Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Holistic, Culturally Attuned Psychiatric Support in English & Vietnamese. As a bilingual Vietnamese psychiatric nurse practitioner in Chicago, I provide compassionate, trauma-informed psychiatric care for adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. Being a second-generation Vietnamese American, I understand the complexities of identity, family expectations, and cross-cultural stressors that often go unspoken in traditional mental health spaces. I approach care with cultural sensitivity, humility, and an appreciation for the role identity plays in emotional well-being. Whether you’re exploring psychiatric care for the first time or looking to adjust your treatment plan, I’m here to help you move forward with confidence. Empowerment, Collaboration & Holistic Healing. I believe mental health care works best when it centers you—your values, your story, and your goals. My treatment plans integrate evidence-based medication management with: • Supportive education about your diagnosis and treatment • Open, respectful communication and shared decision-making • Trauma-sensitive, stigma-free care • Consideration of lifestyle, cultural background, and personal strengths Together, we’ll build a plan that feels personalized and sustainable—never one-size-fits-all. Conditions I Commonly Treat: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder • Generalized Anxiety Disorder Obsessive Compulsive Disorder • Major Depression & Dysthymia • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Trauma and PTSD • Sleep concerns and burnout • Adjustment issues related to culture, work, or identity

As an Asian therapist based in Chicago, I am deeply committed to supporting individuals, couples, and families—especially those from marginalized communities—who are navigating mood disorders, life transitions, self-esteem challenges, interpersonal conflicts, cultural identity questions, and the healing of trauma. Therapy with me is not about “fixing” you—it’s about understanding and honoring who you are, so that healing can naturally unfold and guide you toward the life you want with authenticity and confidence. I integrate multiple approaches to personalize your care, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic theories, Expressive Arts Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Somatic practices. I offer trauma-informed therapy in both Mandarin and English, creating an affirming, nonjudgmental space for you to feel heard, understood, and supported—especially if you’ve never had that opportunity before.

From the earliest moments of our lives, we are searching for and are in need of relationships and connection – it is in our early life where we begin to understand who we are, who others are, and what kind of world we live in. It is through this quest for connections outside of us that shades of Meaning, Purpose, and Creativity emerge within us. The quality of these aspects of life produces in us both wounds and liberties. Fortunately, therapy can be a place for us to gently and intentionally tease these qualities out toward a life and sense of self in line with your goals. In my practice, I work with adults of all ages. I have concentrated experience engaging with those who come from and/or are currently engaged in religious communities and the concerns that emerge from religious ideologies. I utilize a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and relational approach to our work together to cultivate curiosity, connection, and care. I believe that people are in a constant flux of Becoming – who we are, how we understand ourselves, others, and the world around us is changing all the time. Ultimately, I am not the arbiter of your life, you are. Intentional and sometimes difficult self-reflection can bring about amazing shifts in our approach to life.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and I also have my MBA. My goal is to create a safe, empathetic, and trusting space for clients to feel comfortable in their therapy journey. In working together, you can expect the beginning of the therapeutic process to include space for utilizing curiosity and empathy to strengthen the therapeutic relationship in order to begin creating meaningful change. The therapy journey is unique for each client and with that, my approach is not a one size fits all.

Dr. Aubrye Brower, Psy.D. is a licensed neuropsychologist who earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Adler University and her undergraduate degree from DePaul University. She completed her APA-accredited predoctoral internship at the Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she obtained advanced training in inpatient psychiatric services, Community Living Center (CLC) care, and neuropsychology. Dr. Brower went on to complete a two year APA-accredited postdoctoral fellowship at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which included an additional rotation at the Medical College of Wisconsin with a focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodegenerative disorders, and deep brain stimulation (DBS) evaluations. Throughout these clinical settings, she collaborated on interdisciplinary teams addressing the care and symptom management of individuals with stroke, TBI, multiple sclerosis, and geropsychiatric conditions. She also developed extensive experience conducting inpatient evaluations related to decision-making capacity, DBS candidacy, and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). In her current practice, Dr. Brower provides comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluations for adults 18 years and older. Her areas of expertise include assessments related to normal aging, dementia and memory concerns, mood disorders, ADHD, TBI, strokes, and medically complex patients. In addition to diagnostic evaluations, she provides psychotherapy and capacity evaluations for adults in assisted living facilities, supporting individuals as they navigate cognitive, emotional, and functional changes. Dr. Brower is passionate about working with patients during times of uncertainty—when there are often more questions than answers. Her goal is to provide clarity, understanding, and compassionate guidance to patients and their families as they explore concerns related to cognition or emotional functioning. Believing that aging and illness can be times of great adjustment, Dr. Brower strives to accompany patients through the beginning phases of their journey—from diagnosis to aftercare—with empathy, education, and evidence-based care.

