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Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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Anne Maxwell
Psychologist
Oak Park, IL

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Brittany Gardner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Orland Park, IL

Reaching out for help can be difficult and the thought of seeing a therapist can seem intimidating. I believe that with the right therapist, you can express yourself freely without fear of judgement and receive the support you need and desire. No two people's journey and life experiences are the same, so I take an individualized approach with my clients. I love helping clients feel their feelings, address their anxiety and fear of failure, and feel empowered to grow and change habits. I specialize in aiding clients with managing relationship challenges, developing better routines, managing their emotions, and implementing boundaries. I utilize values, humor, and compassion so we can build an authentic, therapeutic relationship to make changes. In sessions, I will often bring us back to the present moment to build awareness and identify old patterns of behaviors so we can create new habits. I strive to provide a welcoming environment that will support your unique development of self-awareness, vulnerability, and growth. Together, we will identify your goals for treatment and work towards those in a collaborative process. I value feedback so I can ensure your goals and voice are at the heart of our work. I look forward to our journey together!

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Valerie Dorce
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

I know it can be hard to ask for help, but you are not alone. There is no shame in reaching out for help. I am passionate about supporting clients facing challenges such as, depression, anxiety, life transition, difficulties with work, family conflict, relationship concerns, stress, trauma, loss and grief, domestic violence, and cultural issues. We will work together to achieve your therapy goals. We will work towards you finding self love and inner peace. My approach is mostly a blend of person-centered theory that includes evidence-based practices, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT. My goal is to create an environment that is safe and supportive in order to empower clients and equip them with the tools needed to navigate challenges and promote healthy healing. My belief is that mental health and wellness is an essential component of a life that feels healthy and whole. No matter the reason for seeking therapy, it takes great strength to seek healing, growth, and positive transformation. I would be honored to be alongside you on your journey.

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Fatma Aydin Psychological Services, PLLC
Psychologist
Chicago, IL

It is often difficult to ask for support in the face of life’s challenges, and I appreciate you taking this step! I work with young adults and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, and identity and self-esteem concerns, among others. My goal is to create a comfortable and safe space where we work collaboratively to help you face those challenges and make the changes you desire to live a more fulfilling life. We all have vulnerabilities, and strengths we often don’t realize. I therefore work with my clients to build on their strengths and resilience, and develop self-compassion. I recognize the impact of culture on our identities and experiences and I have enjoyed working with clients from diverse backgrounds at outpatient, community mental health, and university counseling settings. These included the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University, DePaul University and University of Illinois at Chicago. I welcome clients from all walks of life and feel humbled by their willingness to invite me to be a part of their journey.

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Hazel Patel- Krueger
Licensed Professional Counselor
Chicago, IL

College can be stressful, the pressure, the pace, the constant push to keep going. It’s no wonder your mind feels overloaded. At Bloom Therapy we’re not just therapists. We’re real humans who get it. We’re here to help you navigate life as a college student without losing yourself in the chaos. Whether you’re working through anxiety, navigating relationships, battling ADHD, or dealing with life balance changes as a college student. We’ll meet you where you are and walk with you toward where you want to go!

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Empowering Options
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL

Empowering Options is one of the most effective counseling approaches because our philosophy is to be uniquely on the side of the client. We concentrate on helping you learn, explore, and create your options. Options are in the perspective – the beliefs that you view yourself and the world through. As children, we believe what the adults in our lives told about the world and especially about ourselves. This profoundly affects us as adults. The way we view ourselves, our level of self-acceptance, self-esteem, and how we act in our lives and in our intimate relationships. The view we are given of ourselves determines our levels of self-esteem, and self–acceptance, and is one of the main reasons for problems in our relationships, with our partners, and in our parenting. Most of us were unintentionally taught, from a very young age, to think and feel against ourselves. So we do not have an objective view of ourselves and little compassion for how we handle the challenges we face. No charge for the first session to make sure it's a good fit. See the website for all other info.

