Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

I am both a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). I work exclusively with athletes and performing artists, I also worked as the Director of Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) at DePaul for nine years. I LOVE DePaul students and have vast knowledge of DePaul.

You may be reading this because you’ve experienced a very difficult loss or transition in your life. Maybe you have lost a loved one or a pregnancy. Perhaps you are struggling as you or a relative begin hospice care or approach the end stage of a disease. You might be grieving a beloved pet or the end of a meaningful relationship. Loss, although universal, can feel isolating and unbearable to endure. I can help you cope - you don't need to go through this alone. Through my work helping others navigate hard times, I’ve been described as a “bright light in a time of darkness.” I’m a warm and welcoming therapist with a deep understanding and capability for helping people who are struggling. Therapy with me is informed by five years spent as a hospice social worker and extensive grief and loss training. I am licensed in Illinois, New Jersey, California and Florida for online therapy. I provide therapy through a secure and convenient telehealth platform (online video conferencing). I hope you will contact me for a free 15-minute consultation on how we may work together to support you. Please note, the hours listed on this profile are in Central Time Zone.

I am passionate about providing evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for older adolescents, young adults and adults with OCD, depression, anxiety and related disorders. Over the past 5+ years, I have deepened my commitment to providing effective therapy through a personalized and strengths-based approach. I work collaboratively and flexibly with my clients to help develop goals in line with living a more meaningful and values-driven life. I strive to form a supportive therapeutic bond through compassion, warmth, empathy and humor. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, one of the top training institutions in the field of social work. Prior to that, I graduated cum laude from Northwestern University, with a double major in Psychology and Science in Human Culture. I have provided individualized treatment across outpatient and school settings, serving patients of all ages. Additionally, I gained extensive training and experience providing evidence-based treatment across outpatient clinics specializing in OCD, anxiety and related disorders. I enjoy traveling and trying new restaurants as well as spending quality time with my family, friends, and Sylvester (my toothless, senior rescue dog).

I provide therapy sessions virtually to individuals in the state of Illinois. Feel free to visit my Headway page to schedule a consultation! I look forward to hearing from you!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

For four years, I sat in my corporate cubicle daydreaming of becoming a psychotherapist. I could only ignore my calling to work in service of the human condition for so long before ultimately embarking on a 180° career change. Since then, I have come to intimately understand that transformation does not happen in isolation. In the sanctity of private sessions, I have witnessed clients encounter shame with tender curiosity, reparent themselves, uncover and mindfully address values-incongruent tendencies, reframe disempowering personal narratives, implement boundaries, somatically resolve trauma, and develop deep trust in intuition. Stigma often mischaracterizes the pursuit of psychological healing and emotional reckoning through therapy as a testament to one’s weakness. But the term “psycho-therapy” translates to “serving the soul.” Commitment to the therapeutic process, and therefore acknowledging a need for additional support, is a reflection of one’s quiet strength, humility, and capacity for self-advocacy. Within my professional purview, a person’s choice to seek therapy is an act of redemptive warfare for their soul. My clinical interests include counseling adolescents, young adults, and adults seeking support for anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD, and recovery from early childhood trauma. My therapeutic style is predominantly informed by psychodynamic theory and neuroscience, however my educational and clinical experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to facilitate interventions aligned with additional modalities, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT. I am compassionately direct in my counseling approach and appreciate the injection of humor into sessions where appropriate. I have received certification in both Levels I and II of Applied Polyvagal Theory (PVT) in Yoga (16-hour) and I am currently a student in the Somatic Experiencing (SE™) Professional Training Program, seeking to complete the educational & related requirements of the program to use the Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP) credential.

I especially enjoy working with student creatives—actors, musicians, dancers, writers, designers, and more—who are navigating rejection, comparison, self-doubt, and uncertainty. With a background in the entertainment industry, I personally understand the unique emotional challenges that come with being a performer. We can work together to build resilience, strengthen your sense of self, and help you stay grounded in an industry that often feels anything but. My approach is warm, collaborative, and encouraging. Therapy is a space where we slow down, ask the right questions, and help you move forward in a way that feels aligned with the life you want to live. If this resonates, I'd be glad to connect. I look forward to taking this journey together.

The majority of my clientele are in undergraduate or graduate programs. I assist clients in working through the stress, anxiety and uncertainty of this pivotal point in life.

Hi, my name is Dr. Celia and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who opened my practice to help those who want to make a change in their lives. I specialize in working with trauma across the lifespan, which is how I know how significantly our brains and bodies can shift after a difficult event and/or a series of difficult life circumstances. Therapy is a space for us to explore how our past informs who we are. Being able to form meaningful relationships is a key part of our mental wellness, and therapy can help you build and maintain healthy relationships.

