Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Meet Emma Flores – Your Support for Life’s Transitions and Challenges College is full of new experiences—some exciting, some stressful, and some that catch you completely off guard. Whether you’re starting your first semester, adjusting to campus life, or preparing for what comes after graduation, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Emma Flores is here to help you navigate it all. Emma is a warm, approachable therapist who truly understands the unique challenges college students face. She knows that life during these years isn’t just about getting good grades—it’s about finding your identity, managing relationships, coping with change, and balancing independence with responsibility. She creates a safe, welcoming space where you can talk openly about what’s on your mind without fear of judgment. Emma works with students who are feeling anxious, stressed, stuck, or uncertain about the future. She also supports those dealing with depression, relationship issues, self-doubt, and big life transitions. Her style is collaborative—you bring your experiences and goals, and together you’ll explore what’s getting in the way and how to move forward. One of Emma’s strengths is making therapy feel comfortable and relatable. She understands that reaching out for help can be intimidating, so she meets you exactly where you are. Her sessions feel like a genuine conversation with someone who’s fully in your corner—someone who will listen, guide, and challenge you in ways that feel safe and encouraging. Emma is especially passionate about helping students: Manage anxiety, stress, and burnout Navigate family, friendship, and romantic relationship changes Build confidence and self-worth Adjust to new environments or cultural transitions Develop healthy coping skills for academic and personal challenges She believes that therapy is not just for times of crisis—it’s also a tool for growth, clarity, and self-discovery. Working with Emma means gaining insight into your patterns, building resilience, and creating the life you want, one step at a time. If you’ve been feeling like you have to “hold it all together” on your own, Emma wants you to know that you don’t. She’s here to remind you that it’s okay to ask for help—and that doing so is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you’re looking for short-term support to get through a rough patch or ongoing therapy to help you grow and thrive, Emma is ready to walk alongside you. Your college years are a time of change, growth, and possibility. With the right support, you can face challenges with confidence—and Emma Flores is here to help you do just that.

I hope to help you on your journey of growth and self-discovery. I enjoy working with clients to reflect on their experiences and find new ways to express themselves, communicate, and cope with life’s challenges. I have experience working with ADHD, anger control, anxiety, communication difficulties, depression, low self-esteem, marital conflict, mood disorders, and trauma. I use a combination of person-centered, solution-focused, CBT, and DBT interventions. I place great value in meeting clients where they are and will implement a variety of approaches to meet client needs and preferences. I enjoy using both art and games to give clients additional ways to express themselves.

Hello! I am a proud Hispanic Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the social service field and 3 years practicing therapy. I’m also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and I’m passionate about providing support that is compassionate, practical, and culturally grounded. Mental health is essential for everyone, and I believe it holds a special importance within the Hispanic community where stigma can sometimes make seeking help difficult. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where healing and growth are possible for all.

First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to stop by and read about me. Great work at seeking help as you progress through this time in your life. A little about me, I am a licensed clinical social worker in Arizona, Indiana, Illinois and New Jersey. I have 10 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with many different people with many different concerns. I have aided in progress with individuals that are depressed, anxious and having a hard time adjusting or have experienced severe trauma. My hope is for every client to feel heard and welcomed. My style is warm and questioning. I tend to help clients connect all of the information themselves and then develop a plan that will prove to be beneficial for their life and situations. My approach is cognitive behavioral with reality and solution focused therapy. I will work with the client so that treatment is individualized and unique.

My approach is integrative and trauma-informed, drawing from psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, and mindfulness. I have particular experience working with grief, identity exploration, chronic illness, spirituality, LGBTQ health, and women’s health. I also work with clients who feel disconnected from their purpose or who are navigating major shifts in their sense of self. Our work will begin with your story, and from there, we will collaboratively create a plan to address your goals. My aim is to help clients access their own wisdom, find relief from emotional distress, deepen self-awareness, and experience greater self-compassion. In addition to my work as a psychotherapist, I have worked as an interfaith hospital chaplain, supporting patients, families, and staff during moments of intense vulnerability and uncertainty. This experience informs my work, allowing me to hold space for life’s deepest questions and existential concerns. My approach to spirituality is non-prescriptive, honoring each person’s unique beliefs, values, and ways of making meaning.

