Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Ashley (Evans) McTaggart is a Registered Dietitian and a alumna of Northern Illinois University. With over six years of experience in the eating disorder field, Ashley is deeply passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery journey. She began her nutrition career at a residential eating disorder facility in downtown Chicago and later expanded her expertise through roles in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. Ashley’s nutrition philosophy emphasizes building a healthy and positive relationship with food, integrating mental, emotional, physical, and social health.

I help people navigate life’s challenges with clarity, compassion, and authenticity. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, questions of identity, or major life transitions, I aim to create a welcoming space where you can show up exactly as you are—without judgment and with genuine support. I work with teens, young adults navigating the transition into adulthood, and adults. use proven approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems ("parts work") to tailor therapy to your unique needs and goals. In our sessions, we’ll work to help you: • Slow down and better understand your emotions • Recognize patterns in your thoughts and behaviors that may be holding you back • Develop practical tools to handle life’s challenges with greater confidence and perspective • Sit with difficult feelings without becoming overwhelmed • Connect more deeply with who you truly are My approach is warm, attuned, and deeply collaborative. I believe therapy is most effective when you feel truly seen and understood. Whether you’re in a season of change, self-discovery, or simply need support through a difficult time, I’ll meet you where you are and help you move forward with greater clarity and self-compassion.

Jiapei helps students manage anxiety, depression, social anxiety, ADHD, and the stress of major life transitions, from adjusting to freshman year to navigating the uncertainty of graduating and life after college. She offers a safe, non-judgmental space to be heard and find calm amid the overwhelm of college life. Jiapei helps students balance school, family, friendships, and romantic relationships, while gaining clarity and direction. She builds insight into thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, alongside real coping skills for daily life. Using CBT, ACT, and DBT, she brings a culturally responsive lens as a bilingual (English/Mandarin) clinician supporting BIPOC and international students.

Maribeth is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with adolescents and adults to help find flexibility and ease in their lives. She specializes in addressing trauma, eating disorders, mood disorders, and family of origin challenges. Additionally, Maribeth works with couples to enhance emotional connection and strengthen relationship satisfaction. As an immigrant herself, she is passionate about supporting fellow immigrants and members of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community. Maribeth is bilingual and provides counseling in both English and Tagalog. Maribeth is known for her gentle yet directive approach that creates a space for clients to foster curiosity about their fears, build insight and understanding with themselves, and feel empowered to make changes. She believes that when we approach all parts of ourselves with compassion and curiosity, we can live a more authentic, fulfilling, and joyful life. Using a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Internal Family Systems, Shame-Informed Therapy, and ACT, she helps clients process their emotions and develop skills for their personal growth journey. When she’s not sitting in the therapist chair, Maribeth enjoys traveling, collecting pens and stationery supplies, and spending time with her family and their dog.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Healing looks different for everyone. That's why our team of diverse, bilingual therapists offers personalized care for individuals, couples, and families. Whether you're navigating relationship challenges, trauma, addiction, eating disorders, anxiety, or major life changes, we're here to help. Through evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, we provide support in both English and Spanish to meet you where you are.

Do you need a space to sort through the complexity of adulthood? Have you realized some mental health concerns as you navigate through college and beyond? Therapy Atlas, founded by social worker Sophia Jelsma, helps you unpack what's coming up and cope in healthy ways. She uses an evidence-based approach rooted in CBT, DBT, and EMDR.

Areas of Expertise (include but not limited to) Anxiety, Depression, and Psychological Trauma Stress Management Life Transitions (academic, occupational, relational, familial) Relationship Challenges Identity and Expression

In my sessions, I strive for that comfy, familiar feeling, like wrapping yourself in your favorite sweater—warm, cozy, and uniquely tailored to you. I'm all about building genuine connections, where you feel truly seen, heard, and supported. My therapy approach is a blend of warmth, authenticity, and teamwork, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where we can navigate life's challenges together with compassion and understanding. I believe in being direct yet gentle, sprinkling in a dose of humor and lightness when it fits, to craft an experience that's supportive and transformative, just like you deserve. I offer support across various areas, with a particular passion for guiding individuals and couples through grief & loss, trauma, relationship dynamics, cultural differences, body image issues, anxiety, and depression. Your journey is unique, and my commitment is to create a therapeutic experience that meets your specific needs, empowering you to thrive. I view therapy as a collaborative journey, where we navigate life's complexities together. I understand that reaching out can be hard, but I believe that you deserve this space—to be heard, to be seen, and to explore without judgment. It would be an honor for me to hold space for you and support you in your journey.

The process of starting therapy can be awkward and scary but life-changing. It is a relief to speak with someone who doesn’t know you to form judgments. This environment is understood as a safe space that you will be provided with. A place where you can feel heard, express your emotions, and receive psycho-education. We all have the ability to change with the right tools. My goal is to meet you where you’re at and grow from there. At Hope and Prosper, I tend to utilize an integrative approach with cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy for an effective, personalized treatment. Clients often describe me as insightful, humorous, enthusiastic, and caring. These natural characteristics that I exhibit embrace my personality as a clinician. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with experience therapizing children, adolescents, teens, and adults. I obtained my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I graduated with my M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in trauma. Currently, I am pursuing my doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) to further my career.

