Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

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.

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.

Colette, "Coco" is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two years clinical experience providing therapy in private practice. She earned her Master's of Social Work from the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before working in private practice, Coco worked in the Madison, WI school district as an inclusion specialist and assistant director, working to integrate children with Individualized Education Plans into all aspects of the school experience. Her experience in the school system solidified her desire to become an effective and compassionate child and adolescent therapist. Coco is a therapist driven to work with children and adolescents so that they can thrive in their environment. She is passionate about neurodiversity-affirming practice and takes an individualized approach to each session with her clients. Coco recognizes the value of understanding each person's unique experience, and is passionate about creating a safe and trusting relationship with her clients. She understands that every child’s environment is complex and unique, which is reflected in her flexible approach to therapy. She is committed to taking a strengths-based approach to her therapy practice, and aims to empower each and every child and family that she works with. Coco focuses on navigating a variety of diagnoses such as OCD, Anxiety, ADHD, DMDD, Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and certain genetic disorders. She focuses on supporting her clients with the skills to live as comfortably in their lives as possible, such as emotional expression and regulation, executive function, self-esteem, and social skills.

Do you ever feel like you’re on top of the world one day, and then completely lost and unsure of yourself the next? Are you unsure of what direction to take in life and with your healing? All of these things can feel overwhelming- which is where I come in as a therapist to provide grounding and organization to your thoughts so we can move forward together towards your goals. I specialize in working with couples and individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and perinatal or postpartum issues. I take a narrative and strengths-based approach, helping individuals and couples reclaim their stories and feel empowered to live authentically. With a background in HR, I specialize in helping you with strategies to advocate for yourself in the workplace and manage stress that are based on research and teachable skills. Together, we will build trust and empathy in our therapeutic relationship and hopefully even share some laughs!

I work with clients who experience anxiety, depression, body image issues, disordered eating, and struggles with life transitions. I am passionate about creating an empathetic, nonjudgmental space where you can be fully yourself! I strive to cultivate a therapeutic bond based on trust and authenticity. I want therapy  to be collaborative, because I truly believe you are the expert on your own life. Therapy sessions  should be unique to you and your goals, and I want to ensure that you feel heard. I take a systemic approach that prioritizes the impacts that culture, power imbalances, and larger societal systems can have on your life, while also attending to your personal narratives. I aim to facilitate healing by offering compassionate perspectives and attentive listening.

Hi! I’m Will, a trauma-informed and culturally responsive therapist based in Chicago. You may be used to holding it all together, as the responsible one, the high-achiever, the bridge between different worlds. As a student, you might be navigating academic pressure, family expectations, and questions about identity or belonging, all while trying to keep up on the surface. Somewhere along the way, you lost the plot on what you actually want, not what your parents or those around you want. Therapy with me offers a space to slow down and reconnect with yourself. My approach is warm, collaborative, and insight-oriented, grounded in relational-cultural and psychodynamic therapy, with practical tools from ACT and DBT when helpful. Together, we’ll explore what’s underneath the stress or stuckness and work toward a way of living that feels more aligned and sustainable. I’m especially passionate about working with students of color, particularly Asian American and BIPOC students, who may be navigating identity, culture, and intergenerational dynamics. As the child of Taiwanese and Korean immigrants, I’m conversational in Mandarin and Korean, and we can incorporate them in ways that help you feel more at home. I’m a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago. If any of this resonates, feel free to reach out. I’d love to chat.

Hello! Many of my clients are young adult and adult students who share life experiences like: being biracial/POC, LGBTQ+, having tough childhoods, having a good sense of humor, and feeling nervous around people. They include first generation college students, and first or second gen to live in the US. I also work with people on topics like depression, anxiety, trauma, behaviors/habits you're concerned about (e.g. self harm, eating disorders), couples, and more. I meet with people individually, and I also have two monthly support groups for people who experience some or all of the factors I listed above: One group is for ages 19-25 and the other is for ages 25-34. Please email, call, or text to ask about joining a group or meeting with me to see if we'd be a good fit for doing therapy together!

The Belmont DAC is a clinic that specializes in Anxiety Disorders and Depression, including OCD, PTSD, Panic Disorder, GAD, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias, and Grief. We also specialize in working with LGBTQIA individuals and have clinicians on staff within this population. We are committed to social justice and anti-oppression/anti-racism and work diligently to be a positive organization in our community. We approach therapy from a CBT/ACT/DBT and mindfulness orientation and focus a lot on skills, behavior change, and shifting how we think about things. We are excited to be a part of this change in your life.

