Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

I approach therapy as a collaborative endeavor. I strive to create a warm and accepting space where clients can safely explore the roadblocks they are encountering. My belief is that we are all capable of being resilient; we all have strengths we can rely on to support us through confusing and challenging times. Through therapy, my clients feel empowered to discover new ways to understand themselves and relate to others. My expertise includes relationships, family issues, academic stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. Born and raised in Taiwan, and having later moved to the U.S. as an international student, I am deeply attuned to the excitement, opportunities for growth, and challenges of studying abroad and navigating new cultures. In addition to offering bilingual (English/Mandarin) psychotherapy, I actively investigate how language and culture shape our identities and the way we interact with the world around us. Throughout my professional career, I have been an advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. At the University of Indianapolis, I was an ambassador for international students at the Center for Global Engagement. I led initiatives to foster cultural humility among staff at Purdue University, as well as workshops on culturally-informed approaches to self-care at the Asian and Asian American Resource and Cultural Center. I am committed to working with people struggling with discrimination, microaggressions, language barriers, and identity explorations. I completed my Doctoral Internship at Purdue University, Counseling and Psychological Services. As part of my clinical training, I worked at university counseling centers in the Midwest (DePauw University, Indiana State University) and hospitals in Taiwan. I obtained a doctoral degree in Psychology (Psy.D.) from the University of Indianapolis, a program accredited by the American Psychological Association.

Grey Area Therapy is a small practice located in the Wicker Park/Bucktown Neighborhood. Our team specializes in working with young adults and we provide support to folks working with anxiety, depression, life transitions, academic and vocational stress, trauma, eating disorders, perfectionistic tendencies, supporting folks identifying as LGBTQ, and folks with relationship issues. We are in network with most commercial insurance providers (BCBS PPO and Blue Choice, Aetna, Cigna, and United). We have in person and virtual openings and we offer weekday daytime, evening, and weekend availability.

Dr. Gonzales takes a personalized, collaborative approach that thoughtfully integrates medication management with evidence-based therapeutic techniques. He believes every patient deserves a safe space — one built on trust and open communication — because lasting change requires feeling safe and genuinely heard. He specializes in treating anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD across the lifespan — with a particular focus on the unique challenges facing early career professionals, young adults, college students, transitional aged youth, kids and teens. Whether you're seeking psychiatric care for the first time or you've tried other providers and are looking for a better fit, his goal is always the same: to help you grow, develop coping skills that actually work in real life, and build the kind of emotional foundation that holds. Dr. Gonzales believes that mental health care should be readily accessible — because the easier it is to engage in care, the more likely meaningful progress follows. His practice is primarily telehealth-based, removing barriers like commute time, scheduling conflicts, and the hesitation that can come with walking into an office. He currently sees patients virtually across Illinois, Florida, Wisconsin, and Texas. In-person appointments are also available in Chicago, IL for those who prefer them.

I can work with a variety of clients who are looking for an empathic connection which allows them to understand themselves better and solve problems. Students I have seen are dealing with academic pressures, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, transitions, self esteem etc. Each situation is unique.

As a first generation American with a multifaceted cultural background and personal identity, I understand just how unique every individual is. For this reason, I find it important to meet clients where they are at and create a supportive and safe space where they can be their true authentic selves. I use an integrative approach to therapy based in multicultural, person-centered, and psychodynamic frameworks. I enjoy using a narrative approach to empower clients to re-author their life story, make more informed choices, and create positive change that will help them to live in a way that reflects their true goals and values. Together we can explore and process your life experiences, consider the various aspects of your identity (race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc.), and explore your many abilities, skills, values, and beliefs. I may incorporate Motivational Interviewing, CBT, REBT, Relational Therapy as needed to facilitate progress towards your goals. I am experienced in working with clients from diverse backgrounds and ages/ life stages, from adolescents to older adults. I have supported clients through both group and individual therapy to help them overcome a variety of challenges, such as substance use issues, anxiety, depression, relational issues, PTSD, ADHD, and more.