Ziyi approaches therapy through an integrative clinical framework grounded in client-centered principles and cognitive-behavioral theory. She prioritizes the therapeutic alliances as the core foundation for effective work and collaborates closely with clients to deepen insight into the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns. Guided by a trauma-informed perspective, Ziyi maintains a warm and steady process. She invites clients to explore their inner experiences with curiosity and compassion while honoring their unique histories and capacities.

Many people come in feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure why certain patterns keep repeating. As a therapist, I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, and LGBTQ+-related concerns. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in meeting you where you are. I approach therapy as a collaborative, trauma-informed process rooted in curiosity and radical honesty. My work is neurodivergent-affirming and attentive to how different ways of thinking, processing, and experiencing the world shape mental health. I integrate CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy, tailoring our work to your goals and lived experience. My work is informed by anti-racist and anti-oppressive perspectives, with particular attention to how identity, power, and lived experience affect mental health. I am especially mindful of the ways weight stigma and body-based shame can impact self-worth and emotional well-being. I strive to offer a space that affirms body diversity and supports clients in showing up fully as they are. If you’re looking for a therapist who values honesty, agency, and inclusive care, I welcome you to reach out.

Hi, I’m Chelsey Daval (she/they), LCSW. Life brings moments of joy, connection, and excitement, but it can also bring seasons where the emotional weight of everyday responsibilities feels overwhelming. Many people, regardless of age, find themselves stuck in patterns they do not want to be in. Struggling with the same issues again and again, unsure of how to name what they are feeling, or unable to imagine a way forward. This may look like ongoing anxiety, low mood, obsessive or rigid thinking patterns, or difficulties in relationships that begin to feel confusing or distressing. I believe that change is possible when you are supported in an environment that encourages reflection, honesty, and self-compassion. We, as humans, are social beings, and healing does not happen alone. Therapy offers a space to slow down, feel supported, make sense of your experiences, and reconnect with yourself in a way that helps you move towards a more authentic and balanced life. I strive to create a therapeutic space together that is grounded in safety, respect, understanding, and empowerment. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and emerging adults in both individual and group therapy. Much of my work focuses on supporting identity development, emotional regulation, anxiety reduction, and building self-esteem and healthy relationships. I also support individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive patterns that impact their sense of safety, confidence, and daily functioning. In my work, I have had the privilege of watching many clients begin therapy feeling unsure or stuck in patterns that once helped them survive, and gradually grow into individuals who trust themselves more, reach out for support when they feel overwhelmed, and move forward with greater confidence and hope. In addition to individual and child therapy, I offer couples and family therapy for those navigating persistent relationship challenges or significant life transitions together. I work with families experiencing high-conflict dynamics, divorce, or blended family changes, as well as couples who find themselves having the same arguments over and over, struggling to feel understood, or longing for greater emotional closeness. In this work, we look beyond blame and focus on the patterns, stressors, and unmet needs that shape how people relate to one another. Family and couples therapy creates a space to slow down, feel heard, and reconnect. Family and couples therapy creates a space to slow down, feel heard, and reconnect by providing support for healthier communication, deeper understanding, and a sense that you do not have to carry the weight alone. In our work together, I draw from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, strengths-based and systems approaches, psychodynamic therapy, and the Gottman Method. This work often includes building emotional regulation skills, identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, practicing new ways of relating to others, and reshaping the stories you tell about yourself. These approaches allow us to understand you as a whole person, not just the current concern that brought you to therapy. My approach is relational, person-centered, and trauma-informed. This includes supporting people who are working through the impact of past or ongoing trauma and how these experiences continue to shape emotions, relationships, and ways of coping. Together, we focus on creating insight, strengthening internal resources, and supporting meaningful, lasting change. I know that seeking support can feel intimidating, no matter your age. I see the courage, strength, and self-awareness that it took for you to be here. I will approach your story with care, curiosity, and compassion. My goal is to help you reconnect with your sense of inner strength and clarity. You deserve a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. I would be honored to walk alongside you in that process.

