Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

The first step to seeking help can be intimidating and the most difficult. Therapy can bring clarity and an expanded view of what’s possible. The more we understand ourselves and our experiences, the more control we have over living a life that is congruent with who we are. As your therapist, I will support you in navigating difficult emotions, better understanding yourself and accessing your strengths so you can feel like yourself again. I specialize in treating adults who are experiencing life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. I create a non-judgmental space that promotes curiosity and healing. As a registered art therapist, I’m trained in providing art-based and traditional therapy sessions. I want to help you thrive and to not feel defined by the challenges you face but the resilience you possess. If you are looking for relief from challenging symptoms or looking for someone to offer consistent care and support, I encourage you to reach out and schedule a free consultation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Things may feel heavy right now, and as a younger person trying to make sense of it all, it is no surprise you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Between social expectations and constant news cycles, you may be unsure of your next step. We specialize in supporting teens and twenty-somethings who are navigating anxiety, depression, school stress, relationship challenges, and the “What am I doing?” moments that show up during significant transitions. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I also work closely with clients exploring their identities, including the overarching systems and pressures we navigate. Our experience as high school social workers informs my work with neurodivergent clients, making the complex feel practical by incorporating evidence and body-based practices. With humor, honesty, and a touch of sarcasm, we will identify patterns, strengths, and values to create tools that complement your life. Your story is worth telling, and so is the chance to reconnect with yourself through thoughtful reflection and action. Whether you are seeking support for the first time or have experience doing this work, you will be met with a down-to-earth and warm space where you can show up exactly as, and who, you are.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years experience in the mental health field. I received my Master’s In Social Work Degree from Loyola University Chicago after spending a few years in Corporate America. I use a strength-based approach combined with empathy, lightness, and humor (when appropriate) to help you gain insight and skills to change. I draw from principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing and am client centered. I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma and PTSD and have completed advanced training in perinatal mental health.

Hi! I'm Aaliyah McNair, LCSW, and I'm passionate about helping adolescents and adults navigate life's challenges with compassion, honesty, and practical support. I have experience working across hospital, emergency, and outpatient mental health settings, supporting individuals through anxiety, trauma, major life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. I also enjoy working with professionals and caregivers experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout. I believe therapy should be a space where you don't have to pretend you're okay. Whether you're feeling anxious, navigating a difficult transition, processing past experiences, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard and understood.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi, I’m Maddie Scudiero, and I’m so glad you’re here. If you’re a college student, you’re navigating a time full of transitions, pressures, and questions—about identity, relationships, the future, and sometimes, just how to get through the week. Therapy can be a space to pause, reflect, and build tools that help you feel more grounded, capable, and connected. I view therapy as a collaborative process, where you and I work together as a team. Our relationship is at the core of this work—because growth happens when you feel safe, supported, and truly seen. I’ll show up authentically with you, and together we’ll clarify what you want to work on and check in regularly to make sure you feel like we're moving in a direction that matters to you. In our sessions, we’ll identify the areas where you might feel stuck—emotionally, socially, academically, or in your self-worth—and look for strategies that feel realistic and empowering. I like to think of these as “social experiments” you can try out between sessions. We’ll talk through what happened, what worked, and what didn’t—then fine-tune things so they feel more effective for you. It’s not about getting it perfect; it’s about learning through experience and being gentle with yourself as you grow. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, burnout, identity exploration, relationship challenges, or just feeling overwhelmed by life, I’m here to help you navigate it with curiosity, compassion, and clarity. You don’t have to do this alone—and you don’t have to have it all figured out. Let’s take it one step at a time, together.

Many of the students I work best with seem like they have it together on the outside, but feel anxious, overwhelmed, and never quite good enough on the inside. You may be driven and high achieving, yet constantly worried about falling behind or letting other people down. I specialize in anxiety and trauma, especially when anxiety is tied to perfectionism, pressure to perform, and people pleasing. Together, we look at how your experiences and current pressures influence the way you think about yourself and connect with others. You will also learn practical skills that help you feel steadier, more self assured, and more at ease in your day to day life.

