was treated differently or why people would constantly ask my Caucasian mom where I was adopted from. Living a life full of questions like “What are you?” “Where are you from…originally?” and being told that I wasn’t able to play with other kids in the community because I was “different” and being bullied because I looked different, really encouraged me to seek more understanding of the world. Throughout my development I found solace in learning more about human relationships, and exploring what I thought about myself, my values, and my hope for what my life could be, rather than allowing the judgements of others to drive my behavior and thoughts of myself. Learning about intersectionality, racism, microaggressions, implicit bias, and social justice changed my life. I know that psychoeducation, compassion, curiosity, and challenging shame can change lives. Kimi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Utah. Kimi has a Master’s of Social Work from The Ohio State University and provides evidence-based treatments through EMDR, IFS, ACT, MI, DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, shame-informed therapy, and a self-compassion focus. Kimi has completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and she uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work. Before becoming an outpatient therapist Kimi has worked in community mental health, hospital settings, and has intensive training in acute care, suicidal ideation and self-harming assessment and treatment, and crisis intervention.

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Chicago Healing Connection, PLLC
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Valerie Honan
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. I received my Masters Degree in Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. I am an experienced clinician who provides individual therapy for clients ages 18 and up. My areas of special interest are anxiety, depression, college adjustment, infertility, life changes and trauma. My counseling approach is person-centered utilizing techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. I also enjoy working with first responders. I encourage clients to engage in self-reflection and help promote personal growth. I am passionate about my work and enjoy being a support for others. I feel honored to be able to help clients improve their mental health and wellness.

Photo of Maritza Aceves, LCSW
Maritza Aceves, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

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.

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Birgit Bren, CADC, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Photo of Emily Lustig, LCSW
Emily Lustig, LCSW
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Sometimes it feels like your past is still influencing your present. Maybe anxiety is making everyday life feel overwhelming, you're recovering from a difficult experience, navigating a major life transition, or struggling to manage emotions that seem to take over. Therapy can help you better understand what you're carrying and begin creating the life you want moving forward. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, family-of-origin challenges, emotional regulation, and substance use concerns. Together, we'll explore the experiences that have shaped you while building practical tools to help you feel more grounded, resilient, and confident in your everyday life. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and trauma-informed. I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and an intersectional feminist lens to support healing in a way that honors your unique experiences and strengths. I believe therapy should be a place where you feel safe enough to explore difficult emotions, celebrate your growth, and reconnect with hope. Whether you're processing trauma, strengthening emotional regulation, or working toward recovery from substance use, we'll move at a pace that feels supportive while building lasting skills you can carry beyond therapy. My hope is that you leave therapy feeling more connected to yourself, more confident in your ability to navigate challenges, and empowered to create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

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