Therapists for college students near University of Chicago
Sara Pelaez is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Professional practicing in Georgia, Illinois, and Florida. She works with individuals and couples with a focus on students. Many of her clients have found great success in their personal and college lives, but struggle to feel connected in their relationships or at peace in their daily lives. Sara is particularly sensitive to clients facing present-past trauma, moments of transition, relationship or emotional issues when the delicate balance can seem to tremble, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt can emerge. Sara’s approach is rooted in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Emotional Focus Therapy. These are evidence-based approaches that focus on helping clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected so that they can begin to make a targeted change. It is a bottom-up/top-down approach that provides a 360 view of the client's inner world. She works to help clients understand their physical response to external stressors, and begin to problem-solve ways to introduce moments of calm, to choose to respond rather than react in the face of change. Sara is focused on ensuring that her clients see real progress: her style is interactive, non-judgmental, and positions clients as the experts on where they are now, and where they want to go. A trauma-informed therapist, Sara is sensitive to the influence of past experiences on present challenges and works closely with clients to reframe the narrative of their life in a way that increases self-confidence and compassion. Sara’s first priority in starting with a new client is ensuring that they feel safe, heard, and like an equal partner in the therapeutic process. As a seasoned telehealth provider, she offers the convenience of remote sessions to help make therapy a core component of your self-care calendar.
I am here to help college students who are facing challenges with anxiety, depression, relationship/roommate/friend/family issues or just want help with improving their study habits and study-life balance. I have worked with many, many college students across the country. I am available weekends, all day and evenings on different days to accommodate your busy academic and social life. Feel better and enjoy your college years!
Ascension Center for Mental Health in Arlington Heights has been serving the needs of the community since 1962. We offer an array of outpatient mental health services including psychiatry, therapy, employment, residential treatment, Medicaid day programs and intensive outpatient programs. We accept all major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. We have an amazing staff of professionals who care about helping the clients we serve and do our best to manage their care.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Kris Kirilova provides psychotherapy and career counseling for students navigating academic and career concerns, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety or inner turmoil. I specialize in helping students adjust to college life, clarify work and life goals, manage relationship difficulties, overcome self-doubt, and find balance in your adult life as a student. My practice serves a diverse range of students, from those in college to those pursuing doctoral studies.
I am an Indian and Pakistani cis-gender woman from an immigrant family and am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I have a Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling (MAATC) and am a Provisionally Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P). I love working with people from different backgrounds and various identities attempting to preserve a sense of authentic self in the Western world. I have a strong background working with immigrant children, their families, as well as individuals of any age desiring self-acceptance, self-esteem, and support surrounding anxiety and depression. Due to my experience navigating the various parts of myself, I am passionate about serving those with opposing or oppressed identities such as those within the BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ community. I am trilingual in Hindi/Urd’u, Spanish, and English and offer sessions in all three languages. Our various identities as individuals can sometimes pull us in opposite directions (opposing forces), occasionally forcing us to put forth different versions of ourselves and keeping our authentic selves hidden. This can cause much anxiety and panic, especially in a society where defining and boxing in individuals is the norm. As a child of an immigrant family, I am keenly aware of immigration-related anxiety and maintaining a balance between your culture and the Western world. Sometimes life can throw our internal compass/intuition off balance; for this reason, I integrate ancestral, intuitive, somatic, and spiritual practices and wisdoms into the healing process. I am passionate about increasing your sense of self-empowerment and using your authentic voice to advocate for yourself and your identities to inspire the changes you deem necessary within your community. Values and Approach It is incredibly important to me to operate from a culturally critical perspective, always questioning and expanding my understanding of one’s identities and cultures.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I have had the privilege over the past 30 years to work with incredible people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, family and relationship conflict, and other difficulties. Together, we've found their resilience and healing. Our time together is about you. You know yourself best and we will pair that with 30+ years of my professional and personal experience, to help you achieve what you want from therapy - more joy, more peace, better communication, etc. I will work with you in a compassionate, inclusive, productive way to help you get to where you want to be. Taking the first step is brave. Please call or email and schedule an initial meeting. Currently providing in person and virtual therapy in PA, and virtual therapy in IL, RI, and MI.
College can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming seasons of your life. You may be adjusting to being away from home, navigating new relationships, questioning your major, managing academic pressure, or quietly carrying anxiety, depression, or past trauma that hasn’t had space to heal. On the outside, it can look like everyone else is handling it just fine — but inside, you might feel stuck, exhausted, unmotivated, or unsure of who you’re becoming. If you’re in that space, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to work through it by yourself. I work with college students who are in the middle of real life transitions — identity shifts, relationship changes, academic stress, family expectations, grief, trauma, and the quiet weight of self-doubt. Depression during college often doesn’t look like “sad all the time.” It can show up as procrastination, isolation, low motivation, difficulty focusing, or feeling disconnected from the person you used to be. Trauma can show up in relationships, in trust, in sleep, or in how hard you are on yourself. Together, we slow things down. We make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface. We identify patterns that are keeping you stuck and build practical tools that help you feel more steady, confident, and grounded. My approach is collaborative and straightforward. I don’t believe in sitting back silently while you struggle to find words. We talk. We process. We challenge unhelpful thoughts. We work through emotional blocks. I integrate approaches such as CBT, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based strategies to help you build resilience while honoring your story. My goal is not just symptom relief — it’s helping you understand yourself better so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. College is a time of growth — but growth can feel uncomfortable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, numb, stuck, or unsure about your direction, therapy can be a space to reset and regain momentum. You deserve support as you figure out who you are and who you want to become. If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to Request an Initial Appointment and begin therapy. You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Let’s work together to help you regain balance, rebuild confidence, and move through this season with strength.
I'm passionate about helping individuals find peace and healing from the depths of anxiety, OCD, depression, and trauma. Together we will create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your emotions, thoughts, and experiences. My goal is to walk alongside you on your journey, offering guidance, support, and compassion as you navigate the complexities of your mind. Whether you're seeking help for yourself or supporting a loved one, I'm here to empower you to find hope, healing, and a sense of calm. With creating a strong connection with each client, understanding that every individual's story is unique and deserves to be heard. Together we will identify your strengths, challenges, and goals, and develop a personalized plan that honors your values and priorities. Together we will find your path to recovery, growth, and renewed purpose. Discover your inner strength and restore your inner essence.