Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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

Hello! My name is Mackenzie Bailey, and I am a therapist intern here at Bellosa Counseling. I believe in living authentically and experiencing life with all its ups and downs - however, this can be challenging, especially with mental health struggles and the general overwhelming-ness that life tends to be. Maybe that’s where you’re at now. And that’s okay. My intention is that when you are ready to start the therapy journey, I can be by your side and help you grow, learn, and heal. I believe in using a unique approach to best suit your goals and personality. I integrate aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy, strength-based approaches, and humanistic styles to work with you to provide empowerment, effective collaboration, and a safe environment for compassionate care and personal growth. I take an honest approach to therapy - I believe in humanity, the strength of individuals, the importance of community, and most importantly, the ability to change and grow.

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

Mallory is a graduate of Dominican University (B.A., 2019) and Adler University (Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance Psychology, 2022). She specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and athletes that include: anxiety and mood disorders, relationship difficulties, LGBTQ+ concerns, athletic performance struggles, body image, identity struggles, and life transitions. Mallory completed her internship in the Adult Mental Health Program at Linden Oaks Hospital (Outpatient). She has experience with crisis intervention, psychoeducation, and individual and group therapy with clients from diverse backgrounds. She gained mental performance consulting experience working with youth and college athletes on struggles including attentional focus, energy management, anxiety, self-confidence, leadership development, and the mental impacts of the injury. Mallory’s theoretical approach to therapy integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Multiculturalism, and Feminist Therapy. She understands there are individual and systemic factors impacting our lives, and that it is important to explore all means of change, resilience, and empowerment. Mallory endeavors to merge competence and humility with her training as this allows her to continue to educate herself and to grow. In her free time, Mallory can usually be found on the volleyball court or spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She is an avid plant mom and her collection continues to grow. Mallory is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and The Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). She is supervised by Dr. Paul Mullen.

I am here to help college students who are facing challenges with anxiety, depression, relationship/roommate/friend/family issues or just want help with improving their study habits and study-life balance. I have worked with many, many college students across the country. I am available weekends, all day and evenings on different days to accommodate your busy academic and social life. Feel better and enjoy your college years!

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.

Hello. I am a therapist with several years of experience working young adults and I especially like working with those who may be struggling to adjust to the abrupt shift from living at home with family and living independently. Depression, anxiety and stress can creep in and before you know it, you're on an unhappy path. I think you'll find me easy to talk with and sometimes even funny. Please take the next step for yourself and schedule a session with me.

Welcome to Essentially You Counseling and Wellness Services. We first would like to acknowledge the step you are taking to create positive change in your life, and thank you for considering us to be a part of that process! At Essentially You Counseling and Wellness Services, we provide an array of behavioral health services to individuals, couples, families and groups. Life can prove to be very difficult at times. With two convenient locations in Bloomingdale and Bolingbrook, our mission at Essentially You Counseling and Wellness Services is to guide you through the challenges you are facing so that you are able to live a happy life. We are proud to offer both in-person and telehealth sessions. Everybody can benefit from counseling at different points in their lives. Unfortunately, no one is immune to the stress and strain that life can bring each day. Our goal is to provide you with excellent care in a warm, safe and empathetic environment. While we can’t change difficult situations that you may have been through in the past, we can work together to help you enjoy the present and look forward to your future. Our therapists use eclectic therapeutic styles to help you experience a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Our team works with you to guide you through the challenges of life, develop new outlooks and skills to manage stressors, and gain a better understanding of living an authentic life that is “Essentially You”.

I specialize in supporting people navigating anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. My therapeutic style draws from evidence-based approaches like ACT, and ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) with plenty of room for reflection and flexibility. You are a complex & unique person, not a diagnosis, and we will work together to tailor therapy to your specific needs

Melissa is an LCPC in Illinois. As an Aud_HD therapist, she offers individual therapy, family therapy, and parenting support. She has lived experience, and has received neuro-affirming training in supporting the neurodivergent community, specifically Autism, ADHD, PDA, CPTSD, OCD and Giftedness, with a particular interest in providing acknowledgement and support for the misattunement and trauma that often is a part of our lived experience. She is passionate about supporting clients in their journeys of understanding themselves internally with authenticity and acceptance, including those who are exploring their gender and/or sexual identities. She uses different modalities as a way of giving clients options that fit them. Melissa loves somatic based approaches, including Transformative Touch Therapy, where the work is to support the client through pre-verbal attachment wounding, eventually working through integrating primitive reflexes. It is her passion to connect with her clients and give them a space to explore their intrinsic experience with curiosity, compassion, and understanding. When she is not in the therapy room, Melissa enjoys presenting to private practices and facilitating groups to build community for those supporting autistic clients and families. You can work with Melissa in the state of Illinois through telehealth or in person in Hinsdale.

I help everyday people struggling with anxiety, trauma, and/or depression find the root of their troubles & take back control of their lives. I treat conditions such as: PTSD, anxiety, trauma, phobias, OCD, depression, addictions, & related symptoms. I take a Solution-Focused & evidence-based therapeutic approach for creating solutions rather than focusing on problems. You may request a for 15 minute consultation today, just visit the Alma website at the link below.

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!

I help with anxiety and turbulence in the middle of big transitions and times of uncertainty in your life.

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.

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.

I am an Indian and Pakistani cis-gender woman from an immigrant family and am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I have a Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling (MAATC) and am a Provisionally Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P). I love working with people from different backgrounds and various identities attempting to preserve a sense of authentic self in the Western world. I have a strong background working with immigrant children, their families, as well as individuals of any age desiring self-acceptance, self-esteem, and support surrounding anxiety and depression. Due to my experience navigating the various parts of myself, I am passionate about serving those with opposing or oppressed identities such as those within the BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ community. I am trilingual in Hindi/Urd’u, Spanish, and English and offer sessions in all three languages. Our various identities as individuals can sometimes pull us in opposite directions (opposing forces), occasionally forcing us to put forth different versions of ourselves and keeping our authentic selves hidden. This can cause much anxiety and panic, especially in a society where defining and boxing in individuals is the norm. As a child of an immigrant family, I am keenly aware of immigration-related anxiety and maintaining a balance between your culture and the Western world. Sometimes life can throw our internal compass/intuition off balance; for this reason, I integrate ancestral, intuitive, somatic, and spiritual practices and wisdoms into the healing process. I am passionate about increasing your sense of self-empowerment and using your authentic voice to advocate for yourself and your identities to inspire the changes you deem necessary within your community. Values and Approach It is incredibly important to me to operate from a culturally critical perspective, always questioning and expanding my understanding of one’s identities and cultures.

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.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.