Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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.

Could you use a safe space to process a major life transition? Are you looking for guidance on improving your relationships? I see therapy as a valuable tool to reflect on life, unpack how you're feeling, and discover what changes you can make to be more satisfied. My therapeutic style tends to be a good fit for clients who identify as perfectionists, struggle with anxiety and uncertainty, or who are experiencing stress from significant phase of life changes like starting school, getting married, or having kids. As a violinist myself, I love working with creatives, musicians, and performing artists. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and currently working towards my Perinatal Mental Health Certification. I strive to cultivate a supportive and compassionate relationship with my clients while also encouraging growth and accountability. I utilize evidence-based techniques, including ACT and CBT, to help clients improve their mental health. I also draw from my experience as a couples counselor to assist clients in developing more satisfying relationships. I received my EdS degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Chicago and hold a degree in Violin Performance from Northwestern University. I started my private practice, Vivant Counseling & Psychotherapy, in 2022. Outside of the therapy room, I love taking walks with my pitbull Rosie, cooking pasta, and British crime dramas.

No matter what you do, you feel like you are never good enough. You are consumed with thoughts of food and shame about your body. You’ve tried everything to control your eating, but in the end feel like it is food that controls you. If this is you, know that you are not alone and you can find healing. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, disordered eating, or body image, I can help you find acceptance and finally feel at home within your body. We will work together to explore your beliefs about food, your body, and yourself to uncover what’s not working and keeping you from what matters most to you. I provide a warm, compassionate space, (with some humor sprinkled in) in which you can breathe and connect with who you truly are. Through a social justice-informed Health at Every Size framework combined with acceptance and mindfulness-based approaches, we will explore and practice new ways for you to cope with difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Many of the clients I work with struggle with intense self-criticism, perfectionism, and feeling like they are both “too much” and “not enough.” During our initial sessions, we will explore the challenges impacting you most deeply and work together to identify initial goals to help you soften that self-critical voice and build more self-compassion. I also collaborate with clients to identify specific skills to work on between sessions to integrate what you are learning into daily life.

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The college and emerging adult years are incredibly dynamic and include a unique set of challenges. My approach is practical, collaborative, and growth-oriented. I combine CBT with other tailored interventions to create an engaging counseling experience based on your needs and values. Together, we work on understanding what is getting in the way, improving communication, building calmer and healthier patterns, and creating meaningful change that carries into your daily life, relationships, work, and sense of purpose.

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

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I value each person for who they are and strive to create a safe, welcoming space where everyone feels respected and accepted. I believe mental health care should be empowering, supportive, and individualized, which is why I take time to understand what matters most to you—so we can work together to create a plan that supports your goals and overall well-being. I focus on understanding your story, goals, and expectations, and work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. I aim to be a caring, approachable provider who believes meaningful care starts with seeing the whole person, not just a diagnosis

Hi, I’m Kaitlyn. My commitment to overall well-being, particularly in counseling individuals with diverse identities, is more than just professional; it's a core part of who I am. These convictions shape my therapeutic approach to be inclusive, empathetic, and focused on individual empowerment. Helping clients realize their own agency in crafting their future is where the magic of therapy happens. For me, therapy sessions can feel relaxed and even funny while also being deep, authentic, powerful, and effective. Join me in a space where you can be unapologetically yourself. Support for: LGBTQIA+ Counseling, College Student Therapy Services, Stress and burnout (including among current and future healthcare professionals), Relationship and family issues, Stress Management, Counseling for Anxiety and Depression, Counseling Services to help with Life Changes, Attachment Therapy Services. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I earned my Bachelor's of Arts and Masters in Social Work degrees from St. Ambrose University. I offer both telehealth and in-person counseling services in Swansea, Illinois.

I’m a psychotherapist who is passionate about helping millennial and Gen Z women overcome anxiety. My approach to therapy is to address not only the anxious thoughts you are having but also look at how we can adapt behaviors to help you heal. I introduce skills and then work with you on realistically using them in your daily life. We remain in the mindset of coaching your brain and helping your brain learn to react differently over time. We do this with self-compassion, self-respect, and a smidge of humor. Ok, maybe a lot of humor. In my sessions, you will always be the expert of your life and your needs. I’m down-to-earth, laid-back, and create an environment of zero judgment where you can allow yourself to be vulnerable, laugh, cry, and swear as much as you need to.

