Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or tired? Having problems in your relationships? Do you need help finding clarity? Are you scared of what the future holds and unsure of what path to take? Do you find yourself having to make adult decisions for the first time? While everyone else is making headway in life, does it seem like you’re still stuck on the sidelines? If you're looking for support, I'm here to help. I believe in being open, direct, and unafraid to challenge you when necessary. But I also value laughter and simplicity in our work together. My online Psychotherapy and Coaching services provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can freely express your feelings.

Have you recently started to understand yourself in a new way—maybe through a neuropsychological evaluation, a late diagnosis, or content you’ve encountered online during college? Are you finding that the strategies that seem to work for others don’t quite fit your brain? I specialize in working with college students and young adults who discover later that they are neurodivergent. Together, we explore what this identity means for you in the context of academics, relationships, independence, and future goals. My approach supports you in building systems that actually work for your brain, while creating a life that feels authentic, sustainable, and aligned with your values.

I have worked in crisis intervention with survivors of trauma, military families, children, teens, and adults for over 25 years. I am here to support individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions. I can help clients develop a solution-focused approach to solving problems. I am a compassionate and caring therapist who works with where you are at. I am a trauma-certified therapist who believes in working with a client-centered approach. If you need emotional support and someone open-minded, supportive, and understanding, then I welcome the opportunity to work with you.

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.

I am a compassionate therapist who values my relationship with clients and who works hard to effectively provide education, feedback, and a variety of strategies to address presenting issues. I work with my clients to enhance their self-awareness, understand sources of stress, discover their inner strengths and resilience, and improve their effectiveness. Therapeutic Approach: I believe in empowering people to work through life's challenging experiences. I am dedicated to working with my clients to identify the source of distress or difficulty and develop strategies to improve their lives. My ideal client is an adult, young or old, who is navigating the challenges of life, starting a family, parenting, family or peer relationships, or personal performance issues. My extensive experience working with adults and adolescents on issues related to mood and behavior, and current and past trauma, has informed many of my treatment approaches. Additionally, I have experience providing fertility support, treating postpartum depression/anxiety, and enjoy my work with teens and young adults navigating their developmental challenges, and athletes on performance enhancement and improvement. I have the E. Passport from PSYPACT, which grants me the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) in 41 US States. Programs Offered: Currently I provide initial, extensive consultations, ongoing trauma-focused therapy, Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), psychedelic preparation and harm reduction support, and individual and group psychedelic integration support. ***Join us on a 4-6 week Journey of KAP this summer! As a client, you will receive your own individualized KAP services and be part of a larger group of peers on this journey. It is our hope to build a community of personal and collective growth and mutual support in this process.*** Contact us for more information at renew.mhim@gmail.com

I love working with people who think they may have lost the plot. Who wonder if their symptoms may be a natural reaction to our society and our utter disconnection....from everything. I see you, and I get it. I think there is more to a life well-lived than mainstream notions of success. Come explore your life through values exploration and honest self-assessment, whether short or long-term. Welcoming and affirming for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC. I have an eclectic approach, which is a fancy way of saying that I don't rely on any one way of approaching curiosities. But my starting point is always from a place of your strengths, the things you are doing well, and your unique interests/wants/needs. I trend toward elements from Acceptance and Commitment, Positive Psychology, Existentialism, Brief Solution- Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Activation, Radical Acceptance, and Mindfulness. I am progressive in my politics, non-religious, and I believe that cursing is a valid form of self-expression. Humor is a big part of how I communicate and I believe it can get us through a lot of things. Despite being a middle-aged white woman who grew up in the south, you will find no bigoted mindset here. I will never pretend to understand the totality of your experience, but I do promise to see you, hear you, and respect you, while being mindful of the systemic, familial, and cultural issues that may be impacting you. I have stopped taking insurance because of all the barriers it creates from its medical model of viewing functionality and need. I know this creates a financial barrier for some, but I believe that until the system changes, its more of a detriment overall. But lets check those out-of-network benefits and see what we can squeeze out of the insurance company for you :)

We are a private practice that specializes in immigrant mental health. Our practice is made up of mostly 1st and 2nd generation immigrants, of which most speak another language (Spanish). We believe that the first generation experience is unique and should be handled in a delicate and trauma-informed way.

Are you looking for a place to find clarity on your relationships? Feeling so overwhelmed you aren't sure where to turn next? Or for a place to find school/life balance? We should talk. I help people like you find direction for their relationships and life. I specialize in those struggling in friend, family, and romantic relationships. I help those with anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, trauma, grief, and faith/spirituality. If you would like a caring space and support for a path forward you can send me an email and we can set up a free consultation and chat about your hopes for our work together.

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.