Melody Stauffer, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois who has counseled children, teens, and adults for over 10 years. She graduated from Judson University with a bachelor’s in psychology. She then graduated from Argosy University in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Community Counseling. Her areas of expertise include: depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting, children/adolescents, communication issues, stress management, grief & loss, self-esteem issues, self-harm, substance abuse, psychosis, and crisis stabilization. Melody recognizes each client has their own story to tell and specific wounds to heal and will let her clients lead the way on their mental health journey. Melody is also trained in EMDR therapy that is helpful with patients with trauma, old or new. Schedule your appointment with me by simply clicking on the "Visit Website" link below!

I provide counseling and therapy services to children and teens ages (9-14 y/o), adults, and parents. We all develop unhelpful patterns that often hold us back and can harm us instead of helping us. When this happens it’s helpful to have someone we can talk to who listens and supports us without judgment. I’ve had the opportunity to help support children and parents for the past 20 years as an educator within the education systems and now through the therapeutic process as a therapist. Currently, I specialize in working with people who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, chronic illness/pain, life transitions, relationship struggles, parenting, and caregiver challenges. I welcome the opportunity to support you in your process toward change, growth, and healing.

I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults who appear high functioning but feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally stuck. Many are navigating trauma, anxiety, or depression rooted in earlier life or relationship patterns, particularly those from BIPOC communities seeking culturally responsive care. I help clients slow down, understand these patterns, and build emotional regulation, clarity, and more stable ways of relating to themselves and others. I provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapy. My approach is collaborative and practical, helping you develop insight, regulate emotions, and create lasting change. Spiritual integration, including Christian faith, is available if desired. If you have been holding it together on the outside but struggling internally, you are not alone. Therapy is a space to slow down, feel understood, and begin making meaningful changes. I provide accommodation letters for clients needing documentation for school or work. Healing should fit your life. When you are ready, reaching out is a powerful first step.

Our Collinsville, Illinois office location is a quick ten-minute drive from downtown St. Louis. We offer appointment availability seven days a week and can provide up to two or three appointments per week, if needed. Our other offices are located in Lake in the Hills, Schaumburg, and St. Charles, Illinois. Two current therapists at Owens Counseling can offer telehealth services across the Illinois/Missouri state line (Lori Kaniewski and Michael Peila). Our Collinsville office is part of a large group practice with multiple therapists, with varying clinical backgrounds and expertise, to offer support with any mental health concern. Two other therapists are available to offer bilingual services in Spanish, Polish (Craig Janowiak), and American Sign Language (Amber Kay). Our admin team is very helpful in navigating insurance and establishing an initial appointment. We work with many insurance companies and offer self-pay options to qualify for. Our main office and admin office is located in Lake in the Hills, Illinois.

Do you feel stuck? Perhaps you recognize that something in your life isn't working and you've tried to fix things or make changes, but it didn't work and you find yourself feeling exhausted, defeated, confused, helpless, hopeless, or overwhelmed. Or maybe you have no idea where to start. You've landed in the right place because getting unstuck is my specialty. Reaching out for help is a courageous choice. I am honored to provide a safe space for clients to pause, reflect, process, learn, and grow. My goal is to empower clients to live fully and embrace a lifestyle that sustains a sense of well-being. I am licensed in NY, PA, IL, and NH, which allows me to support students year-round who may live in one state and go to school in another, or who plan to move to another state following graduation. Transitions are often a time of increased stress so finding a therapist who can be present *virtually* throughout is important. In addition to our work together in session, I make use of an app that is free to my clients to provide resources between sessions and collect data to create a personalized approach to treatment.

I strive to help people find Wholeness. Strength in Mind, Body and Spirit. Sometimes we feel broken or weak. Sometimes we need a helping hand to rebuild an area in our lives. I have assisted many clients who have difficulty adjusting to life's stress or a loss. Some may struggle with chronic mental illness. Some may want more from their relationships, and everything in between. We can start where you are! I believe you are the expert of your life, yet might need encouragement to find the tools to rebuild. I strive to edify my clients and focus on their innate strengths. Are you ready to meet in-person? Are you more comfortable connecting via Video? Whatever your comfort level, We can do either!

Hello, I’m Ashley! My passion is to support people and meet them where they are on their journey. I've worked at a school as a Social Worker, and at a private practice doing individual therapy and family sessions. It’s important to me to work with clients and families as a team, when possible, so that they feel comfortable not only asking for support, but also advocating for themselves. I understand how intimidating it can be to ask for help. I encourage you to take the first step toward strengthening your overall wellbeing. I look forward to working together!

