Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Lucien Loveless is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2002. They have a BA in Psychology from University of California at Santa Cruz and an MA in Clinical Social Work from Crown Family School of Social Work, Social Policy, and Practice at University of Chicago. At their core Lucien is a trauma-informed and client-centered therapist, focusing on what tools and methods are going to be most helpful to each person in their individual therapeutic journey. There is not a one size fits all answer to mental health challenges, and Lucien can help you find which skills, strategies, and coping mechanisms are going to help you reach your goals. Lucien is dedicated to serving the many communities that have helped them grow out of their personal and professional shell. As a therapist they have a particular passion for working with queer and trans folks, POC, Latinx individuals, and the kink and poly community. While life can often be serious and overwhelming, Lucien believes in the importance of slowing down to listen to our hearts, and our bodies in order to sit with gratitude and compassion for ourselves.

I'm Liam, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in downtown Chicago where I offer individual therapy appointments. I primarily use the methods of Strengths Based, Client-Driven, and Person-Centered talk therapy. That basically boils down to me believing that you know yourself best and my role is to help you find a path forward. Everybody's life is wildly different; I can assist you in your decision and achievement of treatment goals that ring truest to you, even if that goal is just having someone to talk with. Wanting a better quality of life and seeking support in that is totally normal. Frankly, reaching out for help in and of itself is terrifying; let alone help from a stranger on the internet. If you are struggling I would be glad to hear from you. To avoid phone tag I am most accessible via e-mail to set up a time for us to talk and see if you'd like to come in for a session.

I support LGBTQIA+ students navigating identity concerns around gender, race, and sexuality, as well as anxiety, bipolar challenges, and relationship struggles. My approach is solution-focused and strength-based, integrating Gottman, DBT, and family systems work. As a queer woman of color, I value creating inclusive spaces that affirm all identities. My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself with courage and purpose. My pronouns are she/her.

John is deeply committed to helping individuals navigate the transformative process of change with compassion, clarity, and resilience. With a focus on complex trauma, anxiety, relationship negotiation, social and family role dynamics, and co-occurring disorders, John believes that meaningful change begins with deeper self-understanding and authentic connection. John works from a cognitive-integrative perspective, drawing from object relations and self-psychology to explore how early relational experiences shape current patterns of thinking, feelings, and relating. His approach is exploratory, helping clients build cognitive insights while also attending to the deeper emotional and developmental needs that influence present-day struggles.

Hi! A lot of the students I work with have spent much of their lives being "the responsible one," who keeps the peace, reads the room, and puts everyone else first. I work with students who are navigating things like anxiety, burnout, people-pleasing, trouble setting boundaries, identity questions, and figuring out how to exist in spaces that don't always feel welcoming. Together, we'll sort through the expectations that have piled up, get curious about who's underneath them, and build the kind of confidence it takes to show up for oneself. I welcome students of all races, ethnicities, immigrant backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, faiths, abilities, body sizes, and socioeconomic statuses. If you’d like to learn more or explore whether we’re a good fit, I would love to hear from you! You can email me at uma@shanmughampsych.com or call me (617) 990-9450. You can also learn more at www.shanmughampsych.com I look forward to connecting with you!

As the Dread Pirate Roberts from the Princess Bride once said, "Life is pain. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something." While I do very much love this movie, I believe this statement is "Inconceivable!" and far too large of a generalization. I agree that pain is an inevitable part of life, but believe this is much too large of a statement to believe all of life is pain. Life can be filled with beauty, joy, and wonder as we learn to triumph over, manage, and/or live with pain. In my practice, I focus on developing resiliency and increasing your awareness for your own resources, strength, and power. I work from a client-centered, trauma-informed, multicultural, feminist, humanistic approach. Essentially, this means that I consider how you interact with your larger community and institutional systems and vice versa, how you might feel navigating experiences with consideration for the intersection of your cultural identities, and how we can collaborate together on finding and reclaiming your sense of power and agency. I enjoy collaborating with my clients to ensure the relationship we build together is trustworthy, secure, and reliable and therapy is a space you feel comfortable vocalizing your needs and preferences. To create the best therapy experience for you, I hear your preferences and adapt. I work integratively and draw from many techniques, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral, expressive arts, and narrative techniques. I always work from a trauma-informed lens, believing it is necessary to establish a clear sense of safety before engaging in more vulnerable work. I have worked with clients over a wide array of concerns including but not limited to experiences of traumatic events, identity development, adjustment, depression, anxiety, grief and/or loss, relationship concerns, and family related concerns. I feel honored to be trusted by you to move through and process your experiences together, and find the strength you've always had to create the life you want.