You are holding a lot right now... Balancing coursework, expectations, relationships, and the quiet pressure to figure out who you are (and who you are becoming) can feel overwhelming. From the outside, it might look like you are managing, but internally, there may be anxiety, self-doubt, burnout, or a sense of disconnection that is harder to name. I work with college and graduate students who are navigating exactly these kinds of experiences. Many of the people I support are thoughtful, driven, and deeply self-aware, yet find themselves feeling stuck, exhausted, or unsure of how to move forward in a way that actually feels aligned. Therapy becomes a space to slow down. A place where you do not have to perform, keep up, or have everything figured out. Together, we begin to make sense of what is underneath the stress, whether that is long-standing patterns, identity exploration, relationship dynamics, or the impact of academic and societal pressures. My approach is relational, collaborative, and grounded in a sociological lens, meaning we do not just look inward, but also consider the larger systems and expectations shaping your experience. I integrate attachment-based, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed care, while also offering practical tools when helpful. I am especially attuned to: • Academic pressure and burnout • Anxiety and emotional overwhelm • Identity exploration (including cultural, relational, and personal identity) • Life transitions and uncertainty about the future • The pressure to “hold it all together” while feeling unseen or unsupported Our work unfolds in a space that is steady, thoughtful, and deeply human. We move at a pace that honors your capacity, gently creating room for clarity, compassion, self-trust, and more sustainable ways of showing up in your life. You do not have to navigate this chapter alone. I offer tele-health sessions for students located in Illinois, Iowa, and Nevada, and would be honored to support you in this season of your life!

Hi, I’m Daphne Black — Here to Support You Through Life’s Transitions As a licensed clinical social worker, life coach, and adjunct professor at a prestigious University, I bring over two decades of experience helping individuals—especially college students—navigate anxiety, identity, academic stress, relationship struggles, and major life changes. College is a time of growth, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re balancing coursework with personal responsibilities, managing grief, or facing uncertainty about your future, I provide a safe, supportive space to help you process, heal, and move forward with clarity and confidence. My clinical work is grounded in empathy, evidence-based practices, and a deep understanding of the challenges young adults face. With my background in both mental health and higher education, I meet you where you are—with compassion and insight.

Do you struggle with feelings of quiet desperation, affecting your ability to be engaged in life? Do you feel like you’re treading water, lost in how you ended up here? Do you wonder if you could be more present and intentional? Now more than ever, people are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do and experience a loss of meaning in their life. I believe there is hope and answers. I offer therapy to people who feel stuck. We start by exploring your past and problems you face to understand what you’re trying to move on from. We’ll challenge the assumptions keeping you stuck and create actionable steps to make positive changes. I offer a safe, steady space where you can talk openly, get feedback, and create lasting progress. Helping people understand themselves and make positive changes is my passion. We’ll work together to build a better understanding of yourself, improve your engagement, and feel more alive. Give me a call or email today for a free consultation and we’ll see if this all makes sense for you.

Actually ME is an intentional space crafted and created to serve YOU! We offer non-oppressive, trauma informed, client centered psychotherapy, as well as other professional services. In our creation we hold and practice values associated with not only creating but holding space! This explicitly means that our clients are heard and unconditionally accepted for all that they come with. It was done on purpose to create and hold spaces where therapists listen without judgement and guide a unique healing journey. We believe that the client is the expert and that they are capable of fulfilling the change that they want to see in themselves.

Throughout our lives, we go through events that change us, often permanently. I consider therapy to be a sacred and compassionate space of exploration. It can be exhausting having to explain your story over and over again. Oftentimes we might feel unheard in our daily lives or get fixated on who we “should be” instead of exploring who we already are. Your story has meaning and it deserves to be heard. You are the expert on your own life experiences and identities. You deserve to feel empowered, validated, and safe. When meeting with a potential client I consider you in the context of your relationships, experiences, and culture. When working together we can move through difficult therapeutic concepts in an accessible and warm way. With your permission, I hope to guide you through challenging life transitions and support you in creating a life that you feel is worth living. I work from a collaborative, person-centered, relational, and strengths-based approach. This means I will use non-judgment to consider all aspects of your life and identity— while remaining open to things that cannot be changed. I utilize an intersectional feminist lens and I specialize in trauma, anxiety, boundaries, relationships, abuse, sexuality, gender exploration, life transitions, disability, memory loss, identity exploration, and resiliency work. MORE INFO ABOUT THE PRACTICE: We accept BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, and United PPO Plans, as well as, Sliding Scale rates. Currently, I have a variety of morning, early afternoon, and evening spots open! Please feel free to reach out.