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Do want to gain deeper insight into yourself & your past experiences and start creating new patterns in your life? I am a compassionate and collaborative therapist that utilizes a holistic and integrated approach. As your therapist, I will help you process traumatic memories, learn coping skills, gain new perspective, set goals. I’ll show up as a real person, challenge you when you need it, and be genuinely invested in you and your journey. Schedule your free consultation today by sending your email inquiry. Do want to gain deeper insight into yourself & your past experiences and start creating new patterns in your life? I am a compassionate and collaborative therapist that utilizes a holistic and integrated approach. As your therapist, I will help you process traumatic memories, learn coping skills, gain new perspective, set goals. I’ll show up as a real person, challenge you when you need it, and be genuinely invested in you and your journey. Schedule your free consultation today by sending your email inquiry. View 4 Photos Lanie Figueroa has over a decade of working in the mental health field. Lanie practices from a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and strength-based lens, leading with her passion to help others in their paths of healing. Lanie is well-versed in CBT, DBT, narrative, and solution-based therapy. Lanie provides services in both Spanish and English. Therapy can be a challenging step to take in your healing journey. Lanie is committed to being able to provide a gentle, warm, free of judgement environment to openly explore thoughts, emotions and feelings to accomplish positive change.

I am open to working with a variety of people. I can work with teens to adults. I can do depression, anxiety, etc. My schedule is pretty open at the moment. However, if there is a time slot that I filled I will work with you to find a better timing.

Welcome to The Black Sheep Sanctuary, where therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you make sense of your beautifully messy, wonderfully weird, and sometimes chaotic life. We’re here for the overthinkers, the socially anxious, the “why am I like this?” crowd, and anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in. We believe that being different isn’t a flaw—it’s just you, being you. But let’s be real, sometimes figuring out “you” can feel overwhelming without a little guidance. That’s where we come in. Therapy with us isn’t stiff or clinical—it’s a conversation. Sometimes deep, sometimes hilarious, but always real. We show up as ourselves so you can too. Whether you're navigating anxiety, ADHD, relationships, or just trying to function without wanting to scream into the void, we’ve got you. No judgment. No weird therapy head tilts. Just real talk, practical tools, a couple of “f-bombs”, and a safe space where you don’t have to filter yourself. Welcome to the flock. You belong here.

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Hi, I’m Clayton, a licensed mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist. I believe that healing begins when we feel seen, heard, and accepted for who we are. My goal is to create a space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment — whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, identity concerns, relationship challenges, or simply trying to understand yourself on a deeper level. I work with individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, students adjusting to new transitions, and anyone striving to improve their emotional well-being. My approach is collaborative and compassionate — blending evidence-based techniques with genuine curiosity about your story. Together, we’ll work toward developing insight, strengthening coping skills, and helping you feel more grounded and confident in who you are. Therapy is not about “fixing” you; it’s about understanding, growth, and learning to embrace your own perfect imperfections. If you’re ready to begin that process, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

My role as a therapist is to provide guidance, insight, and encouragement while empowering clients to recognize their own resilience and capacity for transformation. Whether working through anxiety, depression, life transitions, or relationship difficulties, I strive to create a space where clients feel heard, validated, and supported in their journey toward well-being. My belief is that therapy is a collaborative journey toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. I integrate evidence-based practices with a person-centered philosophy, ensuring that therapy is tailored to the needs and goals of the unique client. Your feelings are valid, and your experiences matter. Taking the first step isn’t always easy, but it’s a sign of courage and self-care. When you’re ready, I’m here to listen.

Julia is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who received her MA from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Julia has spent her career serving youth and families in a variety of agency settings. She has experience working with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, ODD, school/behavioral issues, parenting and substance use. She works from a variety of therapeutic approaches, but comes at each case with a strength-based approach that is individually tailored to each client. Julia believes in meeting each client where they are at and helping them build from what they are already doing well.

I provide attentive, non-judgmental, individualized counseling services for students wanting a different relationship with their anxiety, OCD, and trauma. I find a lot of joy in working with LGBTQ+ and immigrant clients and feel that even with shared identities, no two experience is the same. I accept both MO and IL clients.

I am a compassionate and driven Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based mental health care that honors each patient’s dignity and lived experience. As a psychiatric nurse for 23 years, I bring strong clinical expertise in psychiatric assessment and diagnosis, while building trusting therapeutic relationships that promote healing and resilience. My practice is grounded in trauma-informed, patient-centered care and collaborative teamwork to support meaningful recovery and stability, long-term. I am committed to advocating for and de-stigmatizing mental illness through professionalism, empathy, and clinical excellence.

I help teens and adults who struggle to connect or communicate with their parents, friends or partners. They might spend too much time on social media, struggle to feel good about themselves, have low self-esteem, have a hard time with setting boundaries, or struggle to put their needs before others. They might date people they wish they didn’t, but don’t know how to end things, or stop patterns of behavior. They may struggle with managing school life, work life, home life or social life. I enjoy working with these clients and helping them find ways to have a better and more balanced life. I can help you by making you feel comfortable and safe in my office to tell me anything that weighs on you, or keeps you up at night. I will provide you a judgement-free space where you can talk, yell, swear, laugh or cry through the many emotions, and ups and downs that get thrown at you in life. I can also hype you up and hold you accountable. Quit second guessing yourself that you "don't really need therapy", or that things really "aren't that bad." You don't need to justify needing additional support right now. Sometimes simply talking to someone once a week is all we need to feel better, and you deserve to feel better. You deserve to feel heard, understood and validated.