Welcome. We are glad you are here. We can help. You may be seeking relief from painful thoughts, emotions, or memories. Perhaps you wish to heal from and better understand the here-and-now impact of past traumas, losses or painful life experiences. You may want help in changing some aspect of your life or relationships that you feel is keeping you stuck. In the midst of a life transition or identity shift, you may need support in navigating this change. Perhaps you aren’t sure exactly what’s wrong, but you know that things aren’t right, either. No matter what brings you therapy, our goal is to help you to experience relief from pain, build your strengths and capacities, and more deeply understand and accept all parts of yourself.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I earned my PhD in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and my Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. I completed my APA-Accredited internship in health service psychology from the University of Pennsylvania Counseling & Psychological Services program. I’ve worked in many diverse settings with diverse roles in college counseling centers, private practice, and community mental health. I provide individual therapy and have extensive experience in outreach and consultation services related to mental health topics, advocacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, I have extensive program development and evaluation experience. I am process-oriented and work from a relational-cultural perspective heavily considering how my client’s unique life experiences such as their family dynamics and upbringings, significant life events, communities, values, and cultural identities relate to their presenting concerns and needs in our work together. I view therapy as an opportunity to cultivate a collaborative relationship with my clients while centering connection, exploration, validation, and growth. I invite my clients to use therapy as a space to slow down and practice curiosity towards themselves and their experiences. I have worked with clients presenting with all types of concerns and therapeutic goals. From my clinical and research experiences, I have particular expertise in working with individuals managing the imposter syndrome (objectively successful people with feelings of self-doubt and incompetence); BIPOC individuals and individuals from historically minoritized groups; individuals navigating interpersonal relationship challenges such as identifying relational patterns, addressing conflict, and learning how to communicate and set boundaries that honor the client and their unique personal and cultural values; individuals seeking to explore the impact of the sociopolitical climate on their mental health, particularly with clients holding multiple minoritized identities; and college, graduate, and professional students with issues related to work/life balance, academic identity, and self-worth. --- The Center for Liberation & Wellness, PLLC (The CLW) is a private therapy practice located in Chicago founded by Dr. Lincoln Hill. The CLW has a mission of providing culturally humble therapeutic services utilizing Black feminist and relational-cultural theoretical paradigms as guiding principles towards health, liberation, and wellness. The CLW believes that prioritizing healing is not a luxury, but a necessity for self and communal growth. The CLW is committed to advocacy efforts that promote anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and, subsequently, a more just society for all humanity, particularly those from historically minoritized communities.

Today’s world presents many challenges: navigating family, careers, relationships, stress, and personal concerns, as well as wider issues like racism, political changes, and the demands of a post-pandemic world. You may feel somewhat lost or distressed in what can feel like an ever-changing landscape. This can be felt as depression, anxiety, addiction, alienation or difficulties in understanding identity. Although these challenges can be intimidating, there is hope. Through psychotherapy, I can support you in examining and exploring the intersection of identity and mental health. This can help you live a fuller, more authentic life, with meaning and direction. I will work collaboratively with you to build a relationship that is trusting, non-judgmental and compassionate. Beyond this, psychotherapy can help you to understand mental health concerns, and can reduce symptoms and their impact on your daily life. I teach my clients coping skills, such as mindfulness practices and cutting-edge exercises drawn from the latest research, as well as ways of troubleshooting specific problems, such as communication and stress-management. In this way, there is space for you to tackle issues as they arise throughout the process of therapy. This creates opportunities for you to learn and practice skills independently, with a newfound sense of self-reliance and confidence. I venture to help you nurture a strong and consistent sense of self, so you can bring out the very best versions of yourself. I specialize in working with trauma, depression, anxiety and exploring identity across culture, society and values. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with youth and young people. I have experience supporting my clients in many ways, including through processes of fostering an authentic sense of self, working through challenges with emotional regulation and expression, exploring unique family dynamics, and navigating the complexities of societal and social pressures. Understanding one’s place in the world can be difficult, especially when facing added difficulties brought by concerns related to one’s mental health. If you feel you could benefit from psychotherapy, please reach out. I value and embrace diversity in both my personal and professional life, and have had the privilege of living, working and learning from peoples of various backgrounds throughout my career. This shapes my cross-cultural existential therapy perspective, where I help my clients nurture their best selves within the balance of society, culture, values and spirituality. Together my clients and I find solutions to challenges with their mental health, as well as to connect them with their roots and place within the world beyond. In addition to adults, I have worked with youth, supporting them in developing emotional regulation skills, understanding family dynamics and managing social pressures. Men’s issues are also important to me, especially destigmatizing male mental health challenges, and exploring both positive and negative aspects of traditional masculinity across cultures. With all my clients I value navigating challenges collaboratively, and look forward to the opportunity to support you on your journey. ​ Some of my favorite activities include cooking, global history, playing my guitar, drawing, and staying active, both in nature and the gym.