In our therapy sessions, we’ll work collaboratively to increase your insight and better understand the deeper roots of the current problems that you are facing. Together, we will increase your ability to better tolerate difficult emotions, more effectively cope with the issues that you are facing, and create a problem-solving style that works for you. My empathic, direct, and empowering clinical style will help you discover the best version of you. Here are some of my specialties: *Generalist *Interpersonal, Relational Style *Adults *Individuals *LBGTQ+ Affirming *Depression *Mood Disorders *Anxiety *PTSD/C-PTSD *Trauma Informed *Substance Abuse *Self-esteem/Assertiveness/Boundaries *Grief/Loss *Relationship Issues *Understanding unhealthy family/childhood patterns & roles and changing how these are repeated in one’s adult relationships *Narcissistic abuse recovery

Welcome! I'm a passionate healthcare professional dedicated to providing compassionate and effective telehealth therapy. With a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness, I offer supportive counseling services for adults and older adolescents. My experience in counseling and case management has equipped me with the skills to provide impactful mental health therapy, ensuring my clients receive the care and support they deserve. I see clients almost exclusively during morning hours, up until noon (CST) and can easily accommodate people with non-traditional schedules, since I have appointments as early (or late!) as 1am CST. Just like a good workout, a therapy session first thing in the morning can help you start your day off right. In addition to counseling, I've been instrumental in developing innovative strategies for Medicaid Special Needs programs, emphasizing quality assurance and improvement in Illinois. My cross-functional leadership has enabled me to work collaboratively with community partners, optimizing program outcomes and enhancing quality of care. I hold certifications as a Case Manager (CCM) and Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), which reflect my commitment to providing holistic care. I'm dedicated to meeting my clients where they are at, and helping them to achieve their mental health goals, without judgement. My goal is to help you navigate your health journey with expertise, empathy, and unwavering support. Let's work together towards your well-being.

At Holding Space our mission is to empathically walk alongside our patients providing a safe and stable “holding space” that promotes acceptance, confidence, healing, and growth. Beyond our training and education, respect and authentic care is at the heart of all our work. The therapeutic journey isn’t always easy, and sometimes it can get messy. Our commitment to our patients is that we are here to help you hold the weight of your pain, and inspire hope in moments that feel hopeless. We’re here to help make sense of the absurd and confusing moments and hopefully make you laugh from time to time. We trust that our patients feel our genuine care as we work together toward the shared goals of living healthier, fuller, more empowered lives.

We are a community of diversely identified humans working together to transform the emotional, psychological and spiritual well being of individuals, families and communities, beginning with ourselves. Our primary areas of clinical expertise include: LGBTQIA++ Affirmative Practice, Trauma-Informed Practice

Life can sometimes move too fast, too slow, or just become a bit too much. You may feel overwhelmed, frustrated or discouraged as you try to keep up, while the world around you continues to change. Your thoughts run on overdrive, you feel stuck moving through the motions but no closer to where you’d like to go. In our darkest moments, we often need someone else to shine a light on our capabilities. I believe there’s strength in every person, even when it feels out of reach. Wherever you are on your path, I hope to honor your lived experience while also noticing the glimmers of change as they come. Together, we will identify the root of what’s holding you back, strengthen intrinsic motivation, and take steps toward meaningful, lasting change. Drawing from an integrative, holistic and affirming approach, I work with individuals and couples from all walks of life. With training in Somatic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing, LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity affirming practice, I weave experiential methods of therapy with evidence-based interventions. I love supporting people to gain self-insight, and build better communication skills that support fulfilling and intentional relationships. Sometimes the first step is the hardest. If you feel that my approach may be a good fit for you, I invite you to reach out. Whether with me or another counselor, it would be a privilege to witness you on your new path.

Dr. Gonzales takes a personalized, collaborative approach that thoughtfully integrates medication management with evidence-based therapeutic techniques. He believes every patient deserves a safe space — one built on trust and open communication — because lasting change requires feeling safe and genuinely heard. He specializes in treating anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD across the lifespan — with a particular focus on the unique challenges facing early career professionals, young adults, college students, transitional aged youth, kids and teens. Whether you're seeking psychiatric care for the first time or you've tried other providers and are looking for a better fit, his goal is always the same: to help you grow, develop coping skills that actually work in real life, and build the kind of emotional foundation that holds. Dr. Gonzales believes that mental health care should be readily accessible — because the easier it is to engage in care, the more likely meaningful progress follows. His practice is primarily telehealth-based, removing barriers like commute time, scheduling conflicts, and the hesitation that can come with walking into an office. He currently sees patients virtually across Illinois, Florida, Wisconsin, and Texas. In-person appointments are also available in Chicago, IL for those who prefer them.

