Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

SpringSource Psychological Center was founded by two Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologists as a collaborative practice to help individuals heal from eating disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, and life stressors and transitions. While we work with clients across the lifespan, we have a particular interest in early adulthood, due to the number of transitions and demands that occur during this phase of life. We have a diverse range of clinicians with many years of insight oriented and skills-based training, so we can accommodate both long and short term psychotherapy, dependent upon the client's needs. We have clinicians with expertise in Latinx issues and LGBTQ+ issues, and we have the ability to conduct sessions in Spanish and Russian. We strive to be a warm, welcoming practice where we work with individuals to improve their emotional, behavioral and mental health.

Hi, I’m Laura Let’s Explore Who You Are and Who You Can Become I’m here to help you navigate the journey of understanding yourself, especially when it comes to your gender identity. With a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling and a background in Fine Arts and Psychology, I use a creative and thoughtful approach to guide you through this process. At Thrive Ahead Co., I offer a space where you can safely explore your feelings, process your thoughts, and find the clarity and confidence to move forward. Who I Work With You might be feeling anxious or unsure about your identity, and that’s okay. I work with people who, like you, are ready to dive deep into understanding themselves. Maybe you feel like there’s a lot to figure out, and you need a place where you can reflect and explore without judgment. You want to grow, to feel more secure in who you are, and maybe even discover new ways to experience joy and fulfillment. You might not have all the answers right now, but you’re curious. You’re looking for someone who can guide you through this—someone you can trust, who will collaborate with you, and who can bring a little humor into the process when needed. If you’re open to change, even when it feels a little scary, we’ll make progress together. How We’ll Work Together Our sessions will be a mix of traditional therapy and creative exploration, depending on what feels right for you. I believe that growth happens when you have the space to be yourself, explore your thoughts, and express your emotions—whether through conversation, art, or a bit of both. I’ve worked with people in all kinds of settings, helping them unpack what’s going on inside and move toward a clearer, more confident version of themselves. In our work together, I’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll go from there at your pace. Are You Ready? If you’re ready to take a closer look at who you are and where you want to go, I’m here to walk that path with you. This process is about discovering more of yourself, finding your strengths, and moving toward a life where you feel secure and true to who you are. You don’t have to figure this out alone—I’m here to support you on your journey.

I am a trauma therapist who is passionate about supporting people navigating life’s challenges. My role as a therapist is to support my clients uncover their most loving, powerful, and compassionate self. I like to invite clients to explore and resolve thoughts and behaviors that impact their life experience by acquiring self-leadership skills, new ways of coping and exploring long lasting change. I am passionate about trauma-informed care and particularly find meaning in working with individuals and couples who are experiencing anxiety or depression, life transitions, have complex family dynamics, those balancing multiple roles or adjusting to parenting, complex relationship issues, and those who are in high pressure/stress jobs. I consider my therapeutic style to be conversational, compassionate, and gently challenging.

Brightland Health is a leading Lincoln Park/Lakeview boutique mental health practice. Our team of Chicago Psychiatrists and Therapists go above and beyond by providing each individual with personalized care.

I’m Zitong ZHENG (Denice). I’m a bilingual (English and Chinese) in-training therapist currently providing services in the Chicago area. For now, I'm only accepting refugee patient at Mount Sinai Hospital. We provide free service for both long-term psychotherapy sessions and medication management. Client does not need to have a medical insurance but have to meet refugee status criteria. Therapy may be new for you, may be not. But no matter anytime you choose come to a session, give your own credit for that braveness! Feeling of sad, nervous, stressful, lonely, confuse, anxious, fear, mad, helpless, hopeless, pain, shame, guilty, and fatigue etc.....these feelings are definitely difficult to cope with and get through in life. Hope therapy can be a safe space for you to talk and provide you insight to understand then express your feeling. In the past practice, I worked in different settings such as hospital and private practice, I’ve been working with client who are from young adulthood to late adulthood with various diagnoses/race/sexuality/gender identity/SES status. I'm open to listen your story and thoughts, to do some exploration with you, then find consistent strategies together that can be useful for you and be kept for the rest of your life. My main approaches are person-centered therapy, psychodynamic, existential, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and narrative therapy. I believe the interpersonal process in therapy sessions is really important for therapeutic effectiveness which can bring you new experiences and insights. I would like to openly discuss about what kinds of methods are exactly working for you. Therapy is not only a treatment which is provided by therapist, also a cooperation between both of us. I would also emphasize the equality and genuineness among therapy. I believe every people is expert for their own life, sometimes we will neglect our own potential. I would also appreciate and respect all people's belief, attitude, and identity. I hold non-judgement attitude for client. There's no right and wrong in life. As a past international student, I’m able to validate the feelings of: challenge, hardness, loneliness, stress, and helplessness that every client is going through. I hope I can provide a safe space for you to talk, and offer you support as best as I can. I know life has too many unspoken moments, which does not only happen during language translation. I hope to create a place for you when you are in need. Every feeling is important, you are important.