I’m a licensed clinical therapist with over seven years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, adjustments and PTSD. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can begin to explore your experiences and take meaningful steps toward healing. Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs.

Naperville Ellie Mental Health prides itself on mental health services for all. Waitlists, insurance issues, finances, schedules, etc. should not prevent anyone from getting the health that they deserve.

“It is important for us to know ourselves and be able to address our own issues head on. It can be easy to shy away from looking at our problems in a realistic light and to take the steps needed to change for the better. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. My office is a safe and supportive environment in which to help you look at your whole self and get comfortable with making lasting changes. Some of the most common things I address in therapy are anxiety, feeling lost or stuck in your life, improving communication, couples in conflict, sexual relationship therapy, depression, preparing for a new baby, feeling unappreciated in your relationship, improving self-esteem, reconnecting with your partner, reducing stress and overwhelming emotions. Understanding emotions and sharing them effectively truly is a skill. Some are born with it, others learn it, but we can always improve. I work with you to help you deepen your understanding around your struggles. I am here as your guide. Let me help you on your journey!” Bridget is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist specializing in individual, couple, and family therapy. As a graduate of The Family Institute at Northwestern University Bridget earned a Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy and received extensive clinical training at the Family Institute’s Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic. She is currently serving as a practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among her areas of interest are young adults, couples in conflict, life transitions, self-esteem, communication, couples preparing for marriage, first time parents, blended families, and sexual relationship and intimacy therapy. Bridget is an interactive, strength-based therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, Bridget works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified eating disorders specialist with over fifteen years experience providing therapy. My practice focuses on anxiety, life transitions and women's issues with speciality in body image, eating disorders and relationship issues. College can be an equally exciting and anxiety provoking time in life. I have experience with helping students navigate this and develop skills to handle challenges in the years to come.

Hi! I'm Sumin (she/her). Who said therapy cannot be fun? With me, you’ll find yourself laughing, creating, realizing, and sometimes sharing good tears. Maybe you’re starting school, adjusting to a new country or community, exploring your identity, or trying to balance creativity, responsibility, and perfectionism. Together, we’ll explore who you are, practice self-love, and work through challenges with compassion. I specialize in supporting college students, especially underrepresented students, including international, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and First-Generation students. I am also passionate about helping adults working through childhood trauma, teens who have experienced bullying, artists, single parents, and individuals who are navigating academic or career stress, transitions, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. As a bilingual immigrant therapist and formerly international student, I understand how hard it is to adjust to new systems while trying to stay true to yourself. My approach is grounded, approachable, and evidence-informed: as a certified art therapist, I blend art therapy, talk therapy, and somatic tools (like breathwork and grounding practices) tailored to your needs. You won't need to bring the “right” words—I’ll help you access insight through images, movement, and your own embodied experience. Together, we’ll explore what feels stuck and what feels possible for you. I’ll help you reconnect with your creativity, soothe anxiety, build self-compassion, and feel more firmly rooted in your values and identity. If you’re still reading this, I want you to know how proud I am of you. Reaching this point is no small thing. By exploring support, you’ve already begun your healing journey, and I’m proud of you for honoring yourself in this way. I’ll be with you to create a safe space as you explore your identity, memories, and the emotions they carry. I would love to be part of your journey, toward celebrating your identity, honoring your story, and discovering that what makes you different is, in fact, your greatest strength. If something in this profile resonates with you, I’d love to connect. I accept BCBS, Aetna, University of Chicago Student Insurance, and Out-of-Network plans. Please reach out for a free 15-minute consultation call to see if we're a good fit! 미국 보험에 대해 잘 모르시거나, 심리 상담이 정확히 무엇인지 낯설게 느껴지시나요? 제가 차근차근 안내해드리고, 보험 적용 여부 확인과 처리도 함께 도와드리니 부담 없이 연락 주세요.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.