I am passionate about working with adolescents, adults and couples looking to cultivate change. I believe each person seeking therapy is unique, and my approach is tailored to meet your individual needs. I use an integrative approach, drawing upon a variety of techniques including psychodynamic, existential, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. I have experience working with an array of mental health issues including gender dysphoria, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I have a great deal of experience working with first responders, grief, and high conflict couples. I pride myself in creating a safe space for anyone who has experienced complex trauma. My passion to serve my community drew me to social work where I earned an MSW from Loyola University Chicago. I started my counseling career later in life and I look forward to supporting you on your journey of growth and transformation.

When life feels heavy, confusing, or difficult to navigate on your own, therapy can be a space to feel supported, validated, and empowered. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing stressors related to anxiety, trauma, relationship dynamics, identity concerns, and life transitions, including healing from generational and cultural pressures. My therapeutic approach is integrative and trauma-informed, shaped by my lived experience as a Latina, a child of immigrants, and a veteran. I focus on the whole person, not just symptoms, by building a strong therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, patience, collaboration, and empowerment. I draw from Psychodynamic Therapy, CBT, DBT, mindfulness practices, and the Gottman Method to tailor care to each client’s needs. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish and am especially mindful of supporting clients navigating cultural and generational experiences. I understand that seeking support can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating, particularly in communities where therapy may be misunderstood or stigmatized. Healing does not mean erasing our past—it means creating space for growth, self-compassion, and healthier boundaries. My goal is to help you navigate cultural expectations, relationships, and unresolved experiences with greater confidence and self-awareness. If you are looking for a therapist who values empowerment, cultural understanding, and meaningful connection, I look forward to hearing from you.

We are a practice located in downtown Chicago, offering both in-person and virtual sessions. Our therapists can help with many of the challenges of college-life: managing expectations from others and your own, navigating complicated relationships, dealing with feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, understanding and managing feelings of anxiety and depression, processing overwhelming or traumatic experiences, or adjusting to a new chapter in your life. We believe that psychological, emotional, and relational challenges are part of what makes us human, not signs that there is something “wrong” with us. We work with people who are curious, who want to understand themselves better in order to change from within. Our therapists offer a non-judgmental therapeutic relationship as the space where all parts of you can start feeling fully accepted. Make sure you check out our website to learn more about our approach and our therapists!

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.

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.

Feeling stuck in old patterns, overwhelmed by stress, or unsure how to navigate changes in your relationships or life can be deeply challenging. If you are seeking support to better understand your emotions, strengthen coping strategies, and build more satisfying connections with yourself and others, therapy may be a helpful step. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relational concerns. I approach therapy with warmth, respect, and a focus on the whole person. My work is trauma-informed and grounded in evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, and EMDR, tailored to each person’s needs and pace. I offer therapy in both English and Mandarin, and I am mindful of how language, cultural context, and communication style shape the experience. I understand that there are moments when making sense of what you’re experiencing feels difficult to do alone. My goal is to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can deepen self-understanding and grow in the direction that matters most to you. If you are looking for a therapist who values empathy, collaboration, and steady progress, I would be glad to connect.

Therapy can be a space to explore feelings that have been hard to express, step out of patterns that no longer serve you, and build stronger connections with yourself and others. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, and stress related to identity, self-worth, or major life changes. I approach therapy with warmth, curiosity, and evidence-based care, focusing on your lived experience and growth. My work is trauma-responsive and rooted in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where we collaborate to understand patterns, build insight, and develop skills that support meaningful change. I draw from modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and relational methods, tailoring strategies to each person’s needs and goals. I understand that feeling supported in therapy begins with patience, respect, and genuine presence. The therapeutic relationship matters, and my goal is to walk alongside you as you work toward clarity, balance, and forward movement. If you are seeking a therapist who values collaboration, curiosity, and human connection, I welcome you to reach out.