I believe the human experience is beautifully complex, with our emotions serving as both a compass and catalyst for growth and healing. When those feelings become overwhelming, it’s easy to feel isolated or stuck in cycles of anxiety, self-doubt, or hopelessness—but you don’t have to navigate this alone. My passion is creating a space of warmth, understanding, and compassionate curiosity where we can explore what’s happening beneath the surface, make room for your full emotional experience, and discover new ways of thinking, relating, and healing. Gender Identity & Sexuality: Exploring your gender identity or sexuality can be deeply personal and, at times, isolating. Whether you're early in your journey or further along, I provide affirming, compassionate support in a space where you can be fully and authentically yourself—without judgment. You deserve to be seen, understood, and empowered as you embrace who you are. Relationship Challenges: Relationships can be both life-giving and deeply challenging. If you’re feeling stuck in painful cycles, navigating conflict, or longing for deeper connection, I’ll work with you to untangle patterns and build stronger, healthier relationships—rooted in mutual respect, communication, and emotional safety. Family Dynamics: Family systems often shape how we see ourselves and relate to others. I help clients unpack generational patterns, unspoken expectations, and relational roles that may no longer serve them. Together, we’ll work to foster clarity, establish healthy boundaries, and nurture meaningful, sustainable relationships. Anxiety: Anxiety can feel all-consuming, quietly infiltrating every area of life. I offer both practical strategies and gentle exploration to help you better understand your anxiety, manage its impact, and regain a sense of calm, confidence, and agency—especially when life feels out of control. Do I work with struggles not on this list? Maybe what you’re going through doesn’t fall neatly into one of these categories, or perhaps you’re looking to approach it from a different angle. If my approach resonates with you, I’d love to talk more. Together, we can create a path forward that honors your story and supports your unique process of healing and growth.!

College is often described as “the best years of your life,” but in reality, it can be stressful, uncertain, and even isolating. You’re juggling academic pressures, social dynamics, independence, and the constant question of what’s next? If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just not like yourself, therapy can help. Therapy that fits into college life: - convenient meeting options - flexible scheduling - no long term commitment - privacy outside the campus bubble - therapy wherever you are - therapy that grows with you ready to ace your mental health? get started today!

I have a low-pressure, warm approach focused on creating an environment of safety and encouragement. I enjoy helping individuals with a variety of concerns including life transitions, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, health issues, substance use concerns, and healing from trauma. My practice is LGBTQ affirming and I am experienced working with Trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. I work with adults of all ages, genders, and racial/ethnic backgrounds and have extensive experience with college students and emerging adults.

AVID Intimacy is a practice that specializes in Relationship and Sex therapy. We work with individuals and people in relationships to navigate relationship issues, anxiety, depression, as well as issued related to sexuality including intimacy issues, exploration of sexual and romantic orientation and recovering from sexual abuse or assault.

Hi there, are you looking for someone to talk to? I have Friday evening openings. I'm good at helping my clients with loneliness, feeling disconnected, longing for love and pushing people away. Your symptoms will improve over time, but I don't focus on correcting your symptoms. I prefer to look at our shared human conditions, earning your trust over time so we can take an in-depth look at what hurts beneath the surface, and why you feel so stuck. I'm here to listen, and help you reconcile with yourself. My therapy approach is respectful and candid. You are welcome to take the lead, or I can initiate conversations until you feel more comfortable. Together we will learn more about what you need, and why you feel at odds with yourself or the world. We will pay attention to neglected parts of yourself, be it feelings or memories, and find kindness for them. I promise it can get better. I want to help. Let's talk.

Meridian Psychiatric Partners provides best-in-class mental health services to children, adolescents, emerging-adults, and adults with an expert team of psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists. Specialists cover many areas, including mood and anxiety disorders, women's mental health, child and adolescent mental health, addictions, eating disorders, ADHD and personality disorders. Let’s work together to achieve your goals of symptom remission, better functioning and improved well being.

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!

Students who come to work with me often share some things in common: -They're high-achievers. Driven, capable, and holding it together on the outside, but quietly exhausted, burned out, or feeling like something's missing on the inside. -They might be navigating anxiety or OCD, going through a major life transition, or questioning their purpose and what comes next. They may be working through shifts in their relationships, with a partner, with their parents, or with themselves. -Many have never asked for help before. They're used to being the one who has it together, and reaching out takes real courage for them. If any of that sounds familiar, reach out for a free 20-minute consultation and let's get started together :)

A fulfilling life is not about the absence of problems, but about how you choose to deal with them. We utilize a systemic, respectful, client-centered, and inclusive approach to therapy focused on social justice and shared humanity. Therapy is both an art and a science. Our therapists are trained in effective, evidence-based therapies carried out in a compassionate, personalized way. We always prioritize the relationship with our clients, in combination with skillful interventions that strive to meet your goals. Our practice is culturally competent, anti-racist, LGBTQ+, sex worker, kink, and poly affirming. We believe that human beings are wired for connection. We strive to help you heal yourself and your relationships through honest assessment, courageous communication, self-improvement, and authentic connection. We provide individual, couple, family, and group psychotherapy to the communities of Oak Park and the Chicagoland area. Our therapists are able to see clients virtually anywhere in the state of Illinois, as well as Wisconsin and Florida.

