Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

You’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and you don’t know how to manage everything. You feel like no one understands and it seems as though life keeps getting harder. It seems like you’ve tried everything and nothing is working. Do you often ask yourself what can I do to feel better? Do you find yourself wanting to connect with someone? Everyone deals with a hardship at one point in their lives. During this time it can be difficult to feel heard, understood, supported. I understand that reaching out for the initial session can be difficult, but take the first step, it’s the hardest. I am here to support and guide you in creating positive change. Imagine understanding your triggers, so you have a better understanding of how to manage them. No matter what you’re dealing with or what age you are, I can help you with the difficulties you’re facing. I’ve spent years helping clients learn about themselves and make positive life changes. I offer a safe space for clients to feel comfortable and confident about managing life‘s challenges. I look forward to working together.

Life can feel overwhelming even when everything appears fine on the surface. Many of the individuals I work with are successful, hardworking people who find themselves struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, stress, or emotional exhaustion. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I provide a supportive and judgment-free environment where we can discuss your symptoms, concerns, and treatment goals openly. My focus is on helping you better understand your mental health and finding effective treatment options that support your daily functioning and overall well-being. I specialize in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, prescription refills, and ongoing treatment planning for a wide range of mental health conditions. Through regular follow-up appointments, we monitor your progress, evaluate medication effectiveness, manage side effects, and make adjustments when needed to ensure you receive the most appropriate care. My goal is to help you achieve symptom stability, improve your quality of life, and support long-term mental wellness through evidence-based psychiatric treatment. Seeking help is an important step toward feeling better. Whether you are beginning treatment for the first time, looking for a medication provider, or seeking continued psychiatric care, I am here to help. Together, we can develop a treatment plan that fits your needs and supports your path toward improved mental health and emotional well-being.

Beth Thornton is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing from the University of Louisville in Kentucky and completed her specialized psychiatric training at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. Beth’s approach to care is grounded in patient-centered practice, where your unique needs, experiences, and values guide the treatment process. She is committed to creating a compassionate and supportive environment, emphasizing respect, empathy, and empowering you to actively participate in your mental health journey. Beth integrates the latest research and evidence-based practices to tailor treatment plans that address your individual needs. Passionate about demystifying psychiatry, she welcomes all questions and strives to make the process clear and approachable. "Empowering you to take an active role in your care is my passion. Every session provides an opportunity to review and adjust your treatment plan to ensure your concerns and goals are met. Life brings changes, and you deserve a flexible treatment approach that supports you through every season. Please note, I generally do not prescribe controlled substances during an initial consultation." Sessions are designed to be low-stress, and questions are always encouraged. You are unique, and we will take the time to thoroughly discuss your needs before crafting a plan that supports you in achieving your goals.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been helping people experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma and relationship issues for over 7 years. I have developed great skill in balancing a caring therapeutic rapport with direct communication, and I am not afraid to provide challenging feedback at times. I will be openminded and warm as we work through your concerns together.

Have you experienced trauma? Maybe you've figured out some ways to manage it in the past, but it's getting harder since starting/going back to school. Those old coping habits aren't cutting it anymore, and it's finally time to do the work, both for the sake of your academic future, and also so you can live an authentic, fulfilling life. Welcome! My name is Caroline Lavelock, and I have worked in university counseling with large, diverse, nontraditional student populations for nearly 15 years. I bring expertise in college mental health, especially for first-generation students and children of immigrants who are balancing competing expectations between work, school, and home life. Now that I am in private practice, I am pleased to offer the longer-term, trauma-focused therapy that many students need but struggle to find in short-term counseling university counseling models. I am also a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional and can provide information about how you can use nutrition to optimize your mental health. I offer instant online booking through my group practice, Tailwinds Psychology, where you can also access psychiatry and testing services. Let's get to work!

My mission is to provide quality individual and group therapy that is accessible and meaningful. Over the years, I have worked with a wide variety of folks and have found that meeting people “where they are at “ and actively listening to their goals is the basic foundation that can be overlooked at times. Clients in my practice are motivated for therapy and committed to the time we set aside for their growth. I am also committed to that time in order to assist clients with meeting their goals and experiencing further well-being. Depending on their own personal preference for more or less structure, I can generally adapt my practice skills to meet that personal preference.

Hi, I’m Monica Fields, LCSW, PMHC. I work with multicultural and first-generation young adults, as well as new and expecting parents, helping them navigate identity, relationships, and life transitions such as adjusting to college. Using Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), ACT, and mindfulness-based tools, I support clients in understanding relationship patterns, managing emotions, and reconnecting with their values. My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth—I create a space where you can feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward in your life with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re adjusting to parenthood, balancing cultural expectations, or exploring who you want to be, I’m here to help you navigate these challenges with self-compassion and practical strategies.

Therapy is a unique process, one that aims to guide you through challenges and roadblocks, helping you move towards a healthier and more meaningful life. My goal is to create a space where growth is safe and cultivated. Using an evidence-based approach, I work to help you gain awareness of your emotional experience, working to understand the way you experience and interact with the world. I help you explore parts of yourself you may not be completely comfortable with, learning to tolerate the discomfort that surfaces during this process. I challenge clients to try something different, encouraging a more intentional approach. Change can be hard and scary; it takes courage and willingness to say you need help. I see individuals with a wide range of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, and identity development. I also maintain a strong commitment to cultural humility. Life can throw out some pretty tough things, and while we don't always have a choice in what comes our way, we do have a choice in how we respond. Let's work together to find out how you want to respond to the challenges in your life.