Dr. Raymond Gonzales, MD, is a compassionate psychiatrist dedicated to supporting children, teens, and young adults in Illinois through life?s challenges. With a personalized approach, he blends therapeutic techniques and medication management to create a safe, supportive environment where patients can navigate mental health concerns such as anxiety, ADHD, and depression. Dr. Gonzales emphasizes fostering emotional independence, helping individuals and families build resilience and confidence as they work toward meaningful change. Dr. Gonzales is particularly passionate about helping individuals address anxiety, ADHD, and depression. He takes a collaborative approach, working closely with his patients to tailor treatment plans that meet their unique needs. His expertise includes guiding patients through school avoidance, addressing childhood behavioral challenges, and managing trauma-related conditions like PTSD. By fostering trust and providing evidence-based care, Dr. Gonzales empowers his patients to overcome obstacles and build brighter futures.

Dr. Schmitt is a dual board certified Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist. She treats psychiatric conditions in adults. She has experience treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder She values compassionate all-encompassing care.

Dr. Michelle Okolita completed her Doctorate in clinical psychology at Illinois School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University. She completed her internship at South Campus Therapeutic Day School in Palatine, IL. She has extensive training providing evidence-based therapy and conducting psychological evaluations with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Okolita’s clinical interests include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, identity, relationships, and behavioral problems. She uses a holistic approach to therapy, drawing from humanistic, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness techniques. She believes in the importance of adjusting to a client’s needs and maintaining flexibility in therapeutic interventions. In addition to therapy services, Dr. Okolita performs psychological assessments with children, adolescents, and adults. During her free time, Dr. Okolita enjoys baking, crafting, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.

Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in curiosity. As a relational therapist, I believe that healing happens in connection with ourselves and with others. Our therapeutic relationship is a central part of the work we do together, offering a safe and supportive space to explore patterns, build insight, and foster growth. I work with individuals navigating a range of challenges, including eating disorders, body image concerns, and self-esteem issues. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore your relationship with food, your body, and your sense of self. I also offer trauma-informed care, integrating Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and mindfulness-based approaches to support those healing from trauma and navigating sexual dysfunction. Together, we can gently explore the ways your past experiences may be impacting your present life and relationships. Whether you're processing the past or trying to make sense of your present, I’m here to sit with you as you move toward healing and self-understanding. I recognize that healing is not linear, and therapy is never one-size-fits-all. It’s an honor to meet you wherever you are on your journey. Together, we’ll uncover resilience, deepen self-awareness, and work toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

I support students exploring identity, gender, LGBTQIA+ concerns, life transitions, and trauma including PTSD and C-PTSD. As a queer, nonbinary therapist, I understand how identity and lived experience shape your story. My approach draws from DBT, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, and Parts Work, always grounded in compassion and connection. I strive to create a welcoming space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow. My pronouns are they/them.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Illinois with over 10 years of experience. I’m also a Board-Certified Art Therapist and hold a trauma professional certification. I work with individuals 13 and up around concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, self-harm, self-esteem, and trauma. I take a holistic, strengths-based approach that honors your whole self. I draw from a variety of treatment approaches, personalizing care to focus on what feels most supportive for you. As an Art Therapist, I offer art making as an outlet for emotional healing and joyful creativity. Art Therapy can be especially helpful to express thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to verbalize, while also supporting self-worth and mind–body connection. I deeply value the therapeutic relationship and believe it is the foundation for meaningful change. I bring compassion, curiosity, and respect to each session, honoring that change can be both brave and hard. You don’t have to do this alone—I’ll be alongside you as you build skills, connect with your strengths, and create a more balanced, fulfilling life. “Only when we’re brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” -Brené Brown

Many people seek therapy when relationships begin to feel strained, communication breaks down, or recurring conflict creates emotional distance. Others reach out when anxiety, stress, grief, or life transitions start to feel overwhelming. I work with individuals and couples navigating relationship challenges, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, communication concerns, and major life transitions, including those looking to strengthen connection and rebuild trust. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and goal-oriented, with a focus on helping clients move out of stuck patterns and develop practical tools for change. I draw from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy to support clients experiencing anxiety, emotional distress, and relationship challenges. In couples work, my approach is grounded in the Gottman Method, with an emphasis on communication, emotional connection, and building skills that support healthier, more secure relationships. Anxiety or relationship dynamics can feel confusing or painful, however, you don’t have to carry them on your own. My goal is to offer a steady, supportive space where insight and practical tools come together. If you’re looking for a therapist who values collaboration, clarity, and relational growth, I’d be glad to connect.