Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Trauma-informed counseling for women and mothers. Specialize in using mindfulness based techniques to reduce stress and embrace imperfections. EMDR Certified

Welcome to The Black Sheep Sanctuary, where therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you make sense of your beautifully messy, wonderfully weird, and sometimes chaotic life. We’re here for the overthinkers, the socially anxious, the “why am I like this?” crowd, and anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in. We believe that being different isn’t a flaw—it’s just you, being you. But let’s be real, sometimes figuring out “you” can feel overwhelming without a little guidance. That’s where we come in. Therapy with us isn’t stiff or clinical—it’s a conversation. Sometimes deep, sometimes hilarious, but always real. We show up as ourselves so you can too. Whether you're navigating anxiety, ADHD, relationships, or just trying to function without wanting to scream into the void, we’ve got you. No judgment. No weird therapy head tilts. Just real talk, practical tools, a couple of “f-bombs”, and a safe space where you don’t have to filter yourself. Welcome to the flock. You belong here.

Don't just survive. Thrive. Ellie Mental Health in Aurora, Illinois isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs. We provide support for a wide range of mental disorders and common mental health issues at our Ellie Mental Health Clinic in Aurora. No matter your concerns, your compassionate Ellie therapist will provide you with the non-judgmental care you deserve.

At BlueSky Telepsych, we're revolutionizing mental health care through our virtual Mental Health Clinic, owned and operated by clinicians. Our clinic caters to individuals of all ages who are facing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Our approach is grounded in comprehensive, evidence-based psychiatry and therapy, ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality of care. Currently, we are proud to accept insurance from Anthem, Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Cigna across 12 states, including AZ, CO, CT, KY, IL, MD, MA, MN, NM, NC, OH, OR, TX, and WA. And here's the best part - we operate without any waitlist, ensuring prompt access to the support and treatment our patients need.

Reaching out for help is often the hardest part and each client is different in their own ways. My therapeutic approach is a collaborative process in which the client takes the driver's seat, as they know their life better than anyone else. Our own minds can sometimes be our worst enemies and add daily life stressors into the mix..life isn't always simple and easy. I want to help clients sort through the messiness of life and help them get back on track to their goals and dreams while encouraging positive self-growth, self-image, and self-esteem. I like to take a person-centered, humanistic approach to help clients reach their goals and fullest potential. I work with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults as well. I work with many different presenting concerns, including anxiety, stress, depression, everyday stressors, trauma, and domestic/sexual violence. I earned my master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. I offer day and evening hours. I like to offer a welcoming, non-judgmental, and safe space that changes with each client to ensure the client's needs are being met.

You’re smart, motivated, and doing your best—but inside, you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or like you’re barely holding it together. Maybe you’re struggling with burnout, imposter syndrome, identity questions, or relationship stress. You’ve checked all the boxes, but something still feels off—and you're tired of pretending it’s fine. I specialize in working with college students and young adults who feel stuck in their heads and want something to change. Therapy with me is supportive and real—we’ll talk through what’s weighing on you and build tools to help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your life. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to show up, and we’ll take it from there.

Hello, I'm Kashara Allen, a licensed social worker therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and expertise. With a focus on anxiety, depression, sports performance, stress, PTSD, and trauma. I provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or personal growth, I'm here to collaborate with you on a journey towards healing and resilience. Together, we can work towards achieving your goals and fostering a greater sense of well-being.

