Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

I support students exploring gender identity, LGBTQIA+ concerns, anxiety, depression, intimacy, and stress related to academic or work/life balance. My approach is client-centered, drawing on CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic tools, with tools you can use here and now. I aim to create a space where who you are is honored, your experiences are heard, and your identity feels valid. My goal is to help you build confidence, strengthen your relationships, and feel more grounded in your life. My pronouns are he/him.

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.

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.

As if life as an undergraduate or graduate student wasn't already stressful and complicated, a lot of mental disorders first start to really get in the way at that vulnerable and challenging stage, when you're navigating lots of new relationships and figuring out who you are. It helps to have someone to talk to, and some of the most exciting and powerful experiences I've had as a therapist have been working with students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as with adults in other creative fields: music, filmmaking, dance, fashion and poetry. For many, creativity often seems inseparable from mental health and illness, and I've explored how they may interact, both with my clients and through presentations for clinicians on the likes of Kurt Cobain, Mark Rothko and Jean-Michel Basquiat. I think I have some insight into these issues, as my first career was as a journalist, mostly writing on visual and performing arts for the Chicago Tribune and other outlets both online and print. I've been around the block a few times, in other words, and I can help you get back on track.

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.

Starting therapy while navigating everything that brought you here in the first place can feel daunting. Whether this is your first time or you’ve been in therapy before, it takes courage to sit with someone new, let down your walls, and share parts of yourself you’ve learned to protect. Wherever you are, I’ll meet you there with respect for the insight you already carry and a commitment to helping you explore new tools and perspectives for growth. I enjoy working with adults, young adults, and teenagers struggling with life transitions, anxiety, depression, mood swings, trauma, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and relationship challenges. I also enjoy working with individuals who identify as neurodivergent and/or LGBTQ+, and I am non-monogamy affirming. I love to support individuals who want to feel more authentic, release shame, and reconnect with their sense of self or inner child. In my work, I value the power of the therapeutic relationship and how sharing humor, creativity, and interests can support connection and self-expression. Together, we can focus on building self-compassion, stepping out of the noise in your head, or embracing the full human experience. I aim to co-create a space that is both serious and lighthearted, challenging when needed and always compassionate. I hold a BS in Psychology from Indiana University Bloomington with a minor in Counseling and a certificate in Clinical Psychology. I am currently pursuing a MA in Counseling at Northwestern University. My approach is trauma-informed and integrative, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness and somatic practice, psychodynamic theory, and narrative therapy. Therapy can be a place to challenge old stories, reconnect with yourself, and build something new. If you're curious about what that could look like, I’d love to meet with you.

Ms. Shauntai P. Taylor is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois with more than 14 years of experience in the field. She holds an MA in School Counseling Psychology and specializes in providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions to individuals with various mental health challenges. Ms. Taylor adopts a client-centered and collaborative approach to counseling, tailoring interventions to meet each individual's unique needs and goals. Her therapeutic style is characterized by empathy, active listening, and fostering a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore and address their concerns. Ms. Taylor is committed to staying current with the latest developments in the field of counseling through regular participation in workshops, seminars, and advanced training courses. Outside of work, Ms. Taylor enjoys traveling, music concerts, theater performances, church, and family time.

Healing is never a straight line, there will be ups and downs, and sometimes moments where one can feel stuck. Counseling is an important component of our healing journey and I hope to be of service to my clients to walk along their healing path. Looking deep inside can make one nervous and scared, but to look deeply inside is a very courageous step. Creating a safe space where my clients can feel seen and heard is very important to me. I obtained my B.A. in Psychology in 2011 and my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2023. I provide services in both English and Spanish. I actively engage in ongoing research on ADHD and neurodivergence and draw on both professional knowledge and personal insights and lived experience, as I have ADHD, along with my husband and one of my children, to support clients working through ADHD related concerns.

Introduction: Ryan is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who received a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in dance movement therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Therapeutic Approach: Ryan specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults in the pursuit of mental well-being. Having worked with individuals from various backgrounds, I recognize that each client’s story is unique. I utilize a trauma-informed and collaborative approach when working with client’s to understand the holistic impacts on an individual’s symptomatology. I assist individuals explore how their early relationships, inner conflicts, and past experiences shape their current lives. For children and adolescents, I provide a safe and supportive environment to navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, identity development, trauma, and family dynamics. I utilize play and other creative therapies to build trust and rapport and further the safety of the therapeutic relationship. For adults, my practice is centered around helping individuals better understand the root causes of emotional distress, relationship struggles, and life transitions. I believe that healing is possible when clients can access their inner strength, build resilience, and transform negative patterns into opportunities for growth. Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, emotional regulation and expression, grief, divorce / blended family dynamics, ADHD, and coping strategies Currently working with adults, adolescents, and children Theoretical Lens: Psychodynamic, Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR (SAFE), Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered, Motivational Interviewing

When emotions feel overwhelming, patterns feel stuck, or relationships become difficult to navigate, therapy can offer a supportive space to gain clarity and stability. Some people seek support for themselves, while others reach out around concerns related to their child or family. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional dysregulation, relational concerns, and life transitions. My approach is trauma-informed, eclectic, and collaborative, grounded in creating a safe, non-judgmental space for exploration and growth. I draw from insight-oriented Psychodynamic Therapy to better understand emotional and relational patterns, and integrate evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, and the Gottman Method. In my work, I focus on supporting emotional regulation, communication, and connection across individual, couple, and family systems. Reaching out for support can bring up a mix of thoughts and emotions, especially when you are facing personal challenges or concerns related to your child or family. My goal is to offer a compassionate, steady presence where you feel heard and supported as we work toward meaningful change. If you are looking for a therapist who values connection, curiosity, and collaboration, taking that first step can open space for growth.