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You're more than just a client—and therapy is more than a place to vent. It’s a space for healing, growth, and transformation. I offer a warm, supportive, and empowering environment where you can safely explore who you are and where you're going. I’m a faith-affirming and culturally responsive therapist with over ten years of experience working with adults, teens, and families. My approach integrates evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, and Solution-Focused Therapy with attention to spiritual well-being, generational healing, and identity development. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, I’m here to help you move from surviving to thriving. Together, we’ll work toward peace, clarity, and lasting change.

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.

I am a psychotherapist specializing in evidence-based treatment for adolescents, young adults, emerging adults, and older adults with eating disorders, mood disorders, transitional issues, academic problems, identity, self-esteem issues, trauma, and OCD. I completed my clinical internship for my master’s program at Ascend CHC where the focus of my work was working with individuals across the lifespan with eating disorders at an individual and Individualized Outpatient Program (IOP) level of treatment. I also have extensive experience conducting neuropsychological assessments. Prior to joining MSC, I have gained valuable experiences in the realms mental health, neuropsychology, personality disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and autism spectrum disorder As a Latine woman, I understand the stigmas that are associated with mental health. I believe that cultural competency is essential when working with individuals from different backgrounds. I strive to provide a safe, judgment-free, no shame, accepting, and positive therapeutic space for clients to grow and feel supported through an empathetic and collaborative approach. I truly believe that the relationship with the client is the most important element to a successful and beneficial therapeutic experience. I believe in meeting the client where they are at and fostering confidence and healing. I utilize several theories to best meet the goals of my clients, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness, with a strong foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT) approach.

I work with college students and adults who are navigating stress, anxiety, academic pressures, relationships, and life transitions. I take a collaborative and supportive approach, tailoring therapy to each person’s unique needs and goals. Some clients choose to explore EMDR, and I’m trained to use it when it fits, but many find our sessions helpful through conversation, reflection, and practical coping strategies. I aim to create a space where students feel understood and empowered, whether you’re struggling with burnout, uncertainty about the future, or past experiences that continue to affect your life. I accept BCBS of Michigan and BCN and offer telehealth sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays to make therapy accessible and easy to fit into a busy schedule.

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’m Mercedes Yates-Jones, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and Virginia. I am also the founder of Safe to Say Therapy located in Winfield, IL. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and have spent over a decade helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. Before starting my private practice, I worked with the Department of Veteran Affairs and in several private practice settings, supporting clients with a wide range of needs. I also have experience in inpatient psychiatric care, which has shaped my calm and steady presence when clients are feeling overwhelmed or facing difficult moments. I work with children ages 10 and up, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, academic stress, relationship concerns, life transitions, or periods of feeling stuck. I also have a heart for supporting students, veterans, parents, caregivers, and individuals from underserved communities. I created Safe to Say Therapy because I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and truly supported. My goal is to meet you with warmth and authenticity and walk alongside you as you move toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful change, at a pace that feels right for you.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience providing individual therapy to a diverse population of adults ages 18 years and older. I have speciality in Anxiety, Depression, and provided support for those who have experienced trauma. I started EmpathicPath to help those through difficult times. I combine cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance, and solution focused therapy based an each individual client’s needs through talk therapy. I provide a nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and respected. My goal is to help you gain deeper insight into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and to identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck or causing distress.

I often work with students navigating big changes—adjusting to college life, managing stress, or figuring out who they are and where they fit in. Maybe you’re balancing school with work or family expectations, or feeling pressure to succeed while silently struggling. I offer a supportive, judgment-free space where you can slow down, talk things through, and learn to care for yourself while meeting life’s demands. Together, we can work on easing anxiety, building confidence, and finding balance that feels sustainable.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the crux of change. Through this lens, I offer a safe and empathic space for clients to explore their inner world. Counseling is not just for those experiencing a life crisis or a current difficulty— it is an opportunity to learn new skills, gain new insights, and position oneself for increased health and wellness. Every client is unique and needs something different from the therapeutic process. Pulling from a variety of modalities, I tailor techniques in a creative way to fit those needs. Through working together, I believe that I can help you find your way to the path for growth. I have experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship problems, work-life balance concerns, familial troubles, grief and loss, life transitions and trauma. I'm particularly passionate about working with college students and emerging adults. This time of life can be fraught with anxiety related to academic performance and career choices, making this life stage feel quite unpredictable and isolating, which is why I believe therapy is so important during this time. My goal is to help you gain useful tools to not only help you navigate this life stage, but also to carry with you in the future. I earned my M.A. in Counseling from Northwestern University and my B.A. in Psychology and Communications from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I have previously worked in various community mental health and private practice settings.