My practice is one that helps people better understand and work through feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression–especially those arising from difficulties with their schoolwork, questions about their future, challenges in their relationships with family members, friends, and/or partners, and experiences they have been having with acute or chronic illnesses (including cancer). When working with clients, I use both psychodynamic and existential techniques to explore not only their current concerns and behaviors, but also the deeper emotional, intellectual, and relational patterns that influence them. Some goals are to help people discover the true source of their pain and make real, lasting changes in their lives. If you are ready to feel more grounded, connected, and in control of your life, I invite you to reach out to me for a free consultation. During our call, we can talk about the hopes you have for therapy and discuss how best to achieve them. A little more about me: Before beginning work at in this field, I undertook clinical training at a site that provides therapeutic services to individuals impacted by cancer. During my time there, I gained valuable experience providing both one-on-one and group therapy to adults who had been diagnosed with cancer and their spouses, partners, and caregivers. Prior to that, I practiced as an attorney at a large, international firm in downtown Chicago, focusing primarily on complex commercial, product liability, and patent cases.

To me, therapy is about meeting you where you are at. We can 'sit in the suck' and commiserate but from there we will build up! This is a collaborative relationship; we are colleagues working towards the same goal. I won’t try to impress you with fancy medical jargon or bore you with a lecture. I am a simple person with humble beginnings. I started my career in healthcare at 17 years old as a CNA (Certified nursing assistant) working nights at a tiny rural hospital. I moved into the Chicago suburbs to continue my education but maintained my CNA certificate by working afternoons and nights at a long-term care facility. I graduated with my Master’s in Social work in 2016 from Aurora University. During my initial years as a social worker I worked in mental health case management and hospice. Two years later I received my Licensed Clinical Social Work for the state of Illinois. Not even a month later in 2019 I moved to North Texas where it took me several more year of training before I received my clinical licensure for Texas. During that time I took several different positions to gain a better understanding of all the kinds of work a social worker is capable of. Those positions were intensive outpatient for mental health and addictions, intake, utilization review for a psychiatric hospital and home health. After gaining clinical licensure in Texas, I concentrated my focus to one on one telehealth with adults while they navigate difficult life changes. When I am not working I enjoy cooking, hiking, competing in dog sports, and tending to my plants and home with my spouse, 7 dogs, and one very old rabbit. I volunteer with the local animal shelter working with animals at risk of euthanasia due to behavior issues or medical concerns and in rescue rehabilitating struggling pets. As a clinician I use aspects of cognitive behavior therapy and dialectical behavior therapy and am considered person centered. I regularly provide handouts, suggest videos, or give homework to encourage therapeutic thought and action outside of our sessions. I look forward to meeting you and being part of the healing chapter of your story!

Hi! I’m Mixi, a bilingual licensed therapist. I understand the impact intrusive thoughts, constant worry and repetitive behaviors have on your well-being and daily life. I have had the opportunity to provide care in private practice, school, and medical settings. This array of experiences has fostered my ability to understand clients through a multi-disciplinary lens. My clinical approach to therapy is grounded in ERP, PE, ACT and CBT. Most of the clients that I work with are navigating OCD, anxiety, trauma, stress, and/or depression. I am a trained OCD specialist and a member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). I am dedicated to welcoming adults of all identities. I prioritize learning about my clients to create an inclusive environment that best supports them. My goal is to teach you the skills and tools to make you your own therapist over time. I am licensed to provide Telehealth therapy services to clients in Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, District of Columbia, and Virginia. (Please visit my website embracelifetherapy.com for more information)

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a double board certified psychiatrist and have been 22 years of experience providing psychiatric care in a variety of settings including outpatient and hospital settings. I see adult patients and address a number of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and OCD. My areas of interest include the treatment of mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder) and psychiatric issues associated with other medical conditions.

At Relational Wellness Therapy, we love working with students who are trying to make sense of life’s in-between seasons. Maybe you’re juggling classes, relationships, and figuring out who you’re becoming, and it’s starting to feel like a lot. You don’t have to have it all together to show up here. Our student clients often share a common goal: they want to feel grounded, more confident in their choices, and at peace with who they are. We help you slow down, understand what’s really going on underneath the stress, and find tools that actually fit your life. Therapy with us isn’t about perfection. It’s about helping you feel seen, supported, and more like yourself.