Having worked in college counseling centers for over 15 years in Chicago and New York, and serving as the Associate Director for DePaul University Counseling Center for 8 years, I am deeply committed to and well acquainted with college student mental health. Whether this is your first time seeking therapy or you have a history of treatment and are looking towards a next chapter of work, I am delighted to begin a conversation to see how I might be of help.

At Gemstone Wellness, we're a team of Chicago-based therapists who understand that college brings real pressure: academic stress, identity questions, relationship changes, and the general weight of figuring out who you are away from home. We offer trauma-informed, identity-affirming therapy for anxiety, stress, and the bigger questions that come up along the way. We're proud LGBTQIA+ allies, committed to anti-racist practice, and here for you no matter your background or where you're starting from. Sessions are available in English and Spanish, in person in Chicago's Loop or virtually across Illinois. Your safety and trust matter to us. We'd love to welcome you into a space built for real support, not just getting through the semester. We're proud LGBTQIA+ allies, committed to anti-racist practice, and here for you no matter your background or where you're starting from. Sessions are available in English and Spanish, in person in Chicago's Loop or virtually across Illinois. Your safety and trust matter to us. We'd love to welcome you into a space built for real support, not just getting through the semester.

I earned my master’s degree in social work, with a concentration in mental health, from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at UIC in 2017. Since then, I have worked in multiple settings, including residential treatment, schools, and traditional clinical placements. I have a passion for doing this work and absolutely love my job. I have worked primarily with adolescents and families from diverse backgrounds, and I am excited to work with clients from all walks of life, whether they are on specific journeys of growth and healing, or just trying to figure some things out. I believe that everyone already has within them the inner strength and talents they need to create the life they want. Sometimes, we just need some help recognizing or tapping into our gifts. I’m a firm believer in the strengths-based approach, along with cognitive behavioral and reality therapy, and work from a combination of these perspectives. This means that in essence, I believe that learning the how and why behind the choices we have made in the past, is the most important part of learning how to choose wisely in the future. My goal is to create a safe place where we can talk openly about those choices without judgment, process the consequences both good and bad, and progress towards making different choices leading to different outcomes.

There is no denying that we live in a world steeped in struggles with food and body image. Whether these issues are severely impacting your life or simply hard for you to manage right now, I’m here to help. I have been a registered dietitian specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and disordered eating for almost 10 years. I’d love to work with you on your journey to heal your relationship with food, no matter your diagnosis or lack thereof. I have experience treating a wide variety of eating disorders, including EDNOS, AN, BN, BED, ARFID etc. I work with all ages, all sizes, all ability levels, all genders, all races, all religious backgrounds, and all cultures because eating disorders do not discriminate and neither does treatment for them. We can do this together. I didn’t always know this was my passion. Having studied Psychology as an undergraduate at Central Michigan University and obtaining my first Bachelor’s degree in 2004, I was unsure what my calling was. I took some time to gain some real-world experience and it wasn’t until several years later that I realized my passion for food and nutrition. In 2010, I went back to school to study nutrition and dietetics at Michigan State University. It was there that I learned about Health at Every Size for the first time, and I knew exactly how I was going to perfectly blend my newfound passion for nutrition, my psychology background, and my years of experience working service jobs – I decided then that I would be part of a revolution to break the self-hatred cycle that diet culture feeds us all and that we unwittingly pass on to each other by helping people learn food freedom, and I have never looked back. After obtaining a Bachelors in Nutrition, I went on to participate in an eating disorder-specialized dietetic internship and graduate program at Northern Illinois University, where I received my Masters in Nutrition. I have since worked in all levels of eating disorder treatment and have become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist/ Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals and I am a Supervisor for other professionals treating eating disorders. This is what I do and I’d love to do it with you.

Through creativity and warmth, we work with clients to facilitate personal growth to help navigate an often confusing world. Together we will increase your self awareness, support you in finding the best answers to life- changing questions, and guide you to a more enjoyable life. ‍ We specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Relationships & Couples Counseling, Quarter Life Crisis, Life Transitions, Trauma, & PTSD and more.

