Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

My name is Valeria Slapak Brown, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. During therapy sessions I offer my clients the space and the time to explore, define and gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships to others and to the world. Turning difficult feelings into words, helps making meaning of human experience. This is the best way to take control of strong emotions, instead of them controlling us. During these trying times, life demands can feel overwhelming. Talking to an experienced and caring therapist can bring some much needed relief. Please call me or email me for a free consultation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As a first generation immigrant and a former international student from South Korea, I am very passionate about working with clients with multicultural backgrounds. Since 2004, I have worked with people in South Korea, college students and graduate students in IL and CA, and people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who struggle with relationship issues, family, life adjustment, intersecting identities, communications with older or younger generations, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and so on. I offer bi-lingual therapy; I worked as a licensed counselor in S. Korea, so you can speak only Korean, only English, or both languages in session. Since 2010, I have been working with clients to address a variety of issues in the United States. The main issues I have dealt with include relationship problems (romantic, family, interpersonal), anxiety, depression, ADHD, adjustment, identity, and self-esteem. The experiences of individuals rooted in immigrant families in the United States are special and unique. I have extensive experience counseling first, second, and third-generation Korean and Asian clients over the past 15 years while working in university counseling centers in the U.S. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy, primarily using elements drawn from Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) or Solution-Focused therapy based on the nature of the issues or client’s needs. In therapy, I strive to create new understanding, provide corrective experiences, and promote changes. My clients have told me that they enjoyed their work with me because they loved the insight about them and their patterns that they got from our work, warm and consistent support from me, and changes that they were motivated to make throughout the course of the therapy.

Now accepting new clients ages 12-25 with immediate availability! It is exhausting to navigate the challenging waters of young adult anxiety or depression with all of the effort that comes along with college and the transition into or out of it. We understand. That’s why you can count on our clinicians and every single care coordinator on our team. We are ready to equip you with the tools, resources, support, and the best therapy for teens and young adults.

I'm here to support you in creating meaningful, lasting change. Whether you're navigating a major life transition or struggling through the stresses of college life, I'll help you uncover and shift patterns that no longer serve you. Together, we'll work toward greater clarity, purpose, and connection, so you can step into the fullest version of yourself.

Wherever you are in your therapy journey, I’m happy you came across my bio! Taking the step to pursue therapy is a big one! Life can be difficult and at times people need an outside source of support. I enjoy working with young adults who may be facing various struggles including anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship issues. My goal is to meet you where you are at and to help you obtain the changes you are looking for. Furthermore, identify barriers or obstacles you are having and explore ways to manage them to improve your overall emotional well being.

D. Joel Marquart has several years of clinical work specializing in ADHD, relationships, major life transitions, and inner-child work. He especially enjoys helping clients integrate childhood wounds, build self-compassion, and foster a stronger sense of self and purpose. He firmly believes healing only occurs when safety and trust are established enough to risk vulnerability. SPECIALTIES: Life transitions Perfectionism/Procrastination Personal growth and self-esteem Marriage and partnerships ADD/ADHD LGBTQIA+

My approach as a counselor is highly relational, I believe that acceptance, safety, and trust are important aspects of engendering connection with people, particularly in clinical work. I prioritize understanding individuals’ subjective experiences that create their realities and facilitating the exploration of perspective through a variety of expressions. We all have a unique lens through which we view and understand the world, I am passionate about assisting clients to increase their awareness through a biopsychosocial and physiological framework. I am trained in trauma-informed approaches but use an eclectic style of treatment and intervention including person-centered, humanist, and systems theories. I believe we can all find more compassion toward ourselves and others by tapping into our innate healing intelligence to achieve greater coping and balance. I completed my bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse and recently finished my master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Adler University-Chicago. I enjoy working with a diverse range of individuals and I identify as affirming each of our complex cultural experiences including race, sexual orientation, gender identity socioeconomic status, etc.. My interests are in trauma and complex trauma, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and integration of art and somatic interventions from a wellness model. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exploring nature, and expressing myself through baking, writing, and drawing. I am a proud cat and plant mom!

As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 17 years of extensive experience in healthcare, I have honed my skills across a spectrum of clinical settings, encompassing acute and maternal inpatient care, as well as outpatient care. My commitment lies in delivering comprehensive and compassionate mental health services to patients spanning all age groups, addressing a diverse range of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and ADHD. My approach centers on a patient-centric model, where I prioritize thorough assessment, patient education, and the development of tailored treatment plans. By fostering a collaborative relationship with each individual, I strive to empower patients to actively participate in their mental health journey, ultimately aiming for enhanced wellbeing and quality of life. Driven by a passion for mental health advocacy and a dedication to evidence-based practice, I continuously seek opportunities for professional growth and remain steadfast in staying abreast of emerging trends and innovations in the field. My ultimate goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve, fostering resilience, healing, and hope.

I am passionate about walking alongside clients in therapy. We each have our own challenges and hardships, but we also have unique and amazing strengths! My goal in therapy is to help you understand what is and what is not working for you and find ways to connect, grow, and thrive. I have a particular interest in clients working through life transitions, spiritual struggles, and burnout.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Are you snapping at others and struggling to find space to breathe? It’s normal to feel like you’re drowning when you have so many moving pieces in life. Life is constantly throwing stressors at us and maybe you find yourself seeking a new approach. Many of my clients are people struggling with stress and anxiety resulting from never-ending changes. I have extensive experience working with young adults and people who are seeking therapy for the first time. As a therapist, I am straight forward in my approach; I will stay with you on your journey toward the answers by creating a safe, non-judgmental space. I’ve been described by former clients as “genuine, decisive, and easy to connect with.” I will help you find peace amongst the chaos, prioritize your wellness, and grow closer to your full potential. Reaching out for help is the first, and often the most difficult part of your path toward healing. Only you can do inner work, but there’s absolutely no reason you should do it alone. Together, we will figure out your next steps. Contact me for a consultation. I'm ready when you are!