Hi, I'm Lisa and I'm glad you're here. I am compassionate, patient, and genuinely invested in helping you grow. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes. I truly enjoy helping clients build insight, learn new skills, and develop the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Hello my name is Velma Bell, Founder and President of BIW Counseling since 2017. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the State of Missouri and Illinois. I am a social worker, a therapist and trauma survivor. I am Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 trained, Acceptance, Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intermediate trained and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I am an alumni of the Brown School of Social Work and currently an Adjunct Instructor in the mental health concentration at the Brown School. I specialize in complex traumas, grief and loss, anxiety and depression and a host of other mental health conditions. My practice offers both in person and virtual options for therapy and I am in network with several major insurance plans including UHCSR.

I am a compassionate, thoughtful, experienced psychologist, and I am very interested in getting to know you and your struggles. I work with individuals and couples, from late adolescence to older adulthood. My work is collaborative and starts by creating a non-judgmental space in which you can feel comfortable sharing your symptoms and exploring your past, present and future. We will work together to help you understand and negotiate the external and internal obstacles preventing you from achieving greater contentment in your life. I use evidence-based approaches, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT, to help clients reduce anxiety and depression, better cope with stress, and improve their self-esteem and relationships. I also utilize attachment and psychodynamic theories to help clients construct a meaningful narrative of their history, help identify harmful patterns in thinking, behavior and relationships, and help clients liberate from them. I specialize in both short-term and long-term psychotherapy aimed at increasing self-awareness and identifying patterns that contribute to mood symptoms and difficulties at work or in relationships. I look forward to speaking with you about the challenges you are currently facing so that we can establish a plan to help you overcome them and lead a more satisfying and fulfilling life. I look forward to learning about you and partnering with you through psychotherapy to help you reduce stress and find greater satisfaction with your life.

Sara Pelaez is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Professional practicing in Georgia, Illinois, and Florida. She works with individuals and couples with a focus on students. Many of her clients have found great success in their personal and college lives, but struggle to feel connected in their relationships or at peace in their daily lives. Sara is particularly sensitive to clients facing present-past trauma, moments of transition, relationship or emotional issues when the delicate balance can seem to tremble, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt can emerge. Sara’s approach is rooted in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Emotional Focus Therapy. These are evidence-based approaches that focus on helping clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected so that they can begin to make a targeted change. It is a bottom-up/top-down approach that provides a 360 view of the client's inner world. She works to help clients understand their physical response to external stressors, and begin to problem-solve ways to introduce moments of calm, to choose to respond rather than react in the face of change. Sara is focused on ensuring that her clients see real progress: her style is interactive, non-judgmental, and positions clients as the experts on where they are now, and where they want to go. A trauma-informed therapist, Sara is sensitive to the influence of past experiences on present challenges and works closely with clients to reframe the narrative of their life in a way that increases self-confidence and compassion. Sara’s first priority in starting with a new client is ensuring that they feel safe, heard, and like an equal partner in the therapeutic process. As a seasoned telehealth provider, she offers the convenience of remote sessions to help make therapy a core component of your self-care calendar.

Looking for someone to help you carry your baggage? Someone to listen to it, to help unpack it, to help put the pieces back together & help you figure out what life looks like moving forward? I'm here to help. Therapy doesn't have to be scary. Thriving Daisies is located in downtown Frankfort and offers a cozy spot to dig into your scaries and most vulnerable parts. I have experience at multiple levels of care - but prefer individual outpatient work and have been practicing in this setting for 4 + years. I am the opposite of cold & clinical - you can expect a friendly, warm and chill experience working with me. I happily offer a free 15-minute consultation - let's chat and see if we are a good match :)

Ascension Center for Mental Health in Arlington Heights has been serving the needs of the community since 1962. We offer an array of outpatient mental health services including psychiatry, therapy, employment, residential treatment, Medicaid day programs and intensive outpatient programs. We accept all major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. We have an amazing staff of professionals who care about helping the clients we serve and do our best to manage their care.