Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Life comes with its own unique challenges and triumphs. Often during the challenging parts, we can find ourselves feeling stuck. Sometimes the reasons are obvious. Other times, not so much. As a therapist, I take pride in providing a safe, non-judgmental space to explore these more vulnerable parts of life. In my work with teens and adults, I take a client-centered approach while drawing from psychodynamic principles. I aim to build an authentic relationship with you as we explore different aspects of your life. This allows us to identify patterns and themes while setting goals that are meaningful to you. When working together, your autonomy is of the utmost importance to me. I value your collaboration in order to work at your own pace. Throughout my training and professional experience, I worked in various settings including schools, hospitals, the child welfare system, and private practice. These experiences have prepared me to work confidently with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, identity-related issues, life transitions, and relational wounds.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Online therapy for women in Chicago and across IL Specializing in: Vaginismus and Pelvic Pain Pregnancy and Postpartum Relationship Issues

Hi, I’m Andrea Picl — a licensed therapist who’s been working in mental health for over 10 years. I’ve supported kids, teens, and adults through everything from everyday stress to complex trauma. I studied psychology and criminal justice at Illinois State, then earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in Chicago. I’ve worked in schools, community agencies, and with families in crisis, and I’m trained in a bunch of therapy styles like play therapy, trauma-focused CBT, and motivational interviewing. At the core of what I do is helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.

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.

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+

Hi, I’m Ben Fendrich, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor in Wisconsin. I specialize in supporting adults navigating mood challenges, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. My approach is warm, engaging, and collaborative—I provide a supportive space to process life’s stressors, whether they stem from work, relationships, or personal struggles. Together, we’ll explore new perspectives, develop coping strategies, and help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

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)

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.

I am committed to providing quality mental health services that promote positive change through collaboration, compassion, reflection, and direction. I like to help patients explore and carve innovative changes and opportunities in one's life. Through the provision of confidential psychotherapy that integrates sensitivity and warmth, I integrate the latest approaches on how lasting improvements in overall wellbeing and our relationships with others can be achieved. I realize that patient needs are not one-size fits-all and I aim to provide personalized mental health services that empower a process directed at meeting personal and professional aspirations. I'm experienced in working with children, adolescents, and adults with behavioral challenges, ADHD, substance use issues, Depressive and Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, trauma experiences, as well as providing psychoeducational services related to major life transitions, such as assimilation to the demands of college from high school, among other areas of interest. In addition, I maintain competencies related to a multitude of psychological assessment and evaluation contexts, including neuropsychological assessment, personality assessment, therapeutic assessment, substance use assessment, among others. Lastly, I am a fully bilingual clinician in English and Spanish.

I am committed to fostering a compassionate, empathetic, collaborative therapeutic environment. I’m particularly interested in understanding your unique experience of yourself, others, and the world. People often seek help to expand their self-development and personal growth in addition to feeling better. I strive to help people by widening self-awareness through a balance of emotional experience and insight. I believe people should feel heard and understood, and I do my best to understand what it’s like for you in your unique subjective experience. Having a secure, stable place will allow you to freely explore your internal world and take risks in the outside world. Part of the process includes finding integration between emotions and thoughts, memory, consciousness, narrative, attachment relationships, and identity. I aim to help you deal with difficult thoughts and feelings so you can move towards what you care about in life, live more fully with greater passion and vitality, increase your curiosity, and be more present.

Are you feeling stuck in patterns that seem impossible to break? Do relationship issues, leave you feeling disconnected or unsure of your worth? Are you constantly overthinking, struggling with anxiety, or battling feelings of depression that make it hard to move forward? Maybe you’ve been pushing yourself to the limit as an overachiever, yet deep down you feel unfulfilled or burned out. Are procrastination and anxiety holding you back in college, making you feel like you’re falling behind? Or perhaps your traumatic childhood still impact your life today. Do you want to rebuild your confidence? Are you hoping to let go of the past? I am multicultural competent and will always keep your values in mind. My goal is to make sure that you are safe and equipped to handle life's ever changing circumstances. I pride myself on being personable and do not consider myself to be your average therapist. I will laugh with you, be silent with you and whatever you need to feel comfortable. I do offer free consultations to make sure we are a good fit, let's connect. A sense of connection, safety, honesty & open-mindedness are the values that I strive for. Clients can expect a relaxed environment coupled with passion & non-judgement. I do accept multiple different insurances.

