Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

At Lion's Heart Therapy PLLC, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, compassionate space to heal, grow, and rediscover hope. Life can bring unexpected challenges—whether you're navigating a stressful life transition, struggling with anxiety or depression, facing relationship difficulties, grieving a loss, or simply feeling overwhelmed. You don't have to face those burdens alone. Our mission is to provide personalized, evidence-based psychotherapy in an environment where you feel heard, valued, and supported. We meet each person with empathy, respect, and genuine care, helping clients develop practical tools, deepen self-understanding, and move toward lasting emotional wellness. Our work is inspired by Christian values of compassion, grace, hope, and restoration while honoring each person's individual beliefs and experiences. For those who desire it, faith can be thoughtfully integrated into the therapeutic process as a source of strength and healing. Whether or not faith is part of your journey, every client is welcomed with dignity, acceptance, and respect. At Lion's Heart Therapy, we believe healing is possible, hope can be renewed, and meaningful transformation can happen. Wherever you are in your journey, we are honored to walk alongside you as you move toward greater peace, resilience, and the life you were created to live.

Hi, my name is River! I work with adults (18+) and my main areas of focus are anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I also have a particular passion for working with people from the queer and neurodivergent communities. I enjoy working with clients who are trying to live fuller, more authentic, values-driven lives, and I am passionate about helping each client carve out a path forward that honors their unique identities. My approach to therapy is all about creating a space where you can bring your full authentic self and drawing on your inherent strengths to overcome whatever challenges you’re facing. I believe the therapeutic process looks different for everyone. Whether you are looking for something more structured and direct or you just need a space to talk things out, I will always strive to meet you where you’re at. I also take a systemic lens to therapy, bringing issues of power and privilege into the conversation. Understanding how systems of power and oppression impact the problems you are facing deepens our understanding of the issue and informs how to best move forward. I understand that starting therapy is not easy, and opening up to a stranger doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It is important for me to meet you where you’re at, whether you have experience in therapy or this is your first time. If you think I might be a fit, I would love to talk about how I can help support you. I look forward to meeting you!

Hi! I am an EMDR-Certified and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist with a specialization in working with college students (both "traditional" and "non-traditional"). I deeply enjoy getting to work with folks who are looking to address challenges they might be experiencing in their relationships: their relationships to partners, friends, family members, and importantly, to themselves. Many life experiences may lead us to feel in disconnection with ourselves: whether you have experienced relational or institutional trauma, are navigating multiple life transitions (e.g. beginning a new degree, receiving a new medical diagnosis), or are exploring social, sexual or gender identity, I am here to help you reconnect with yourself and take steps forward in your healing journey.

Tired of feeling stuck? Anxious? Sad? Do intrusive thoughts get in the way of studying or feeling settled when spending time with friends or family? Are you ready to make a change but having a hard time starting the process? We get it. We know how hard it is. And we can help you. We are a clinically diverse group of clinicians available to meet with clients Monday-Saturday with evening availability (we are solely doing teletherapy at this time). We work with college age students and adults who may be struggling with a life adjustment or transition, unresolved past hurt or trauma, difficulty concentrating and nervousness, negative thoughts or hard to control worry and fears. In our therapy session, we don't just sit back and listen. We teach our clients how to have more control over difficult thoughts and intense emotions, feel more emotionally settled and balanced in daily activities and develop healthier coping skills to combat unhealthy behaviors. And to keep the therapy process moving forward, clients are given homework assignments in -between therapy sessions. We know that you have the ability to make the changes you are looking for. And we are confident we can help you make these changes.

At Carlson Counseling Connection, we work best with undergraduate and graduate students who are trying to navigate the intense pressure, independence, and constant transitions of university life. Many of the students who thrive in therapy with me look like they are managing everything just fine on the outside—staying on top of classes, keeping up social lives, or building impressive resumes—even when they are feeling burnt out, anxious, or uncertain on the inside. You might be a great fit for my practice if you are experiencing: Academic & Future Anxiety: You feel an overwhelming pressure to perform, maintain high grades, or figure out your career path, leading to frequent overthinking, perfectionism, or fear of failure. Major Life Transitions: You are adjusting to life on campus, moving away from home, managing increased independence, or preparing to transition out of university into the workforce. Burnout & Emotional Fatigue: You find it difficult to rest without feeling guilty, often feeling mentally drained, overextended by commitments, or running on empty. Boundary & Identity Stress: You are navigating shifting family dynamics, roommate conflicts, complex friendships, or learning how to stand up for your own needs without feeling like you're letting others down. Therapy can be a candid, low-pressure space where you don't have to keep up appearances or put on a brave face. Together, we'll cut through the noise, build practical ways to handle stress, and help you create a balanced university experience that actually feels sustainable.