LifeStance Health offers an array of services, including therapy, medication management, and psychological testing. We have providers from all disciplines and walks of life, offering a variety of different experiences. Whatever you are looking for, we likely have someone who can meet your needs! We have locations throughout the state, and offer telehealth services, so there is no interruption in services whether you are at home or staying on campus.

Hi! I'm Hannah. Have you ever heard the phrase, “The body keeps the score”? It’s true! Our bodies are incredibly smart and know how to keep us safe. They remember our past and are doing their best to keep us safe in our present and future. But sometimes this means that it’s working overtime to protect us from anything else that could hurt us, and this can end up causing problems in relationships, jobs, schooling, and in our mental and physical health. Traditional talk therapy is often ineffective at helping the body heal from these old wounds. Instead, I use a body-based approach that provides long-lasting healing from trauma and loss. I believe that the therapeutic relationship truly heals, and I aim to be one of your biggest supporters as you overcome challenges in your life. I’ll be right there with you through some of your hardest moments, and I’ll hold onto hope even when it seems hopeless. I believe in you and your ability to do hard things. I also believe you deserve all the healing that you can possibly have in this life, and it’s my honor to guide you on your healing journey. I’m sex-positive, kink-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and strongly believe in racial justice.

We are Peace in Counseling, a small group practice of fully licensed social workers, and professional counselors. We provide individual, family, and couples therapy. We specialize in depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and eating disorders. At Peace in Counseling, we strive to provide our clients with perspective, exploration, acceptance, comfort, and empowerment to make lasting changes. We believe YOU are the expert on your own life, and will assist you in harnessing your full potential.

VitaMental Nutrition helps people control of their health with practical, science-backed nutrition counseling that fits your busy life. Whether you're trying to boost energy, manage weight, or eat better on a budget, we make nutrition simple, supportive, and affordable (we’re in-network with many major insurance plans!). Anthony Tassoni, RDN, CSOWM, LDN, founder of VitaMental Nutrition, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. He has been practicing for over 13 years, helping folks from all over the nation to reach their health and nutrition goals.

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!

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

I welcome the individual that is curious to understand the myriad of feelings, patterns and issues in one's life. I create space to be known and understand the self. Young adulthood is a time of discovery, to figure out how you want to be. Old defenses and coping skills may not be working as well. My professional interests are broad when it comes to the human condition including grief and loss, relationships and transitions. I work through a relational psychodynamic strength-based attachment lens. You and I work within the relational interaction between us as we discover your self-structure. This allows a person to expand and evolve. The hardest step is reaching out. If the way I work is of interest, please give me a call to see if treatment would be a good fit. All questions are good questions. Invest in yourself, you are worth it. I practice in Missouri, Maine, Illinois and New Mexico. My undergraduate educational experience is from Dartmouth College along with my MSW from Washington University. I have certificates of study from the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute, in the Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program and from The National Institute for the Psychotherapies, NYC, in Integrative Trauma Studies. I am currently in year 2 of Somatic Expererience Method Training. I have worked inpatient, residential and outpatient with a team oriented approach in nationally known facilities, McLean Hospital, St. Louis Children's Hospital, and Care and Counseling St. Louis prior to opening my own practice in 2015. Be well, Cindy

As a first generation immigrant and a former international student from South Korea, I am very passionate about working with clients with multicultural backgrounds. Since 2004, I have worked with people in South Korea, college students and graduate students in IL and CA, and people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who struggle with relationship issues, family, life adjustment, intersecting identities, communications with older or younger generations, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and so on. I offer bi-lingual therapy; I worked as a licensed counselor in S. Korea, so you can speak only Korean, only English, or both languages in session. Since 2010, I have been working with clients to address a variety of issues in the United States. The main issues I have dealt with include relationship problems (romantic, family, interpersonal), anxiety, depression, ADHD, adjustment, identity, and self-esteem. The experiences of individuals rooted in immigrant families in the United States are special and unique. I have extensive experience counseling first, second, and third-generation Korean and Asian clients over the past 15 years while working in university counseling centers in the U.S. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy, primarily using elements drawn from Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) or Solution-Focused therapy based on the nature of the issues or client’s needs. In therapy, I strive to create new understanding, provide corrective experiences, and promote changes. My clients have told me that they enjoyed their work with me because they loved the insight about them and their patterns that they got from our work, warm and consistent support from me, and changes that they were motivated to make throughout the course of the therapy.