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Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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Emerge Psychology Group
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Olivia Johnson
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Therapy is a space for us to show up as we are, and be met with warmth, consideration, and trust. I strive to create a comforting and collaborative therapeutic space where we can discover what is uniquely meaningful, useful, and healing for you. In addition to my strengths-based approach, I implement a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My areas of focus include (but are not limited to) self-esteem, identity exploration, life transitions, values work, relational concerns, anxiety, and mood disorders. I work with all ages, but most commonly with adults. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming, seeking to provide a safe space to heal and grow, for all people. I welcome those who are well-seasoned to therapy, brand new to it, or somewhere in between. If you feel ready to begin or continue your mental health journey, I am eager to hear from you and support your process!

Photo of Savannah Johnston-Schmidt at Emerge Psychology Group
Savannah Johnston-Schmidt at Emerge Psychology Group
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Sergei Deptula
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

As an inclusive therapist and adopted individual, I create a therapeutic space that feels safe, supportive, and honors the intersectionality of your identity. My experience centers around working with children, adolescents, and adults, and I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief, identity exploration, trauma, in addition to obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Wherever you are in your journey, my goal is to meet you with openness and a genuine desire to understand your experience. Through a person-centered approach, I draw from evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Mindful that therapy is as individual as you are, I take time to get to know what matters to you and tailor our work to fit your values and goals. I am committed to therapeutic work where all aspects of you are acknowledged, respected, and valued. At the core of my practice is upholding cultural humility, and I would be honored to walk alongside you and provide a space where you can learn, regulate, and reflect.

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Teaghan Richman
Licensed Professional Counselor
Chicago, IL

If you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or just not like yourself lately, I can help you find your way forward. As a compassionate & experienced therapist, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate these challenges in a safe space. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, eating disturbances, work-stress, relationship struggles, trauma, or self-esteem issues, I work collaboratively with clients to create treatment plans that promote healing. I specialize in helping individuals with relationship challenges, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, LGBTQ+ issues, & grief. I provide a non-judgmental space for healing & growth.

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Daniel Trinidad
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Are you having trouble navigating big questions about who you are? Or where are you going? Are you anxious about where you fit in? Or ask yourself, “do I even belong?” I have a passion for supporting BIPOC individuals, specifically Latiné, Black, first-generation, and LGBTQ+ individuals. My role is to create a safe, nonjudgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. As a Latino and queer therapist, I deeply understand the pressures many students face, whether that is anxiety, depression, financial stress, imposter syndrome, or trauma. Many of us grow up carrying a ton, and college can bring both new opportunities and new challenges. I help individuals explore the root causes of their struggles by tapping into their unique strengths. My approach is collaborative and creates change which helps gain clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of self. If you are figuring out your identity, dealing with stress, or just feeling overwhelmed and unsure then I want to emphasize that you are not alone. I want to create a space where you can show up as your authentic self, be heard without judgment, and start to build the life you want. I believe in walking alongside my clients as they work through what is hard and discover what is possible.

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Mahal Stevens
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Are you struggling with the transition to college while navigating new responsibilities? You’re bright, creative, and motivated and yet finishing anything feels impossible. You call yourself “lazy” when tasks pile up and feel ashamed that simple things seem hard. You want clarity about your brain, tools that actually work, and a therapist who gets it. I am passionate about working with college students untangle executive-function struggles, perfectionism, trauma, and low self-esteem. I’m especially passionate about supporting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks. Together we’ll kick shame out of the driver’s seat and build self‑compassion, understanding, and systems that fit you. Sessions are flexible and center your needs: if we need to laugh, move, play, or cry—we will. We explore the “what” with curiosity, not the “why can’t you just…”. I use strengths-based reframes, coping tools, and psychoeducation so you understand how your brain works and can actually use the skills between sessions. Fit matters. If you’re craving relief from shame, clearer systems that fit your life, and a space where all parts of you are welcome, let’s talk. I offer virtual and in-person sessions, a free 15‑minute consult, and accept insurance/sliding scale options when available.