Hello! Making the decision to begin therapy is an important investment in your quality of life. I can help you understand and transform painful and confusing experiences. I specialize in treating relationship distress, emotional abuse, narcissistic abuse and gaslighting, depression and anxiety, and trauma recovery. It is my passion to support clients toward feeling freer, happier and more at peace. I am licensed in both MO and IL. I accept Anthem/BCBS, United Healthcare, Aetna and Cigna, as well as UMR and out-of pocket. ALL SERVICES ARE TELEHEALTH.

One of the most important parts of therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. I value bringing trust, progressive expertise, and authenticity to the experience of each of my clients. You will not get a stoic therapist, but rather one with a real personality that enjoys cracking jokes! Don't get me wrong, I will take your needs and concerns very seriously, but I will also ensure that you feel comfortable and feel that you are connecting with another human. Carla Laury holds experience working in a non-profit setting and in private practice. Carla works really well with young people, and finds her young adult clients appreciate her progressive approach to therapy. She holds decades of experience providing therapy, mentorship, and leadership work with adolescent individuals and groups. Since internship practice, Carla has learned the careful work of providing therapy for young children and working with their parents toward a positive growth. She holds a master's level degree in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University (2015) and a bachelor's level degree in Psychology from The University of Texas - Pan American (2012). She is a member of the American Counseling Association.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified eating disorders specialist with over fifteen years experience providing therapy. My practice focuses on anxiety, life transitions and women's issues with speciality in body image, eating disorders and relationship issues. College can be an equally exciting and anxiety provoking time in life. I have experience with helping students navigate this and develop skills to handle challenges in the years to come.

You may look like you’re keeping it together on the outside, but inside you’re exhausted from overthinking, carrying stress, and trying to manage emotions that feel bigger than you can explain. Maybe you’ve learned to push through, stay busy, or take care of everyone else while ignoring what’s happening in your own mind and body. I work with clients who are tired of surviving on autopilot. Many are navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, difficult relationships, or major life changes, and often feel stuck in patterns they understand logically but can’t seem to change. They may feel emotionally drained, disconnected from themselves, or frustrated that they’re struggling even when they’re doing “all the right things.” Therapy with me is a space to be real without judgment. You don’t have to minimize your experiences, make them sound less serious, or show up with the perfect words. Together, we can make sense of what’s beneath the overwhelm, understand the patterns that keep repeating, and create meaningful change that feels sustainable — not performative. If you’re used to being the strong one, the self-aware one, or the one who holds everything together while quietly falling apart, you don’t have to keep doing it alone.

SVPS serves the needs of children, adolescents, adults, families, schools and other professionals, promoting the mental health and welfare of all members of our community. In everything we do—from individual psychotherapy, to group sessions, to our nature-inspired surroundings—we strive to make you feel comfortable, encouraged and understood. And, we will work side-by-side with you, your child or spouse, to help reach understanding, strengthen resilience and experience hope. Shared Vision Psychological Services is a not-for-profit organization.

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!

Sometime we feel overwhelmed with emotions/thoughts. We feel like we are stuck in a loop/cycle, feeling blocked (hitting a wall), burnout from work, not enough time in a day. We feel like nobody understands us or cares, we feel judged/inadequate. We need helpful skills and techniques to combat overwhelming emotions. Clear, actionable steps to manage/regulate feelings and emotions. Problem-solving skills, good decision making, and looking at a problem from different perspectives. Together, we'll work towards emotional well-being, self-esteem, and healthy relationships through personalized, empathetic therapy that fosters growth I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I understand life can be hard. So why be hard on yourself? Sometimes we have to step back and manage our thoughts, feelings and emotions to think clearly. When we are emotional, our thought process tends to lack good judgment, critical thinking, and/or decision making. With a few techniques and skills that can be utilized daily. We can regain confidence

Amy Wilhelmi is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) serving clients in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Virginia. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in trauma, relationship issues, and family conflict, offering a supportive and inclusive environment for diverse family structures and identities, including the LGBTQ+ community. Amy's practice integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness. She also provides Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), which is available both virtually and in clients' homes, allowing her to address complex needs with innovative methods. In addition to therapy, Amy is trained in Divorce Mediation, providing a peaceful and financially responsible alternative to traditional divorce proceedings. Her practice offers flexibility, with in-person sessions available in West Dundee, Illinois, and telehealth options throughout her licensed states.