Hi there! My name is Estefi and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, social anxiety, and school issues. I have more than 11 years of experience working as a therapist with clients of varied cultures, ages, and backgrounds. I specialize in working with college students or young adults facing a variety of personal, academic, professional, and psychological challenges. In my practice, I celebrate the uniqueness of every person and believe in the power of the trusting working relationship between client and therapist. I personalize my interventions based on the client’s needs, challenges, and goals. I use different therapeutic models while maintaining a strength-based perspective. Some of the therapeutic methods that I use are psychodynamic theory, systems theory, person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, CBT, and EMDR. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I was born and raised in Argentina, but I've been living in the Chicagoland area for over 20 years.

Welcome! I am excited to meet with you. My name is Jen Stephens and I have been a counselor for over 20 years and hold licenses in Alabama, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas. My experience includes working with substance abuse issues and various aspects of mental health. Additionally, I have worked with the military population and have supported the LGBTQ+ community. I am here to help you navigate what is important to you, and I look forward to embarking on this journey together!

Though I am experienced with most general mental health struggles (depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc.), some of my specialties include those grappling with - ⁃ Loneliness ⁃ Toxic relationships ⁃ Setting boundaries with friends/roommates ⁃ Transitioning to college life ⁃ Perfectionistic tendencies and cycles of shame ⁃ Relationship breakups and friendship ruptures ⁃ Procrastination with schoolwork ⁃ Comparing self to others' achievements ⁃ Negative self-talk ⁃ Time management ⁃ Choosing a major

Create Balance Counseling is a boutique therapy practice dedicated to creating change by bringing awareness, creativity, movement, and well-being into balance. We provide talk therapy, art therapy, and yoga therapy for all ages, available through telehealth and in-person at our Hinsdale, IL location. At Create Balance Counseling, we are committed to our clients' overall well-being. Using a dynamic approach, we work to create a safe space for connection and healing using a combination of art, movement, and talk therapy. Our team adapts treatment plans to meet clients where they’re at in their journey, factoring in individual needs. Whether you've had experience with therapy or you're completely new to it, we collaborate to establish a comfortable space that promotes personal growth and lasting change. Our practice welcomes everyone, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds.

Health and Healing Therapy is a mental health counseling and psychotherapy practice. We are here to help children, teens, adults, families, and couples create the lives they want and deserve for themselves and for the people they care about. Our therapist team and counseling office are open for in-person and telehealth visits.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I hope to offer my clients a safe and positive place to address concerns, gain awareness and strength for the current stressors that bring them to counseling. Clients have said they feel comfortable in therapy with me, and gain a sense of hope and knowledge they did not have before seeking therapy. My approach is person-centered using CBT, strength-based and mindfulness as some of the empirically proven strategies to guide my clients to success.

I work with college students and adults who are navigating stress, anxiety, academic pressures, relationships, and life transitions. I take a collaborative and supportive approach, tailoring therapy to each person’s unique needs and goals. Some clients choose to explore EMDR, and I’m trained to use it when it fits, but many find our sessions helpful through conversation, reflection, and practical coping strategies. I aim to create a space where students feel understood and empowered, whether you’re struggling with burnout, uncertainty about the future, or past experiences that continue to affect your life. I accept BCBS of Michigan and BCN and offer telehealth sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays to make therapy accessible and easy to fit into a busy schedule.

My focus has been on individuals of all ages struggling with trauma, attachment, mood issues, and family issues. I work with individuals and families struggling with the effects of trauma, change, anxiety, and their relationships. I am here to help build a sense of safety, joy, and connection. As most people in this society, I have been affected by trauma, and I believe that my personal insight as well as my training and experience. I work with all ages, though I am unable to work with small children right now as sessions must be virtual. I love helping people feel more empowered and grow in their understanding.

Your path to a calmer, happier life starts here. I am ready to support you at your own pace, providing flexible appointments and personalized care. Whether you are an individual seeking personal growth, a couple looking to strengthen your connection, or a family aiming to foster harmony, I am here to help. Let’s work together to address anxiety, depression, and stress, creating a healthier path forward for yourself, your relationships, and your family.

At the North Suburban Center for Anxiety, we specialize in using cognitive behavior therapy to treat anxiety, OCD, and related disorders. We recognize that anxiety can be overwhelming, scary, and isolating. However, it is also treatable! As cognitive behavior therapists, we provide research-supported and results-oriented treatment. We believe that how individuals think and behave directly affect how they feel. Therefore, we use a compassionate, collaborative, and direct approach to empower clients with the necessary skills to modify their irrational thoughts, confront their maladaptive fears, and decrease their overall anxiety. By the end of treatment, our goal is that clients have learned the essential tools to master their anxiety or OCD and are living a more fulfilling life.

I specialize in ADHD therapy for teens and adults who struggle with executive functioning, overwhelm, procrastination, and follow-through. You may be intelligent, motivated, and capable,but still find yourself feeling scattered, burnt out, or frustrated by difficulty starting or finishing tasks. Many people describe long-term patterns of underachievement, forgetfulness, emotional overwhelm, or feeling like they are constantly “behind,” even when they are trying their best. As an ADHD therapist, I help clients understand how their brain works and develop practical, sustainable strategies for focus, organization, emotional regulation. I help clients with ADHD, anxiety, burnout, relationship stress, and low self-esteem linked to feeling overwhelmed or “not enough.” My approach is structured, practical, and compassionate, focusing on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and real-life skills. Virtual therapy in VA, IL, MD. In-network with BCBS, Cigna, and United Healthcare. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated managing ADHD, you don’t have to figure it out alone. ADHD therapy can help you understand how your mind works and build practical tools that fit your life. When you’re ready, I invite you to reach out to explore whether working together feels like a good fit and supportive for you.