Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Do you want to feel vibrant and alive but feel off track and stuck? Do you feel that anxiety and depression control your life? Maybe you struggle to communicate with your friends or family members. Do you struggle with having low self-esteem and confidence? Perhaps you feel stuck with your current job and do not know how to move forward. What would it mean to you to finally be happy with your life and in your relationships? Jennifer M. Cross, MS, LPC believes that all people hold the keys to creating a life that they love. Ms. Cross is committed to guiding you to find clarity and permanent long-term solutions to finding success no matter what life has given you. By creating a warm, inviting, positive environment. Jennifer strives to help you to uncover the subconscious reasons why you may be sabotaging your own happiness. Together you will work to uncover the root causes of your current life struggles and each session will be focused on helping you to find practical solutions so you can start feeling better as soon as possible.

Lorin Dunston, LSW, offers compassionate and expert care to individuals throughout Illinois, specializing in addressing anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and substance use challenges. With experience in both individual and group therapy, Lorin utilizes evidence-based approaches, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-based therapy, to create personalized treatment plans that promote healing and growth. She works with clients of various ages, including children, teens, and adults, providing a supportive environment for exploring their emotions and developing lasting resilience. Lorin is particularly passionate about helping children and adolescents who are struggling with depressive symptoms, trauma, and other behavioral challenges. She also specializes in treating PTSD, grief, and school avoidance. Lorin empowers her clients by incorporating techniques like journaling, offering prompts to encourage reflection and mindfulness. By addressing these specific concerns, she helps her clients navigate their challenges and build healthier coping mechanisms.

Megan Borowski is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2014. She has an MSW from Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago and a BA in Psychology and Political Science from University of Illinois at Chicago. Megan?s passion lies in assisting clients on their journey towards mental well-being and personal growth. With expertise in areas such as stress and anxiety management, resolving family conflicts, navigating grief and loss, and enhancing motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, Megan is committed to providing comprehensive support tailored to your unique needs. In your sessions, she prioritizes creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can freely explore your thoughts and emotions. Megan firmly believes that true healing and progress stem from this environment of trust and openness. Embarking on the path to a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, and she commends you for taking those initial steps. As your therapist, Megan is dedicated to walking alongside you, offering guidance, support, and empowerment every step of the way. She loves reading all kinds of fiction and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Laura Ramirez Del Rio is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2017. She holds a Master?s degree in Counseling from Northern Illinois University, and the credentials of Licensed Professional Counselor and Professional Educator License with a commitment to ongoing professional development. Her academic background, combined with practical experience, equips her to address a wide range of mental health concerns. Laura believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. Drawing from evidence-based practices, she integrates modalities such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, and Multicultural therapy to promote insight, resilience, and lasting change. Collaboration is at the heart of Laura?s therapeutic style, as she works alongside clients to empower them on their journey towards well-being. She is passionate about fostering a non-judgmental and empathetic therapeutic alliance. Her goal is to create an environment where clients feel heard, understood, and supported as they navigate life?s complexities. Laura is committed to promoting mental health awareness and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.

Hattie Stein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. She obtained her Master's degree in Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work, and also holds a Bachelor's of Arts from DePaul University. Hattie offers a warm, compassionate, and tailored approach to working with clients and utilizes a combination of dialogue, psychoeducation, and evidence-based practices. Through gentle challenging, Hattie helps clients see beyond rigid thoughts, patterns, and beliefs and support them through actionable steps towards a more fulfilling life. Hattie's training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy allows her to meet clients where they are at and provide them with tools to become the architect of their own life. Outside of work, Hattie enjoys spending time with friends and family, podcasts, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

Jacalyn Saracco is a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of experience specializing in Psychiatric Nursing. As a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner, areas of specialization include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. Jacalyn treats patients between the ages of 10 through adulthood. Jacalyn has extensive experience working with clients in the outpatient and inpatient settings. In her free time, Jacalyn enjoys reading and spending time with family. Jacalyn has a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Loyola University Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing.

Christopher Allen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2020. Christopher completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Purdue University and his Master's degree from the Indiana University School of Social Work at IUPUI. He has experience working with a variety of populations including individuals spanning from teens to geriatric patients, substance use disorders, college students, couples, and older adults. Christopher has worked in a variety of environments including private practice, inpatient, outpatient clinic, schools, and community-based treatments. He is LGBTQIA+ affirming and has experience in treating Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Adjustment Issues, Relationship Issues, Family Issues, Substance Use, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Schizophrenia. Christopher utilizes a Person-Centered approach that blends modalities like internal family systems, cognitive behavioral, dialectal behavior, and acceptance and commitment techniques. In his free time, Christopher is an avid reader, father, dog dad, and enjoys movies as well as live theater and music.