I hold a deep belief in each person’s ability to heal and grow — no matter where they’re starting from. With several years of experience in mental health practice, I’ve supported people through a wide range of life challenges, always with compassion, radical acceptance, curiosity, and respect. I aim to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can show up as your full self — messy parts and all. My approach is trauma-informed, rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS), psychodynamic theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and somatic and mindfulness-based practices. That might sound like a lot — but at its heart, it means I listen closely, pay attention to what’s happening inside your body and nervous system, and help you get to know the deeper patterns shaping your thoughts, feelings, and relationships. I have a deep commitment to working with individuals from immigrant and bicultural backgrounds. I understand the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities, generational expectations, and the emotional weight that can come with migration. Therapy with me is a space where all of that — your story, your resilience, and your pain — is honored and held with care. In our work together, you can expect a collaborative and depth-oriented process.I create a space where you can feel deeply seen and safely challenged. I don’t shy away from the harder, deeper layers of healing — and I will support you with gentleness, skill, and curiosity as you move through them. Whether you're facing anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, intergenerational trauma, or simply seeking more clarity and connection in your life, I’m here to walk alongside you.

Whether it’s your first time starting therapy or you’re returning after some time, I am genuinely glad you’re here, and I’m excited to support you on your journey. In a world where hustle culture often pushes mental health aside, there is so much power and courage in choosing to prioritize your well-being. Even during the most difficult seasons of life, there is beauty in the process—sometimes, we just need that reminder and support. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, attachment-based therapy, and specialized support for medical trauma to best serve my clients. I believe in the power of human connection, and with the right tools and support, everyone has the capacity to heal and thrive. I strive to offer a supportive environment where you can better understand your emotional world, gain insight into yourself, and build practical skills to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.

Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in curiosity. As a relational therapist, I believe that healing happens in connection with ourselves and with others. Our therapeutic relationship is a central part of the work we do together, offering a safe and supportive space to explore patterns, build insight, and foster growth. I work with individuals navigating a range of challenges, including eating disorders, body image concerns, and self-esteem issues. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore your relationship with food, your body, and your sense of self. I also offer trauma-informed care, integrating Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and mindfulness-based approaches to support those healing from trauma and navigating sexual dysfunction. Together, we can gently explore the ways your past experiences may be impacting your present life and relationships. Whether you're processing the past or trying to make sense of your present, I’m here to sit with you as you move toward healing and self-understanding. I recognize that healing is not linear, and therapy is never one-size-fits-all. It’s an honor to meet you wherever you are on your journey. Together, we’ll uncover resilience, deepen self-awareness, and work toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

William is a trauma-informed therapist who values building a lasting connection with clients. Through his work with homeless and his experience in the entertainment industry, William utilizes tactful listening and an inviting aperture in order to build trust and comradery amongst clients. He uses a strength-based approach to empower clients and help them realize their strengths in the systems they reside.

People often seek therapy when emotions feel overwhelming, patterns feel hard to shift, or relationships become difficult to navigate. Therapy can offer a grounded space to better understand yourself, strengthen coping skills, and build healthier connections. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, ADHD, neurodivergence, identity-related and LGBTQ+-related concerns, as well as relationship challenges, family dynamics, and major life transitions. In our work together, we explore emotions as meaningful signals rather than problems to eliminate, while paying attention to how they show up in the body. I use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), attachment-based work, and mindfulness, integrating a relational and systems lens. My goal is to help you respond with intention, build self-awareness, and develop practical tools for lasting change. Therapy does not need to feel overly clinical or intimidating. I bring curiosity, steadiness, and occasional gentle humor into our work while staying focused and intentional. Seeking support can feel vulnerable, and I aim to offer a space where you feel supported, capable, and understood. If this approach feels aligned, taking that first step can open the door to meaningful change.

I have a holistic approach to therapy that invites us to slow down, be curious and turn inward to notice what is happening both in our bodies and minds. We live in a culture that privileges the cognitive over the felt sense. By exploring our emotions rather than judging them or trying to get rid them, we can grow our ability to be with and tend to those feelings and see the wisdom within. "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." --Carl Rogers

As if life as an undergraduate or graduate student wasn't already stressful and complicated, a lot of mental disorders first start to really get in the way at that vulnerable and challenging stage, when you're navigating lots of new relationships and figuring out who you are. It helps to have someone to talk to, and some of the most exciting and powerful experiences I've had as a therapist have been working with students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as with adults in other creative fields: music, filmmaking, dance, fashion and poetry. For many, creativity often seems inseparable from mental health and illness, and I've explored how they may interact, both with my clients and through presentations for clinicians on the likes of Kurt Cobain, Mark Rothko and Jean-Michel Basquiat. I think I have some insight into these issues, as my first career was as a journalist, mostly writing on visual and performing arts for the Chicago Tribune and other outlets both online and print. I've been around the block a few times, in other words, and I can help you get back on track.