Life can be difficult and everyone needs help at some point. I believe in a humanistic/person-centered approach that emphasizes the potential within people. Everyone has a different story, a different journey, a different destination. My goal as a therapist is to give you the support you need to get to where you want to be. Therapy is a collaborative effort and so it is through the combined work of the therapist’s experience in the mental health field and the client’s expertise in themself that this process is most effective. My previous work has primarily been focused on people within the LGBTQIA+ community as well as individuals dealing with substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, mood disorders, and personality disorders Between my time working at a residential sober house and a community mental health center, where I led substance use and LGBTQIA+ support groups, I have experience working with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds dealing with a wide variety of mental health issues.

If you feel depressed, anxious, emotionally overwhelmed, stuck or simply need somebody to talk to, I can help. If you are considering making life changes or have a sense that something needs to change, let's work on it together. It has been my life's work to try to understand people and, beyond understanding, help people grow & change. If any of this sounds like you, I hope we can meet to talk it over together. For over 16 years, I taught psychology to therapists & counselors in training. I am certified in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy & informed by Attachment, Mentalization & Evolutionary Psychology based therapies. I am also formally educated & trained in spirituality & religion. Through engaging conversation we will find ways to understanding, growth & change. Working with people during their college years has been a central part of my life. I understand the challenges of coming into the adult life and coming up against personal challenges. I want to help.

Hello! We are a Chicago-based group private practice, and we offer counseling services for individuals, couples, and adolescents. We are located in the Wicker Park neighborhood right off the Blue Line. We accept BCBS PPO/Blue Choice insurance, out of pocket, and sliding scale payment for services. Please reach out to us at 773-249-2921 or hello@acclchicago.com for more information!

Our practice is guided by the most current research available. The treatments we utilize have been shown to be most effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life among patients with anxiety, mood and related disorders. We focus on what works. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an umbrella term for methods that share a focus on thoughts and behaviors that maintain symptoms, willingness to try new behaviors, and patterns of relating to our experiences. Between-session practice of these strategies serves to consolidate gains achieved in treatment sessions.

When we are caught in mental distress, we need a trusted partner to help us face our challenges and act from a place of honesty and courage. This creative partnership provides a secure and supportive connection in which to experience solace, find joy, and transform difficulty into resilience. Art therapy is an established mental health profession that helps clients to access a visual entry point for deepened self-awareness. Through guided engagement with the innate creative process, a new way opens to safely explore and better regulate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This creative lens is integrated with holistic evidence-based counseling models for effective, personalized care. From a renewed place of expanded perspective and self-acceptance, clients are able to live more emotionally balanced, fulfilling lives in accordance with their personal values and developmental goals.

Sometimes life can be overwhelming- whether we are held back by our past, experiencing present obstacles, or anxious about things to come. I view therapy as a collaborative relationship between therapist and client, and value creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment. In my work with clients I am mindful of the ways in which social identities (gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.) impact the way we navigate mental health journeys and the world in general. Whether working with older adolescents, adults or with couples, I am passionate about supporting others in overcoming life’s difficulties and reaching their goals. My goal as a therapist is to support clients in restoring a sense of hope and positive self-worth. Everyone has the capacity for personal growth within them. My job is to help clients identify and access resources they have in order to achieve this. I work with individuals seeking support with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, interpersonal issues, and mood regulation. I also provide relationship counseling. I am happy to set up a free 10-15 minute phone consultation to get to know each other better and determine if we're a good fit!

Anxiety fights dirty. When anxiety gets out of control, it can feel like a bully, always pushing you around. I get it, I’ve been there. When you’re really in it, you feel stuck and worse still, it can feel like there’s no way out. Constantly living in survival mode doesn’t feel much like living at all. The good news is that you don’t have to face anxiety alone. Together we can push back against anxiety and get your life back. We can use tried and true methods to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and get you out of survival mode. Imagine being more present and connected to life, feeling more like yourself again. More at ease, as you look to the future with a renewed sense of confidence and hope. A way forward is actually, finally here. If you’re ready to change your relationship with anxiety and want to stop living in survival mode. Let’s talk. Give me a call and let’s get to work.