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Ali Morris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Sarah Forsythe
Licensed Professional Counselor
Chicago, IL

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Cory Grad LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL

I work with college and graduate students who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted—even when things look “fine” on the outside. Many of my clients are high-functioning, thoughtful, and self-aware, yet struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, relationship patterns, or a persistent sense that something isn’t quite right. My approach is psychodynamic, meaning we look beyond symptom management to understand the underlying emotional patterns, relationships, and life experiences shaping how you feel and function today. Therapy becomes a space to slow down, reflect, and make sense of internal conflicts that often get pushed aside in the pressure-filled environment of academic life. Students often come to me during periods of transition—starting or finishing school, navigating independence, questioning identity or values, or managing the emotional toll of performance expectations. Rather than offering quick fixes, I focus on helping clients develop insight, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of self that extends well beyond college.

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Amy Tierney
Marriage & Family Therapist
Chicago, IL

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Trevor Pontillo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL

As a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), I am committed to helping adolescents and young adults navigate the challenges and transitions of life. My practice is built on a foundation of client-centered therapy, with a focus on empowering my clients to achieve their full potential and emotional well-being. I have spent 8 years in the mental health field, and during this time, I have had the privilege of working with numerous young individuals as they face the unique pressures and uncertainties of adolescence and early adulthood. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, respect, and understanding, creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions freely.

Photo of Phylicia K Noel, LCSW
Phylicia K Noel, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL

College life can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, stressful, or isolating at times. At The Noel Approach, we create a safe and supportive space where students can process challenges, explore their identity, and build healthy coping tools. Our approach combines traditional therapy with creative and expressive practices—like art, mindfulness, and intentional journaling—to make healing feel approachable and personal. Whether you’re navigating academic stress, relationship shifts, trauma, or simply trying to balance it all, we’re here to walk alongside you. Our goal is to help you find your voice, strengthen your resilience, and create habits that support both your mental health and your personal growth.

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Pari Shah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL

Pari Health & Wellness approaches therapy through a collaborative & client-centered lens. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly. Drawing from evidence-based practices such as mindfulness and CBT, I’m committed to transparency—not just in thought, but in dismantling the cognitive barriers between who you’re taught to be and who you truly are. I work with you to identify goals and build coping strategies while fostering this meaningful change. I integrate solution-focused, holistic techniques to help you develop self-awareness, resilience, and tools for navigating life’s challenges. Whether you’re addressing anxiety, depression, grief, child sexual abuse, or personal growth, my focus is on empowering your transformation at your pace.

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Dr. Nabila Irizarry
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I use a culturally-responsive approach to therapy. We will work together to understand personal and societal factors that contribute to your everyday well-being. Through self-exploration of personal narratives (Constructivism), analysis of interpersonal experiences (Dialectical), and understanding of the intersections between our past and present (Psychodynamic), we become more in charge of our future and aware of how we occupy and share spaces with others. My goal is to guide you towards healthier mental habits that can alleviate your suffering and enable a life-long journey of fulfillment. I obtained my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the APA-Accredited program at the University of Puerto Rico and completed my masters degree in Psychological Research at the University of Guadalajara. I specialized in psychodynamic psychotherapy, studying Lacanian Psychoanalysis in Quebec at the GIFRIC Institute. I believe that therapy is a co-creation of a shared vulnerable space, therefore my role as a therapist requires intellectual humility, transparency, and empathy. I have helped clients understand how to communicate and regulate their emotions through interpersonal skills, acknowledgement of unhealthy attachment patterns, and self-regulating practices. I have worked with a wide range of clients including adolescents, young adults, women, couples, families, and people who are incarcerated. As a former Montessori educator, I am aware of the importance of recognizing the needs of each developmental stage, and I strive to meet everyone where they are. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you! Types of Therapy Attachment-based Culturally Sensitive Gottman Method Multicultural Psychoanalytic Psychodynamic Relational

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LoveWRK
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

I specialize in working with millennial women who are struggling with various life transitions. Maybe you're having a difficult time adjusting to college and new routines. It might be that you are wanting help navigating new friendships and relationships. You might have noticed that you're feeling stressed or down more than you'd like and are hoping to better understand your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I'm here to help you gain stronger self-awareness, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilling life.