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.

I offer a warm, flexible, and low-pressure space where clients can show up exactly as they are. I honor sensory needs and nervous system responses, incorporating mindfulness practices to bring gentle awareness to our experiences. I often use somatic strategies to support connection and foster a sense of safety that is essential for growth. My background includes training in a wide range of approaches from traditional talk therapy to play-based modalities. I’m especially passionate about working with clients who may feel misunderstood or overwhelmed by conventional models of therapy. Clients can expect to feel supported and encouraged without pressure or judgment. I aim to co-create a space that feels steady and grounded. Whether we’re working through emotional regulation, identity, relationships, or everyday overwhelm, therapy can be a space for you. It can feel overwhelming to know where to start, but reaching out is the first step.

We are a team of therapists and coaches who are anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, fat-positive and are committed to our own journeys of healing in order to support yours. If you're struggling with substance use, perfectionism, anxiety, trauma, depression, identity exploration, athletic mindset/performance, grief, or body image we're here to help! We also offer gender affirming letters, which can be completed in one session. We have experience working with college students and college athletes and are here to talk things out, build new skills, use movement and mindfulness, and be your biggest supporters and advocates. We offer talk therapy, somatic and dance therapy, coaching, and energy healing. If you think we could be a good fit, please reach out and we'll schedule a consultation call to chat more.

I believe that healing begins with a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space—one where you can freely explore your experiences and take meaningful steps toward improved mental health. If you are ready to embark on a journey toward greater well-being, I am here to support you. Together, we can work toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Bethesda Behavioral Health Services fosters the personal, emotional, and social well-being of its clients and helps them reach their fullest potential by providing comprehensive clinical counseling, consultation, coaching, supervision, crisis intervention, and psychoeducational services.

Sometimes you feel like you just can’t take it anymore. Sometimes it's just a gnawing question. Everyone emphasizes the fun and freedom of your college years, but they don't always mention that emerging adult years are also HARD. You're building a whole new life, a whole new independent person. I have helped hundreds of people in serious situations turn things around and build the lives they want. I know what it’s like to be in your head with doubt and worry and shame, and can help people who are struggling with mental health and/or substance use get real results. If you're holding secrets and stresses that are keeping you up at night, affecting your appetite, your friendships, your concentration, your academics, reach out. I offer a free 10 minute chat that can be your first step to freeing yourself from the burden of what you’ve been carrying. Let me know if I can be of service to you. You don't have to do this alone.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

College life can be a time of major transitions, and balancing academics, relationships, and self-care isn’t always easy—especially if you're a first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) student, far from home, or struggling with self-esteem and perfectionism. I’m here to support you as you navigate these challenges and grow more confident in managing them. I specialize in helping students who may feel the pressure to succeed in a new environment, who worry about "getting it right," or who are simply adjusting to life away from family and familiar support networks. Together, we’ll explore strategies that feel true to you, build on your strengths, and work toward a healthier balance. If you’re new to therapy, I provide a welcoming space where you can be yourself and learn how to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Let’s take this journey at your pace, and find ways to make college life a little less overwhelming and a lot more fulfilling.

Stephanie is a licensed therapist with over a decade of mental health experience across multiple cities and care levels. Her foundation as a clinician is built on evidence-based training, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to helping people feel seen, understood, and empowered.