I honor the strength and courage it takes to begin therapy. Engaging in therapy can support emotional expression, deepen self-reflection, and open the door to self-compassion and empowerment. My approach is collaborative—we’ll work together to explore your experiences, gain understanding, and create meaningful change. I strive to offer a supportive and affirming space where authenticity can be safely expressed and embraced. I have experience working with a wide range of concerns and tailor my approach to each individual. I recognize how self-expression and self-advocacy can sometimes be overshadowed by the ways people learn to protect themselves from pain. I also understand that the past can shape the present in subtle ways, and that societal expectations can lead us to disconnect from our true selves. My experiences working with college students started during my doctoral training and have continued throughout my ten+ years in private practice. I provided psychotherapy to students at the UIC counseling center, where I completed both my training as an extern and my training as a Postdoctoral Fellow; at DePaul University Counseling Services where I completed my training as an extern; and at NIU Counseling and Consultation Services where I completed my training as an intern.

Gretchen Aich (she/her), PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University and is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Gretchen has advanced training in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care and works with children, adolescents, and adults, including Spanish-speaking clients. Gretchen brings experience from diverse mental health settings, including emergency departments, inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, private practice, and telehealth. Her background includes supporting individuals in crisis, working in community and court-mandated programs, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. During her clinical training, she worked extensively with children and adolescents with complex needs, provided substance use and court-ordered therapy, and assisted with advanced treatments such as SPRAVATO and TMS. In her work with clients, Gretchen creates a safe, judgment-free space grounded in empathy, respect, and cultural humility. She believes each person is the expert in their own life and uses a collaborative, flexible approach to care. Through active listening and evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy, she partners with clients to set meaningful goals and support healing in a way that fits their lives.

At Carlson Counseling Connection, we work best with undergraduate and graduate students who are trying to navigate the intense pressure, independence, and constant transitions of university life. Many of the students who thrive in therapy with me look like they are managing everything just fine on the outside—staying on top of classes, keeping up social lives, or building impressive resumes—even when they are feeling burnt out, anxious, or uncertain on the inside. You might be a great fit for my practice if you are experiencing: Academic & Future Anxiety: You feel an overwhelming pressure to perform, maintain high grades, or figure out your career path, leading to frequent overthinking, perfectionism, or fear of failure. Major Life Transitions: You are adjusting to life on campus, moving away from home, managing increased independence, or preparing to transition out of university into the workforce. Burnout & Emotional Fatigue: You find it difficult to rest without feeling guilty, often feeling mentally drained, overextended by commitments, or running on empty. Boundary & Identity Stress: You are navigating shifting family dynamics, roommate conflicts, complex friendships, or learning how to stand up for your own needs without feeling like you're letting others down. Therapy can be a candid, low-pressure space where you don't have to keep up appearances or put on a brave face. Together, we'll cut through the noise, build practical ways to handle stress, and help you create a balanced university experience that actually feels sustainable.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Like many therapist profiles, this page could list my degrees and credentials, provide a vague description of what clients I work with, and be distant but warm; however, that is not how I work with clients or how I am in the world. I want this page to help you decide if we’ll work well together, not just list the things I’ve done. What you probably want to know is 1) do I know what I’m doing and 2) are we a good fit in working together. I have been working in the mental health field, specifically with eating disorders, since 2014 in a variety of capacities including inpatient, residential, and crisis stabilization programs. I am passionate about eating disorder recovery and collaborating with patients to find balance in their lives. I am body-positive and Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned. I have experience in working with families, couples, and individuals in addition to facilitating group therapy. My primary focus lies in helping to support clients and their loved ones in understanding and moving forward in the path to recovery through individual and family therapy. I have earned the distinction of being a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) by the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, and have been an officeholder for the Heartland chapter of iaedp since 2019 and remained committed to pursuing ongoing education within the field. There are so many people who hesitate to come to therapy or to move forward in eating disorder recovery due to having been previously unsuccessful with a “one size fits all” approach. I work with you to figure it out. I’m not a smile-and-nod, sit in silence type of therapist. I'll call you out on your BS, but I can do that in a way where we can both laugh. I'm not afraid to talk about anything you need to talk about. Intrusive thoughts? Feeling like you’re the only person to feel this way? You’d be surprised to find that you’re not alone. Therapy will provide a safe space to be yourself and a supportive environment to help meet you where you’re at and work towards creating lasting change in your life.

Lizzie received her bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics from The Ohio State University and went on to complete her dietetic internship at Loyola University Chicago. Prior to Allow Wellness, Lizzie has experience working in a residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels of care for eating disorder treatment. She also has experience in research, food insecurity and mental health acute care.