Martina Lowery is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. She has an MSW from Dominican University and a BS from Lincoln University. Martina has several years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders in order to live productive fulfilling lives. She is both solution and client centered and uses a holistic approach to help clients gain confidence and reach goals. Martina offers a safe and judgement free space where she empowers and encourages clients to be their authentic selves. Martina is considerate of culture and how it impacts individuals? experiences. Outside of work, Martina enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with her family, and dancing to her favorite tunes.

Sharon Stengel is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2017. As a mental health professional, Sharon can offer clients a unique combination of empathy, expertise, and personalized treatment plans to meet each of their specific needs. Sharon?s ability to listen actively and provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to openly express their thoughts and emotions makes her a valuable resource for individuals seeking mental health. In her spare time, Sharon enjoys spending time outside with her dog, cooking, and reading.

Emily Wheeler is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Social Worker (LSW) at LifeStance Health, serving clients across Illinois. Emily specializes in helping individuals navigate life's challenges with a person-centered approach, ensuring that therapy is tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. With a focus on evidence-based practices, Emily creates a supportive and nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore their thoughts and emotions while building strategies to improve their well-being. Emily works with adolescents, adults, and seniors, addressing a range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Emily has extensive experience supporting clients from diverse backgrounds, including those within the LGBTQ+ community and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Emily's expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) enables them to help clients develop practical tools for managing challenges and fostering resilience. Emily is particularly passionate about working with individuals exploring their gender identity and supporting clients in navigating this deeply personal journey.

Sara Mueller, LPC, is a compassionate, relaxed therapist that educates clients while they learn, grow, and heal. She believes seeking therapy is a sign of strength and strives to bring creative approaches to the treatment process. In therapy, Sara helps clients of all ages struggling from depression, ADHD, parenting, grief, self-esteem, trauma, and more. She's also especially skilled at treating: Anxiety in Children, Adolescents, and Teens: Excessive worry can get in the way of your child's education, friendships, and activities. Sara is skilled at helping clients under age 18 recognize their feelings while providing creative coping strategies that bring results. She also educates parents on how to talk to their children and help them move forward. Suicide Bereavement: For suicide survivors, the feelings of loss, sadness, and loneliness experienced after any death are often magnified by feelings of guilt, confusion, rejection, shame, anger, and the effects of stigma.

Jacquelyn ?Jackie? Jesse, LPC, supports clients across Illinois with a compassionate and evidence-based approach to therapy. She specializes in meeting clients where they are, helping them develop self-awareness and navigate emotional and psychological challenges with empathy and tailored care. Jackie works with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages, offering individual, couples, and family therapy to address a variety of mental health concerns. Jackie is particularly passionate about treating ADHD, anxiety, and PTSD/trauma. She provides a safe and inclusive space for clients exploring gender identity and other personal challenges, focusing on fostering resilience and self-acceptance. With extensive experience in LGBTQ+ issues and couples therapy, Jackie empowers clients to build stronger relationships and embrace their authentic selves. In addition to her specialties, Jackie integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Couples/Marital Counseling to meet the unique needs of her clients. She is dedicated to creating a collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel supported in their journey toward growth and healing.

Sylwia Pawlik is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago and National Louis University. "Walking a mile in someone else's shoes isn't as much about the walk or the shoes; it's to be able to think like they think, feel what they feel, and understand why they are who and where they are. Every step is about empathy. " "? Toni Sorenson, The Great Brain Cleanse. Let Sylwia take a walk along with you through your life and help guide you along the difficulties of life's paths. Sylwia offers a comfortable and safe space where each individual can share experiences and be listened to and validated. She utilizes a holistic approach along with motivational interviewing during each session and develops a treatment plan to assist in achieving your goals. Outside of work, Sylwia enjoys boxing, journaling, long walks with her fur pal, reading, and yoga.

Kaitlyn Vranek is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. Kaitlyn is a therapist providing a variety of types of therapies to clients. She is able to help them in their lives with any issues they need met. Outside of work, Kaitlyn is very outdoorsy and likes to spend her extra time outside. She is a very active person. She enjoys her work as a social worker and meeting new clients.