Clients can expect a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where they feel heard, respected, and encouraged to grow. In our sessions, we will work together to build insight, develop healthy coping strategies, and set realistic goals that align with your personal values and needs. My approach focuses on creating a space that fosters trust and emotional safety, where clients can explore challenges, build on their strengths, and take meaningful steps toward healing and positive change.

If life feels like a dumpster fire there's a spot on my couch for you. I'm a social worker who specializes in providing therapy to college students dealing with anxiety, depression and ADHD. I also often work with clients struggling in their relationship with their parents, partner or friends. In your individual therapy sessions we will work to align your life with your values rather than your fears. I I provide a warm nonjudgmental approach to help you clarify what matters to you in life while also finding relief from distressing thoughts and emotions. Throughout our development we ask the question, "who am I" over and over. I create an accepting environment for you to freely explore this question. All identities are welcomed and I have experience working clients who are part of the LGBTQIA community, I look forward to connecting with you!

The world’s a dumpster fire. I know it, you know it; I’m not about to sugarcoat that. But we only get one shot here, and therapy’s a legitimate excuse to take a deep breath, put your fucking phone away, disconnect from everything, and talk about YOU. What do you want? What are you passionate about? Who do you want to be at this moment in time, and what’s getting in the way? Maybe you don’t have the answers yet, or maybe you have an idea but the way forward is illusive. Regardless, you wouldn’t be here without recognizing change is necessary. That means you’re already invested in you, and the path you're on. I sincerely respect that. My own path began with a love of the arts and storytelling, and these things often find their way into the work I do. I believe that the art and media we consume often becomes the vocabulary of our imagination and our emotions. These can provide an entry way to talk about heavy things. Existential, narrative, and person-centered therapy are my jams. Additionally, I champion science, justice, diversity, kindness, and sex positivity. I strongly believe these values to be fundamental in cultivating the best version of ourselves and our communities. I welcome adolescents and adults of all ages, expressions, and orientations, as well as individuals within relationship dynamics of all kinds.

I believe the human experience is beautifully complex, with our emotions serving as both a compass and catalyst for growth and healing. When those feelings become overwhelming, it’s easy to feel isolated or stuck in cycles of anxiety, self-doubt, or hopelessness—but you don’t have to navigate this alone. My passion is creating a space of warmth, understanding, and compassionate curiosity where we can explore what’s happening beneath the surface, make room for your full emotional experience, and discover new ways of thinking, relating, and healing. Gender Identity & Sexuality: Exploring your gender identity or sexuality can be deeply personal and, at times, isolating. Whether you're early in your journey or further along, I provide affirming, compassionate support in a space where you can be fully and authentically yourself—without judgment. You deserve to be seen, understood, and empowered as you embrace who you are. Relationship Challenges: Relationships can be both life-giving and deeply challenging. If you’re feeling stuck in painful cycles, navigating conflict, or longing for deeper connection, I’ll work with you to untangle patterns and build stronger, healthier relationships—rooted in mutual respect, communication, and emotional safety. Family Dynamics: Family systems often shape how we see ourselves and relate to others. I help clients unpack generational patterns, unspoken expectations, and relational roles that may no longer serve them. Together, we’ll work to foster clarity, establish healthy boundaries, and nurture meaningful, sustainable relationships. Anxiety: Anxiety can feel all-consuming, quietly infiltrating every area of life. I offer both practical strategies and gentle exploration to help you better understand your anxiety, manage its impact, and regain a sense of calm, confidence, and agency—especially when life feels out of control. Do I work with struggles not on this list? Maybe what you’re going through doesn’t fall neatly into one of these categories, or perhaps you’re looking to approach it from a different angle. If my approach resonates with you, I’d love to talk more. Together, we can create a path forward that honors your story and supports your unique process of healing and growth.!

Hi there, are you looking for someone to talk to? I have Friday evening openings. I'm good at helping my clients with loneliness, feeling disconnected, longing for love and pushing people away. Your symptoms will improve over time, but I don't focus on correcting your symptoms. I prefer to look at our shared human conditions, earning your trust over time so we can take an in-depth look at what hurts beneath the surface, and why you feel so stuck. I'm here to listen, and help you reconcile with yourself. My therapy approach is respectful and candid. You are welcome to take the lead, or I can initiate conversations until you feel more comfortable. Together we will learn more about what you need, and why you feel at odds with yourself or the world. We will pay attention to neglected parts of yourself, be it feelings or memories, and find kindness for them. I promise it can get better. I want to help. Let's talk.

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.