You’re thoughtful and self-aware. You can name your patterns and handle daily demands and yet you still feel burnt out, empty, or stuck. Maybe you’ve tried therapy before and learned helpful strategies and yet something deeper still feels unsettled. For many, college brings more than academic pressure. It can intensify questions about identity, belonging, relationships, family expectations, and who you’re becoming. Sometimes what looks like anxiety or procrastination is tied to something more relational — how safe you feel being fully yourself, how you learned to manage closeness, or how you’ve had to adapt in order to be accepted. My work is depth-oriented and relational. That means we pay attention to what unfolds between us, not just the symptoms you want to reduce. I won’t rush to give you techniques or quick fixes. Instead, we slow down enough to understand what’s been shaping your experience and create space for something different to emerge.

English & Conversational Korean/영어 & 일상 회화 한국어 *More availability coming Sep 2025/2025년 9월부터 상담 가능 시간이 더 많아집니다 English & Conversational Korean/영어 & 일상 회화 한국어 “What does it feel like to take up space?” Space can mean the way you walk into a room, how loud your voice is, or how tall you are. But what about emotional space? In relationships, at work, and in yourself? Maybe you’re the one others rely on, the ‘strong one’. Maybe you tend to hold things to yourself because it feels too vulnerable to share and it might burden someone else. Or you’re navigating systems that have made it hard to feel like you belong in a room. I believe healing happens in spaces where you feel safe enough to feel joy and connection. My role is to offer steady attention and help you reconnect with parts of yourself that you might have had to ignore. I’ve seen how cultural misunderstanding in mental health care can lead to misdiagnosis, minimized experiences, or emotional labor to explain yourself. I aim to reduce that burden, so you don’t have to translate your experience just to be understood. Sessions might include moments of light humor and comfort alongside serious work. “공간을 차지한다”는 건 어떤 기분일까요? 공간은 내가 방에 들어올 때의 모습, 목소리 크기, 키 같은 걸 말할 수 있습니다. 그런데 마음의 공간은 어떨까요? 관계 속에서, 직장에서, 그리고 나 자신 안에서요. 혹시 다른 사람들이 의지하는 ‘강한 사람’인가요? 힘든 마음을 혼자 참고, 다른 사람에게 짐이 될까 봐 말하지 못한 적이 있나요? 아니면 내가 있는 자리가 편하게 느껴지지 않는 환경 속에 있나요? 저는 안전하다고 느낄 수 있는 공간에서 치유가 시작된다고 믿습니다. 저는 문화 차이 때문에 잘못 이해받거나, 경험이 작게 여겨지거나, 나를 설명하느라 힘들어하는 경우를 많이 봤습니다. 그래서 있는 그대로 이해받을 수 있도록 그 부담을 줄이고 싶습니다. 상담 안에서는 진지한 이야기뿐 아니라 가벼운 웃음과 편안함도 함께 할 수 있습니다. What is Art Therapy?/미술치료는 뭔가요? As a practicing visual artist, I have a diverse understanding of art materials and techniques that can be incorporated into our sessions. Art therapy is a form of therapy that utilizes art-making and visual expression to deepen or facilitate the therapeutic process. It’s open to everyone, no artistic experience is necessary and the goal is not the end product, but the creative process. Trained in both art and talk therapy, I’m equipped to guide you through both the creative and verbal aspects of therapy. I practice art therapy as a collaborative process where we explore the meaning of your work together. Instead of reading or interpreting your art, we explore what you felt and thought while creating your piece. Kind of like an artist interview! Whether you’re interested in exploring new materials, want to try an activity catered to a particular challenge, something to fidget with during sessions, or using art as a medium to express yourself, I’m here to facilitate a safe, non judgemental space. 저는 현재 활동하는 예술가로서, 다양한 미술 재료와 기법을 알고 있습니다. 미술치료는 누구나 참여할 수 있고, 미술 경험이 전혀 없어도 괜찮습니다. 