Elaine Sowlat, LPC, is committed to helping adults and adolescents in Illinois navigate challenges such as PTSD, complex trauma, and co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Her therapeutic approach integrates empathy with evidence-based techniques, ensuring each client feels supported in their journey toward healing and personal growth. Whether you?re dealing with the lingering effects of trauma or seeking ways to manage emotional distress, Elaine offers a compassionate and understanding space for transformation. Elaine has a deep passion for working with individuals who have experienced traumatic stress and complex trauma. Her academic background in counseling psychology, coupled with her clinical experience and personal healing journey, equips her to provide a nuanced and individualized approach to trauma recovery. She helps clients regain control over their lives by addressing the interplay of trauma and mental health issues, fostering resilience, and promoting long-term emotional well-being. In addition to her focus on trauma, Elaine specializes in supporting clients struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Brendan Crotty, LSW, is dedicated to helping clients navigate life?s challenges with a collaborative and personalized approach. Brendan starts by meeting clients on their level and working collaboratively to help them identify how they want to improve their lives. He assists clients with creating clear goals and helping them measure their progress over time. He uses a variety of techniques, including CBT and DBT, to help clients develop concrete skills to use in their daily lives. Brendan sees clients across the age span and tailors his appraoch to the unique needs of each client. He uses elements of play to connect with kids and teens, to make therapy feel enjoyable and worthwhile. Brendan has focused on work with individuals experiencing grief. His approach emphasizes active collaboration with clients, empowering them to become experts in their own experiences. His compassionate perspective and evidence-based strategies help foster growth, resilience, and healing. In addition to his clinical focus, Brendan values building strong therapeutic relationships and creating an emotionally safe environment for LGBTQ+ clients, men, and women.

Gosha Thornton is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2010. She studied at University of Chicago, The Crown Family School of Social Work, Roosevelt University, and the School of Psychiatric Nursing in Poland. Gosha offers a lifelong focus on providing wisdom and empathy that is centered on the well-being of the clients. Although she has academic training, Gosha keeps her practice grounded in the realities of everyday life. Outside of work, Gosha enjoys music, art, theater, decorating, cooking, and exercising.

With three decades of experience, Garth helps individuals navigate a wide range of mental health challenges, from everyday stress to complex trauma. His therapeutic approach is thoughtful yet relaxed, fostering an open and meaningful dialogue that empowers clients to explore their thoughts and emotions in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. By creating a space where individuals can openly address their concerns, Dr. Amundson guides clients toward deeper self-awareness, helping them break free from self-defeating behaviors and move toward a more fulfilling life. Dr. Amundson specializes in treating PTSD and trauma-related disorders, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He works closely with clients to address the impact of past experiences on their present well-being, providing evidence-based interventions to foster resilience and recovery. He is also passionate about helping individuals manage anxiety and midlife transitions, offering tailored strategies to promote emotional stability and personal growth. He also offers gender-affirmative medical readiness evaluations and parenting skills interventions, ensuring that his clients receive the guidance they need at different life stages.

Beth Cappelli is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. She earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Chicago, and her internship training was completed at Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital Behavioral Health. Beth's approach to therapy is collaborative and focused on your unique needs, goals, and life experiences. Your personal values will guide your work together and help create meaningful ways to manage whatever life challenges you are facing. Together you and Beth can gain insight to problems, discover ways to reduce stress and worry, and develop a greater sense of wellbeing. In her free time Beth enjoys attending live music events with friends, playing with her rescue beagle mix Bella, and working on home DIY projects.

If you are ready to discover a better version of yourself, let's talk. I believe therapy works best with collaboration, working together to find the most effective methods of meeting your self- established and recommended goals. My areas of expertise are within the LGBTQ community, including but not limited to gender identity, mood disorders, trauma and PTSD. I work with adults and adolescents confronting anxiety, depression, mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, grief/loss, self- harm, and chronic stress. My clinical style is warm and built on mutual trust, helping you locate and build upon the strengths you already have in order to create change. My educational background includes a Bachelors' degree in Psychology and leadership, and Masters' in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. I am an experienced licensed professional counselor and utilize cognitive behavioral therapy. I also have expertise using exposure and wilderness therapy. I worked as a youth program manager specializing in experiential therapy with under-served youth, combining adventure-based therapies to inspire confidence, independence, and teamwork.