Hi, I'm Sierra! I'm a licensed therapist in Chicago offering fully virtual sessions. I have expertise in helping people heal from trauma, anxiety, and depression. As a once first-generation college student, I understand the difficulties of navigating this particularly trying time in life. Working with a new therapist can sometimes feel daunting, so I get to know each person on a human level with a bit of (appropriate) humor. I'm queer, gender-affirming, and like to incorporate skills in sessions to help you develop better coping strategies. I accept all major insurance plans and can work with anyone in Illinois. If you'd like to see if we'd be a good fit, feel free to email me and we can set up a time to chat! Interested in a therapist with a different specialty? I work with Cityscape Counseling, a group practice in Chicago with over 55 licensed therapists offering treatment both in-person and online for eating disorders, substance use, OCD, and more. Connect with us at cityscapecounseling.com!

School can be exciting, overwhelming, and full of change. For many students, being in a campus environment can also bring increased body image pressures, stress, and challenges with eating, making this a time when eating disorders, OCD, anxiety, and other mental health concerns often show up or become more intense. I've spent years specializing in eating disorders and OCD across higher levels of care and outpatient private practice, giving me the experience to support you wherever you are in your recovery. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative space where you can build practical tools, feel more like yourself, and spend less time stuck in symptoms and more time living the life you want.

I've been a psychotherapist for over ten years skilled in treating mental health disorders or distress. I use cognitive behavioral therapy to support students with academic challenges, peer and relationship struggles, life transitions, trauma, and more. I provide individual psychotherapy services (virtually or in person) at Pure Health Center in Lincoln Park walking distance from your campus. Currently, I offer flexible evening and weekend appointments to accommodate students' busy schedules. You can search my name "Megan O'Brien- Chicago IL" on Psychology Today to learn more about my practice or find me on Pure Health Center's website. You may also send an email to schedule a FREE 15-minute consult to get started. I look forward to working with you. Warmly, Megan O'Brien

Hi there! I am Eve Haydt, LCPC, and this is the business I formed to work with my clients. I have experience and training working with eating disorders and trauma symptoms, as well as frequent co-occurring concerns, such as mood and anxiety symptoms, relationship concerns, and substance use. I see clients both in person and virtually. Feel free to reach out for a free consult to see if we're a good fit!

When we need support, it can be intimidating to know where to start. You may be feeling trapped by the past and overwhelmed by the future, struggling with self-doubt, or experiencing loneliness. To overcome feeling lost and stuck, therapy can help you figure out your options, learn more about yourself, and find new ways to cope. By beginning the search for therapy, you have already shown courage and self-awareness to recognize you are ready for change. As a queer woman, my approach to therapy is trauma-informed, sex-positive, and anti-oppressive. I have over a decade of experience working with people living with anxiety, depression, and burnout. In serving survivors of abuse and violence, I supported them in their recovery and healing from trauma. I have partnered with clients on their journey to build meaningful relationships and to explore their gender and sexuality.

I work with college students, emerging adults, and professionals navigating anxiety, identity concerns, workplace stress, career exploration, and life transitions. I see therapy as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself during moments of uncertainty or change. My approach is grounded in authenticity, curiosity, and presence, and I value being sincere and direct while maintaining warmth and thoughtful reflection. I aim to create a supportive, respectful therapeutic space where clients feel understood and empowered. My work integrates psychotherapy with mindfulness-informed and holistic practices that support self-awareness, grounding, and connection. I’m drawn to approaches that invite clients to slow down, tune in, and build a more intentional relationship with themselves, while honoring the whole person beyond symptoms alone. I completed my doctoral internship at Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Headspace Health. I hold a PhD in Psychology from Tennessee State University’s APA-accredited program and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. I am also certified in Mental Health Coaching.

My experience includes emotional & mood concerns, identity exploration, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, academic & vocational distress, and grief. Sharing your true self in therapy is a vulnerable act, and I respect your courage. I am mindful of your needs and meet you where you are. I would be honored to help you with the next step of your journey.

I specialize in working with college and university students struggling with ADHD. Whether it’s trouble starting tasks, managing time, or staying organized, I help clients find practical strategies while also holding space for the emotional toll that struggle can bring. I also work with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, offering support that’s compassionate, nonjudgmental, and rooted in evidence-based care. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and skills training. Together, we’ll identify patterns that aren’t serving you and build tools that support focus, regulation, and self-confidence both in the moment and over time. Therapy with me is collaborative and encouraging. We’ll work side by side to break down what feels impossible and create new pathways forward - grounded in your strengths, values, and capacity for change

Thirty years ago, I made one of the most important decisions of my life by leaving another career to become a psychotherapist. Mental health care is my life’s calling, and I love it. I have served hundreds of clients, and many say that I helped them. I’ve also been a professor, researcher, leader, and author at two great universities, training hundreds of students to become therapist themselves. Academic work gives me deep scientific knowledge of mental health care, how to forge deep relationships with clients, how to support clients to understand thoughts and emotions in tough seasons, and to take steps to improve their lives. I offer restorative counseling for HEARTS, MINDS and SOULS of clients. HEART- the center of human emotions, desires, and connections, can be downcast or broken. MIND- the control tower of daily living, can be strangled by mindsets of powerlessness and victimhood. SOUL- source of individuality, purpose, and identity, can be wounded or troubled but restored. I begin with clarity that mental health care can positively influence everyday decisions. I try to contribute something useful to address clients' suffering and despair. With compassion and respect for their backgrounds and worldviews, I encourage clients to take courageous actions to change. Clients have appreciated my work, which makes me want to do more.

Therapy can be an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been overlooked for a long time. I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, LGBTQIA+ and identity-related challenges, and more. I provide services in English and Mandarin.