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Katie Alrutz
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Inner Wild Therapy PLLC
Group practice
Chicago, IL

As you navigate your journey through college, I understand that this phase of life brings both stress and excitement. At my therapy practice, I believe in supporting your mental health from a holistic perspective. What does this mean exactly? Mind-Body Connection: Holistic therapy recognizes the intricate link between your mind and body. My approach integrates mental and physical well-being, acknowledging that both aspects are essential for overall health. Emotional and Spiritual Wellness: Beyond addressing immediate concerns, I strive to nurture your emotional and spiritual wellness. This may involve exploring your values, purpose, and inner growth. Lifestyle and Environment: I consider your lifestyle choices and environment as integral parts of your well-being. From sleep habits to social interactions, these factors play a crucial role in your mental health.

Photo of Selena Bradshaw, MSW, LSW
Selena Bradshaw, MSW, LSW
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Hi, my name is Selena Bradshaw. With a lifelong passion for helping others, I am a dedicated Licensed Social Worker with experience in both child welfare and school social work. I have always been driven by a deep desire to support individuals and families in navigating life's challenges, fostering resilience, and empowering positive change. My work is rooted in trauma-informed care, ensuring that each person I work with receives compassionate, individualized support. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy being outdoors and staying active, as I believe in the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between physical and emotional well-being.

Photo of Sophia Ou LPC, NCC
Sophia Ou LPC, NCC
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Hi! My name is Sophia (they/them). I am a Licensed Professional and Nationally Certified Counselor. I am passionate about supporting the intersectionality of marginalized groups, including queer, trans, and people of color. My areas of focus are trauma recovery, racial, sexual, gender identity development, childhood trauma, attachment, relational difficulties, anxiety, and depression. I work best with clients who want to build a more mindful and compassionate relationship with themselves, centering pleasure and softness. My work supports people who want to build a stronger sense of self, centering their needs, engaging in inner child healing, and healing from childhood trauma. I have supported my clients with intergenerational trauma/healing, attachment issues, neurodivergence, perfectionism, workaholism, marginalization, identity, belonging, and relational healing. I utilize internal family systems (IFS), mindfulness, somatic, relational, and solution-based approaches. My practice is warm, compassionate, experiential, consent-based, and direct. Therapy is always centered around you and your needs. I prioritize holistic therapy that takes the mind, body, and spirit into consideration, and is rooted in resisting and healing the impacts of oppression. In an effort to decolonize mental health and create safer therapeutic spaces for BIPOC folks, my practice focuses on strengthening the mind-body connection and raising awareness of how systems of oppression can negatively impact well-being. I take into consideration the complex dynamics occurring with you on the individual, societal, environmental, and institutional levels and how they impact your inner world. My goal is to help you foster liberation, empowerment, and consciousness raising as we address oppression and its impact on these levels. I welcome all healing approaches that feel right for you, including ancestral, spiritual, or cultural. If what I've shared resonates with you, please visit my website or email me.

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Tamara Montealegre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL

While trauma can be generational, so can healing! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently based out of Illinois. Since I started working in the field, I have gained experience providing services to those who not only identified troubles due to mental health, but who have also struggled with addiction. I received my MSW from the University of Northern Iowa in 2018 where I specialized in trauma processing and trauma-informed care. I am also an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Trained Therapist; I find this modality has been especially helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma but can also be used for other mental health diagnoses such as depression and anxiety. While my previous work experience has an emphasis on trauma and addiction, I am also comfortable working with issues such as depression, anxiety, and anger management among other different diagnoses. I have also had the joy of working with individuals of all ages. I like to use an eclectic approach when it comes to treatment modalities because I believe that there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to therapy. I truly believe that one is the expert of their own experiences, so I enjoy working collaboratively with individuals to tailor their mental health services to meet their needs. I pride myself on providing a welcoming and inclusive space for the individuals I work with to feel heard and to heal from their past and present. I want everyone I work with to know that their feelings are valid, and hope that they leave feeling empowered to take on life’s challenges! I am part of the Path referral network, which means that when you reach out, my team will get back to you quickly to schedule our first session. I am also committed to making therapy affordable. Through Path, I am in-network for most commercial insurances, so you're only responsible for your co-pay!

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