**I currently offer Telehealth sessions Monday-Friday and in-person sessions on Thursdays** Hi! I work with **female-identified clients** who are seeking therapy for anxiety, school stress and burnout, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and more. I believe that, when entering a space of vulnerability, it is important to feel safe and secure. As a therapist, my job is to provide you with a non-judgmental therapeutic environment to support you in your healing and growth. I am here to offer a collaborative approach to empower and foster change in your journey. I see therapy as another support or tool in our tool box. The friends, family, peers, co-workers that we have in our life can provide great support but sometimes it is helpful to have one more person that we can lean on during our difficult times.

Challenges often arise before, during, and after difficult experiences, whether it’s heading off to college, starting a new job, becoming a parent, going through a breakup or divorce, receiving a troubling diagnosis, or coping with the loss of a loved one. With each life change comes an array of emotions, including sadness, anger, and anxiety. Even seemingly positive transitions can leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Therapists at Perspective can help you navigate these emotions and build skills so you can work towards your goals.

Thirty years ago, I made one of the most important decisions of my life by leaving another career to become a psychotherapist. Mental health care is my life’s calling, and I love it. I have served hundreds of clients, and many say that I helped them. I’ve also been a professor, researcher, leader, and author at two great universities, training hundreds of students to become therapist themselves. Academic work gives me deep scientific knowledge of mental health care, how to forge deep relationships with clients, how to support clients to understand thoughts and emotions in tough seasons, and to take steps to improve their lives. I offer restorative counseling for HEARTS, MINDS and SOULS of clients. HEART- the center of human emotions, desires, and connections, can be downcast or broken. MIND- the control tower of daily living, can be strangled by mindsets of powerlessness and victimhood. SOUL- source of individuality, purpose, and identity, can be wounded or troubled but restored. I begin with clarity that mental health care can positively influence everyday decisions. I try to contribute something useful to address clients' suffering and despair. With compassion and respect for their backgrounds and worldviews, I encourage clients to take courageous actions to change. Clients have appreciated my work, which makes me want to do more.

I am committed to coaching you towards a more fulfilling life. Counseling can help you embrace happiness, manage stress, boost joy in relationships, increase motivation, and unleash creativity. I tailor my approach to your unique goals, using cognitive, behavioral, and other motivational strategies. We will focus on your strengths and amplify them. I will coach you to implement the tools from positive psychology to help you thrive. Through the use of imagination and the discovery of new skills, we will identify solutions and reclaim a sense of control. I will demonstrate my personal values of kindness, courtesy, and mutual respect throughout counseling. I provide individual counseling in a nurturing environment. My areas of expertise include Personal Challenges (anxiety, depression, eating disorders), Relationships (communication, conflict resolution, dating, social skills), and Life Skills (stress management, mindfulness, assertiveness, life transition, goal-setting, time management). I bring a sense of humor and a practical approach to counseling. Recommendations are geared towards acceptance of what you cannot control and commitment to action. They may include awareness of your strengths, attention to cognition, and creation of an outcome picture. Sessions are available in person, by phone, and by telehealth for your convenience.

Therapy can be an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been overlooked for a long time. I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, LGBTQIA+ and identity-related challenges, and more. I provide services in English and Mandarin.

Kevin holds a Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University – Fullerton as well as a Master of Music in Music Therapy from Illinois State University. His training includes extensive clinical experience in inpatient psychiatric care, medical and oncology settings, college counseling, and community-based mental health. Kevin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), and his education integrates relational, trauma-informed, cognitive-behavioral, and multicultural frameworks to support individuals, couples, and families across diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Culture shapes what we believe, how we act, and how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world. Sometimes these influences clash with our authenticity, leaving us feeling disconnected, uncertain, or overwhelmed. But feeling stuck doesn’t mean staying stuck; you have the capacity to grow, change, and rediscover who you are. Together, we can explore the cultural messages you’ve absorbed and ask: Is this truly me, someone else’s expectation, or a mixture of both? In our work together, you can reclaim your story, challenge limiting expectations, and step into a more authentic and empowered self. As inner shifts take root, they ripple into your relationships, goals, and daily life. Our work together isn’t only about the past, it’s about creating a present and future that truly feels like yours. Whether you are seeking personal insight, wanting to change behaviors, wishing to heal from past traumas, pursuing a sense of connection, and/or looking to reclaim your authentic self, the most important and often most challenging step is starting the process. I would be honored to support you on your journey.