Inshirah Hajjar, LSW, is a dedicated social worker with over eight years of experience supporting individuals across Illinois in navigating life?s challenges. She provides compassionate care to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, fostering a safe and collaborative environment for healing and growth. Inshirah specializes in helping clients manage anxiety, trauma (PTSD), and reproductive challenges, using personalized strategies to empower and build resilience. Inshirah is particularly passionate about addressing developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. Her integrative approach includes evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Parenting Skills. Whether working with children facing behavioral concerns or adults navigating complex life transitions, she tailors her methods to meet each client?s unique needs. Her expertise also extends to treating depression, grief, and ADHD. Inshirah excels at guiding clients through midlife and later-life transitions, helping them adapt to change with confidence and hope. Additionally, she offers case management and group therapy services to ensure comprehensive support for a variety of concerns.

Nicholas Krysztopik is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has been practicing since 2018. He graduated from the Institute for Clinical Social Work with a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy. Nick believes in a Psychodynamic approach to therapy where he utilizes the relationships that are apart of the client's life, along with the relationship that develops between the client and the therapist to help the client gain an increase in self-awareness. Nick further believes that the exploration of the unconscious plays a significant role in self-discovery which can enrich one's life, and that a portion of one's struggles are rooted within the depths of the mind. Ultimately, needing to be brought forward to consciousness where they can be processed together with the help of a therapist in order to relieve unwanted tensions of the mind and burdens placed on self.

Shelly Gore, LCSW, is dedicated to guiding individuals through life's challenges with compassion and expertise. At LifeStance Health in Illinois, she offers specialized therapy to help clients achieve contentment and resilience. Shelly welcomes children, adolescents, and adults into her practice, ensuring a safe space for healing and growth. With over two decades of experience, Shelly specializes in PTSD/Trauma, ADHD, and Post-Partum Depression/Anxiety. She is passionate about supporting individuals through life transitions, trauma recovery, and managing anxiety and depression. Her therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couples/Marital Counseling, and Family Therapy, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Shelly embraces cultural humility, recognizing the importance of understanding diverse backgrounds and experiences. She believes in the power of self-compassion and empathy to foster personal growth and well-being. Whether navigating childhood behavior issues, relationship conflicts, or developmental disabilities, Shelly provides personalized care to support her clients' journey towards mental wellness.

我提供中文普通话心理咨询 and I provide therapy in English. I graduated from NYU in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and I’m currently pursuing my master’s in Counseling at Northwestern, expected to graduate in 2026. My academic and personal journey across cultures has deepened my interest in mental health and human connection. I’m passionate about supporting others through meaningful, empathetic conversations and helping them navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. I believe in the power of active listening and collaborative growth. Counseling allows me to combine my curiosity about the human mind with a genuine desire to be of service. Additionally, I co-facilitate the grief support group on Mondays from 6-7:30pm.

We are a group practice with many practitioners who have extensive experience working with college students. Services are available in person and virtually. Services are available in English and Spanish.

Flourish Counseling and Wellness is a large group psychotherapy and medication management practice, seeing clients both virtually and in person in the Chicagoland area. Our dedicated providers are skilled in working with young adults needing support around college and other life transitions, anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, trauma, and much, much more. If you are looking for a warm, skilled therapist or psychiatric medication provider, Flourish would love to welcome you to our family! We are in network with BCBS PPO, Cigna, and Aetna.

CORE - Center Of Relational Empowerment, PC helps individuals, couples and families strengthen their core selves, and in doing so, empowers them to strengthen their relationships with others. CORE provides psychological therapy, workshops, groups and psychoeducational seminars for people from all walks of life. At the heart of CORE is our belief that everyone has leadership and healing qualities - perspective, confidence, compassion, and acceptance - crucial to our highest, most harmonious functioning. Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Therapy and counseling can help uncover long-standing patterns and behaviors that can get in the way of feeling fulfilled in our relationships with ourselves and others. We believe that no family or cultural system operates the same way and that there is no "right" way to live life. Therefore, it is our goal to understand the problems you are facing through your own context in order to find the meanings and solutions that work best for you. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, we look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

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

Your grades are declining. You nap because it's the only way to shut your brain off. You're reviewing everything you said in that last conversation because you're sure you said something embarrassing. You feel like something is wrong, but you don't want anyone to know. You've come to the right place! We will explore your challenges from a non-judgmental and self-compassionate place. Believe me- I've heard and seen it all, and I can still honestly say my clients are the most amazing people. You are not lazy or weird or any of the other negative things your brain is telling you. My clients often struggle with challenges related to anxiety, depression, social anxiety, autism, and perfectionism. I will help you learn to manage your anxious or depressive thoughts differently so that you can function and succeed. You've struggled long enough. Let's work together to get you unstuck.

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!