Even though challenges are a natural part of life, they can still leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or discouraged. Therapy can support you in managing overwhelming emotions, getting through difficult moments, deepening your self-understanding, and moving toward a more authentic version of yourself. Together, we can support you in navigating anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, ADHD, neurodivergence, identity-related and LGBTQ+ concerns, as well as relationship challenges, family dynamics, and major life transitions. With a person-centered approach, I support your self-exploration and recognize you as the expert in your own life. I use CBT and DBT techniques to help you build self-compassion and strengthen emotional regulation. I also help you explore holistic options such as mindfulness, meditation, and gentle movement like yoga to support overall well-being. I approach each session with curiosity, empathy, and respect for your unique experiences. My goal is to support you in developing insight, strengthening coping skills, and creating a compassionate balance in your life. I look forward to working together with you.

College can be exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Chicago Talk Therapy is a downtown practice designed with college students in mind, offering individual therapy for concerns like anxiety, burnout, relationships, identity, and the pressure to “have it all figured out.” Our therapists are warm, down-to-earth, and genuinely engaged, creating a space where you can be real about what’s going on—without judgment or expectations. We approach our work with cultural humility, honoring the many layers of who you are—your background, identities, and lived experiences—and how they shape what you’re going through. We also know that when you’re ready for support, you don’t want to wait weeks to get it. That’s why we offer immediate availability, flexible scheduling around your classes, and accept many major insurance plans. Whether you’re dealing with something specific or just feeling off, we’re here to help you make sense of things, feel more grounded, and get back to being yourself—on your terms.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Illinois with over 10 years of experience. I’m also a Board-Certified Art Therapist and hold a trauma professional certification. I work with individuals 13 and up around concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, self-harm, self-esteem, and trauma. I take a holistic, strengths-based approach that honors your whole self. I draw from a variety of treatment approaches, personalizing care to focus on what feels most supportive for you. As an Art Therapist, I offer art making as an outlet for emotional healing and joyful creativity. Art Therapy can be especially helpful to express thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to verbalize, while also supporting self-worth and mind–body connection. I deeply value the therapeutic relationship and believe it is the foundation for meaningful change. I bring compassion, curiosity, and respect to each session, honoring that change can be both brave and hard. You don’t have to do this alone—I’ll be alongside you as you build skills, connect with your strengths, and create a more balanced, fulfilling life. “Only when we’re brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” -Brené Brown

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides trauma-informed care targeted toward empowering individuals to move beyond survival, and toward a more fulfilling, connected life. I provide services for children aged 5 and older, adolescents, and adults. I utilize an integrated approach that considers your unique needs, contexts, and goals. Drawing from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), we will build practical coping skills, increase psychological flexibility, and cultivate self-compassion. Through narrative processing, we will work to assign meaning to your experiences—transforming painful or confusing chapters into integrated parts of your story. My specializations include targeted treatment for: Posttraumatic Stress, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Generalized and Social Anxiety, Relationship Difficulties, Parenting Challenges, Family Instability Our work will prioritize helping you become more functional and engaged in the aspects of your life that are most important to you by exploring recurring patterns and the beliefs and emotions that shape them. Together, we examine how past experiences influence present dynamics, allowing you to better understand yourself and respond more purposefully. Whether you are navigating the long-term impacts of adverse childhood experiences or more recent life transitions we will focus not only on symptom relief but also on deep, sustainable change.

I provide in depth talk therapy to individuals and couples dealing with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, relationship issues, career concerns, trauma, and identity development. As a psychoanalytically oriented therapist, I feel I am most specialized in helping those I treat with what Christopher Bollas (a renowned psychoanalyst) refers to as the Unthought Known – those intimately familiar yet too elusive to comprehend patterns that inhibit our beings in ways exquisitely unique to each of us. It is my belief that our work together in learning more about these ingrained underlying “loops” (in an environment where you feel safe, nurtured, and free of judgment) has the potential to provide peace, present solutions, and produce change.