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Patrick Hill
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

You are so much bigger than the things that have bogged you down in your past, the things that trouble you in the present, and the things that scare you about the future. Therapy isn't about fixing something broken; it's about helping you recognize, hone, and use the strength you already possess to create lasting change. You don't have to be trapped by old stories or limiting beliefs, you can rewrite your own narrative. As a therapist, I believe my first and foremost responsibility is to create a safe space for you - space for you to heal, laugh, cry, celebrate, and even make mistakes. I want you to feel cozy bringing your entire self into the therapeutic space, and I promise I’ll do the same. I’m always on your side; while I may question or challenge you, at the end of the day I fundamentally believe we are all doing our best—you included. I specialize in working with queer adults, adolescents, and couples navigating life transitions, anxiety, family-of-origin issues, identity development, and body image concerns in an easy-going, shame-free space. I am a member of the queer community, and am committed to a practice that is accessible, antiracist, LGBTQIA+-affirming, poly-allied, body-neutral, and welcoming toward clients of all walks of life. I draw on diverse experiences in the arts, corporate settings, education, and in clinical mental health to bring an integrative and eclectic approach to therapy. As a continually developing and evolving clinician, I draw from narrative, existential, and person-centered approaches, and am supervised by Angela Scalisi, LCPC. If you are here and are already considering starting or continuing therapy, you’re already taking such a meaningful step in prioritizing yourself and your wellbeing. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just want someone to chat with, there’s a spot on my couch for you.

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Semillas Counseling
Group practice
Chicago, IL

Relationships play a significant role in our emotional well-being, yet they can also be one of life's greatest sources of stress. At Semillas Counseling, we help individuals and couples navigate the challenges that arise in friendships, dating relationships, family dynamics, roommates, and romantic partnerships. Whether you're struggling with communication, conflict, trust, boundaries, loneliness, life transitions, or simply wanting healthier and more fulfilling connections, our therapists provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore what's happening and develop meaningful, lasting change. We believe stronger relationships begin with greater self-awareness, intentional communication, and the confidence to show up authentically with the people who matter most.

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Matthew Fleming
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

You are capable of change and deserve to be heard with empathy and compassion. Understanding that starting therapy can be daunting, I create a warm, non-judgmental environment where you'll feel comfortable sharing your challenges. Together, we’ll collaborate to overcome obstacles and achieve personal goals, building tools to navigate life's difficulties while nurturing self-love and confidence. My client-centered, trauma-informed approach is tailored to each person. I value exploring thoughts and feelings in a supportive space, encouraging self-reflection and growth.

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Em Shea
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

I am a queer, feminist, down-to-earth therapist who prioritizes the comfort of and connection with my clients. I have experience working with clients from a wide variety of identities, but I am especially passionate about working with LGBTQ+ people, mothers and parents, and navigating life transitions. If you’re looking for a therapist who sees therapy as a healing process, which addresses feelings, experiences, and parts of yourself that have been ignored or are causing you distress, we may be a good fit. I work with clients of all ages and specialize in LGBTQ+ affirming care, maternal mental health, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and grief. The core of my practice involves centering each client’s needs and intersectional identities, focusing on individual strengths, and providing relational, trauma-informed care. I believe that each individual is the expert on their own experience, and my goal is to help you gain insight into the impact of those experiences. By taking this first step in starting therapy with me, we’ll create a space that is safe, trusting, and led at your own pace.

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Offbeat Counseling Services PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Chicago, IL

Our worlds are chaotic, messy and sometimes cruel. As a result it is easy to unknowingly repeat that disorganization in our own lives. My goal to challenge these patterns of behaviors and relationships that may be keeping you stuck. I work with eccentric adolescents and emerging adults with strong personalities who have difficulty communicating their emotions with others. Many of my clients struggle with ADHD, complex trauma, self injury, suicidality and mood disorders or seeking a safe space to explore their LGBTQIA+ identity. About me: I am a quirky and challenging therapist who graduated from Northwestern University with a Masters in Counseling Psychology in 2014. Having worked extensively in partial hospitalization, therapeutic schools and private practice settings, I combine practical skill based solutions to increase emotional regulation alongside relational work to reshape the past.

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Psychotherapy Associates of Chicago
Group practice
Chicago, IL

Psychotherapy Associates of Chicago serves a diverse clientele of individuals, couples and families in a quiet, comfortable therapy space. Since opening in 2001, our dedicated and highly experienced group of therapists has become some of the most frequently referred in Chicago. Let us help you navigate the inevitable ups and downs in life.