목표는 완성된 작품이 아니라 만드는 과정입니다. 저는 미술치료와 대화 상담 둘 다 훈련을 받았기 때문에, 두 가지를 함께 진행할 수 있습니다. 미술치료는 함께 의미를 찾아가는 과정입니다. 작품을 만들면서 어떤 생각과 감정을 느꼈는지 같이 나눕니다. 새로운 재료를 써 보고 싶거나, 고민에 맞춘 활동을 해보고 싶거나, 상담 중에 손으로 만질 수 있는 것을 원하거나, 말로 하기 어려운 마음을 표현하고 싶을 때, 안전하고 편안한 공간에서 함께 할 수 있습니다. Experience/경험 In 2020, several experiences pointed me to become an art therapist and counselor alongside my path as an artist. Beginning with the gap in mental health services I witnessed at the time, I saw how many people with marginalized identities were struggling to access affirming, inclusive care. A pivotal moment was when someone I cared about shared the depth of their pain as a way to ask for help, which led to the decision to become a therapist. My own experience of therapy helped me understand how essential representation and cultural understanding are in mental health care. I went on to earn my MA in Art Therapy and Counseling and BFA in Studio Art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My training includes art therapy, DBT, and narrative therapy, grounded in strengths-based, relational, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive approaches. I also bring LGBTQ+ and disability allyship into my work. In my work as a therapist, I’ve supported clients across both clinical and community settings. This has included leading teen wellness groups through UChicago Medicine, facilitating art therapy and psychosocial rehabilitation programs for adults with chronic mental health and intellectual disability diagnoses, and organizing community art workshops. I’ve also worked with immigrants, refugees, neurodivergent adults, and BIPOC/ALAANA communities. These experiences helped me cultivate a trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens. 2020년에 여러 경험을 통해 미술치료/상담사가 되기로 했습니다. 미국에서 정신 건강 서비스에 다양한 정체성을 가진 사람들이 안전하고 더 깊은 상담을 받기 어렵다는 것을 보았고, 제가 아끼는 사람이 힘든 마음을 나누며 도움을 요청한 순간이 큰 계기가 되었습니다. 상담을 받으며 문화적 이해와 대표성의 중요성도 깨달았습니다. 저는 시카고예술대학(SAIC)에서 미술치료와 상담 석사, 그리고 순수미술 학사를 받았습니다. 미술치료, DBT, 내러티브 치료를 배웠고, 사람의 강점을 살리고, 관계를 중요하게 생각하며, 트라우마를 이해하는 방법으로 상담합니다. LGBTQ+와 장애 인식에 대한 지지도 중요하게 생각합니다. 그동안 청소년 그룹, 성인 프로그램, 그리고 커뮤니티 워크숍을 진행했습니다. 이민자, 난민, 신경다양성, BIPOC 커뮤니티와도 함께 하며, 각자의 문화와 경험을 존중하는 상담을 해왔습니다. Languages/언어 한국어를 가볍게 사용하는 것은 환영합니다! 저는 한국어와 영어를 섞어서 대화하는 것이 편한 클라이언트와 잘 맞습니다. 제가 한국어로 일상적인 대화는 할 수 있지만, 심도 있는 대화 주제나 위기 상황, 진단, 치료 계획과 같은 중요한 치료 논의에서는 모든 내용을 명확하게 표현하기 어려울 수 있습니다. 이상적으로는 번역하거나 언어에 적응하는 부담이 클라이언트에게 있어서는 안 됩니다. 이 정도의 언어 능력이 괜찮으시다면, 편하게 연락 주세요! Speaking Korean lightly is welcome! I am a good fit for clients who are comfortable mixing Korean and English. While I can engage in everyday conversations in Korean, it may be difficult to clearly express everything in in-depth conversations, crisis situations, diagnoses, and treatment planning, as well as other important therapeutic discussions. Ideally, the burden of translation or language adaptation should not fall on the client. If this sounds like a fit for you, feel free to reach out!

We live in a complex world, presenting unique struggles for individuals and couples moving through varying stages of life. In session, we will work to explore your challenges and process past influential experiences in a safe, supportive and open environment. Unlike big agencies or online therapy platforms, we have the time and emotional energy to treat each client as an individual. We don't believe in using a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we tailor your treatment plan to you using evidence-directed methods. Our clinicians are also committed to pursuing specialized training and continued education to stay up-to-date on the latest research and advances in the field.