Rick McEwan's guiding philosophy is to be a "friend in healthcare," recognizing that seeking help is a courageous act. He recognizes that the healthcare system is a bit broken, and that it can be an overwhelming place for many individuals. Always meeting patients where they are in their journey, Rick focuses on individualized care plans that support mental and emotional well-being. He brings a wealth of expertise in a comprehensive patient-centered approach. Adopting a therapeutic framework that emphasizes trust, collaboration, and empathy, Rick strives to create a therapeutic alliance where patients feel empowered to engage in their healing process. He integrates the latest in psychopharmacology and therapeutic modalities, using technology to offer convenient and comfortable interactions. Rick is especially passionate about working with marginalized communities, fostering an affirming space where care is free from judgment and bias. His approach is deeply rooted in integrative care, leveraging a biopsychosocial model to address both physical and mental health needs.

Caterina Frollano, LPC, specializes in the treatment of adults and adolescents with mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, women's health, multicultural identity development, and transitional stress. She uses an integrative approach to treatment and is skilled in various methods of intervention including DBT, CBT, dynamic, and multiculturally informed care. Additionally, she has advanced training in prenatal and postpartum care as well as parenting coaching. Caterina has provided psychotherapy at various settings and levels of care. The diversity of her experience enhances her ability to accurately diagnose and develop effective treatment plans for the needs of each client. She understands the importance of the therapeutic relationship and thus approaches therapy with your feelings and experience as a priority. If you're ready to schedule with Caterina, you are welcome to do so directly through the client portal by visiting the Allow Wellness website: www.allow-wellness.com.

You weren’t meant to spend your life in survival mode. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or a major life transition, or noticing patterns in relationships, self-doubt, or emotional overwhelm that feel hard to break, therapy can help you make sense of what’s going on beneath the surface. I work with adolescents and adults to understand how anxiety, trauma, and current life stressors shape your present experience, helping you move with self-compassion, reconnect with your authentic self, and build a life that feels more grounded and fully your own. Stress, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem concerns, relationship challenges, and major life transitions can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. Therapy offers space to slow down, understand patterns, and gain clarity. Using a trauma-informed, collaborative approach, I support clients in building resilience and a more authentic way of living. Taking steps toward change takes courage, especially when you’ve been carrying things on your own. I’m here to walk alongside you in that process. If you’re looking for a therapist who will honor your strengths, respect your story, and offer a supportive space to make sense of what you’ve been carrying, I’d love to connect.

You’ve mastered survival so well that you forgot what it feels like to simply live. You know how to push through. You know how to keep moving when you’re exhausted. You know how to put your feelings aside and handle what needs to be handled. But surviving your days isn’t the same as feeling present in your life. Therapy can help you move beyond constantly managing the next problem and start understanding what you need to feel more grounded, connected, and confident. We’ll work through anxiety, depression, stress, and self-doubt while building tools you can carry into everyday life. Our therapists work with teens and adults who are ready to understand themselves better, make changes, and feel more in control of their lives. We provide convenient virtual therapy making it easier to get consistent support without adding another stressful task to your schedule. You deserve therapy that feels relevant to your actual life. You don’t need to become better at surviving. You deserve a space where you don’t have to pretend you’re okay. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward feeling more balanced, confident, and in control.

Clients can expect a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where they feel heard, respected, and encouraged to grow. In our sessions, we will work together to build insight, develop healthy coping strategies, and set realistic goals that align with your personal values and needs. My approach focuses on creating a space that fosters trust and emotional safety, where clients can explore challenges, build on their strengths, and take meaningful steps toward healing and positive change.

If you find yourself not feeling good enough, struggling to cope with worries, traumas, and pain from the past, or wanting to learn more about yourself and why you think and behave in the ways that you do, my therapeutic approach may be right for you. Depending on your goals/needs, we will work together to increase your insight, explore alternative coping strategies, and help you feel empowered to make different decisions in life to get your closer to who and where you want to be. My intention in our work together is to see you, understand you, and challenge you to grow. When necessary/needed, we will use humor along the way! I specialize in working with adults struggling with feelings of Unworthiness/Low Self-Esteem, Trauma/PTSD, Family/Relationship Conflict, Anxiety, and Depression. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, Mental Health Professionals, Artists, Immigrants, First-Generation Americans, Bi-cultural Individuals, and the Kink community. I would be honored to be a part of your journey. Through our work together, you can learn to practice more self-compassion, feel more grounded, and better manage all the thoughts and feelings you're experiencing. If you connected to what I've shared and feel like we would be a good fit, feel free to message me to arrange a free phone consult.