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Aalanah Peoples
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

We are here to help people. It’s what we do and who we are. We don’t feel the need to rattle off clinical jargon, write for academic journals or pretend we’ve got all the answers. Our therapy specialties include anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, conflict & trust. We listen with an open heart and help you see options, find clarity, address issues. Your concerns guide our therapeutic approach. We each have diverse specialties so you can choose one of our licensed therapists that fits you. Sometimes you instantly click with a therapist. Other times, you don’t. We want to make sure people get the help they need, even if that means referring you to a mental health therapist outside our practice. Our Chicago community has counted on our psychotherapy practice for over 20 years. The on-site & online therapy services we provide range from individual therapy, couples therapy, mindfulness and child therapy. It’s a true privilege knowing that we have created a highly respected resource for our neighbors. We are an inclusive practice serving individuals, couples and families of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races and ethnicities. All are welcome.

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Susan Killelea
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL

I am an individual and sex therapist specializing in working with clients exploring sexuality, gender, life transitions, and anxiety.

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Stories Space Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL

I want to help people feel a sense of belonging even if they don't feel like they belong anywhere else. This includes people who are part of the LGBTQ+/queer community, people who are autistic, AuDHD, or have ADHD, and people who have experienced relational trauma and/or religious trauma. If any of this reflects your experience, you may carry deep shame and feel disconnected from those around you. You might be putting on a happy face on the outside while things feel like they are falling apart inside. I want to come alongside you and help you clean out some of the rubble inside. You might be surprised by the "you" that you uncover. My approach is relational, experiential, and collaborative. I make space for what clients bring into session while guiding them to a point of focus and greater clarity. I primarily use internal family systems (IFS) therapy and also incorporate sandtray therapy. When meeting with clients virtually, I use Minecraft or Simply Sand Play for sandtray therapy. Using these types of therapy, I will help you access emotions and experiences that you can't access with words alone. This will help you unload some of that weight you've been carrying and live a more free and authentic life. If you are interested in working with me, contact me to book a free 15-minute consultation. I look forward to getting to know you!

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Laura Nessler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL

Hi! Like many therapists, I'm a 30-something cis, white woman who likes earth tones and metaphors. I especially enjoy working with individuals with mood disorders, complex trauma, chronic illness, and psychosis, as well as those who identify as artists/creatives and recovering perfectionists. I draw from various modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Health at Every Size (HAES), Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. However, my most impactful training has happened in conversation with clients themselves. I recognize how my identities contribute to a power differential with my clients, especially when working with marginalized populations. I work to interrupt this power differential whenever possible by being antiracist in my work and prioritizing humility and transparency. I believe that the relationship between client and therapist is key to any kind of growth and change, and therefore first honor creating an authentic relationship with the clients I work with.

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Tori Hairston
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL

Hi there! I'm glad you are taking a courageous step to focus on your wellbeing. Whether you are seeking therapy for the first time, returning, or looking for a new therapist, you are right where you need to be if you are looking for a warm and caring therapist who is passionate about trauma, grief, life transitions, identity, relationships, and faith and spirituality. I help women of all ages and faiths relieve anxiety and depression, heal childhood and relationship wounds, navigate grief and life transitions, and gain more tools to cope with life, work, and relationships. By working with me, I will be a safe space to bear witness to your thoughts and emotions and honor them by patiently meeting you wherever you are in this season of your life. While taking a holistic approach, I utilize a variety of counseling theories like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotions Focused Therapy, and Person - Centered Therapy. I want to help you reach your fullest potential and support you on your journey to becoming your happiest, healthiest, most-authentic self. I am virtual only, so please email me to schedule your free 15-30 minute consultation. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Gol Relational Center, PLLC
Group practice
Chicago, IL

We offer a strength-based, holistic, and highly collaborative approach to therapy. Specializing in relationships, trauma, racial identity and mood disorders, our clinicians provide culturally-sensitive trauma-informed care.

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Amy Zavada, PhD, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
Chicago, IL

I love working with clients to both identify their strengths and to help them understand what constrains them from reaching their goals. After exploring these areas, we collaborate to create a plan for change. I am an expert on tools and possibilities but you're the expert on you and what will resonate in your life. I'll be asking for your input every step of the way! I know campus culture. I've been a therapist in a busy University Counseling Center and loved my work students and faculty. I've also been a been a professor at the graduate level. I understand that with the all the stressors daily student life being successful means having a support network in place. I'd love to see if I'd be a good fit for your support network.

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