Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

I am so happy you're here! Higher education is challenging and comes with a lot of changes. If you're feeling anxious, depressed, or not like yourself, therapy may be a good place to start feeling better! Clients can expect a non-judgemental, empathetic environment where it's safe to be authentically yourself. We are connected by our relationships and managing/maintaining relationships can be extraordinarily challenging in college. In therapy with me, we will look at your history, how that informs your present and collaborate on ways to healthily and positively impact your future. Please reach out if you have any questions or if you're interested in working with me!

College life can feel like a whirlwind—full of change, pressure, expectations, and questions about who you are and where you’re headed. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, or struggling with self-medicating behaviors like drinking too much, you’re not alone. At Trailside Therapy, I offer a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can talk through the challenges you’re facing—whether it’s stress, relationships, identity, academic pressure, trauma, or navigating major life transitions. My approach is person-centered, empathetic, and focused on meeting you right where you are. Therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical or intimidating. It can be a place where you feel safe to explore, process, and find hope again.

At Oswego & Plainfield Wellness we understand that psychological struggles can feel so isolating, yet are experienced by everyone at various points in our lives. We want to partner with you to create a treatment plan that encompasses the very idea of wellness--in all of the facets of your life that matter most to you. The ultimate goal of treatment is to reduce your suffering, so that you can live your most meaningful and fulfilling life.

At Create Balance Counseling, we are committed to our clients' overall well-being. Using a dynamic approach of empirically supported treatments, we create a safe space for connection and healing. Whether you prefer talk therapy, art therapy, or a combination, our team adapts treatment plans to meet clients where they’re at in their journey, factoring in your individual needs and preferences. Whether you've had experience with therapy or you're completely new to it, we collaborate to with you to create a space that promotes personal growth and lasting change. Our practice welcomes everyone. Our highly skilled, trauma-informed clinicians work with people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, first responders, and therapy for therapists.

You’re tired of: - Overthinking - Feeling overwhelmed - A heightened sense of worry - Your mental energy being depleted - Thinking about the worst case scenario - Being critical of yourself - All-or-nothing thinking - Feeling like an imposter - Worrying about disappointing others - Avoiding things that make you anxious - Comparing yourself to others - Unsubstantiated fear - Procrastinating - Being unable to set boundaries - Having difficulty identifying or communicating what you need - Feeling like you “should” be doing certain things, even if you don’t want to - Neglecting self-care You have a simmering undercurrent of anxiety, and your entire life feels like a list of obligations. You feel weighed down, overwhelmed, and stressed. You’re pathologically helpful and a self-proclaimed people pleaser, so you find yourself gritting your teeth to make it through the day……but you paste a smile on your face and fake it. From the outside you’re successful, high-achieving, respected, and known for going above and beyond, but internally, you know your truth. You’re overly self-critical, procrastinate often, script conversations in your head, and worry about everyone else’s expectations of you. What if you could feel confident saying no to things that don’t serve you? What if you could learn how to put yourself first without feeling selfish? What if you could live a more balanced, intentional, and fulfilling life? Let me help you get clarity on what you’re feeling, why, and how to fix it. We all have “blind spots” that hold us back in some way, and it takes an outside perspective to help identify these. Even if you think… - you’ll let others down - you’re not as smart or capable as your colleagues - you need to have a clear plan - mediocrity is unacceptable - you have to maintain this facade in order to be successful I will show you how to shift your thoughts and behavior in ways that will pave a clear path to joy and confidence. There is no greater investment in life than discovering your full potential, and that comes through insight and self-awareness. Visit my website and schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation today!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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 Dr. Daniella Lang. Being fluent in Spanish and the daughter of Argentine immigrants has instilled in me a passion for working with culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse clients. ​ I find profound meaning in assisting individuals who have experienced trauma. My work has included supporting survivors of domestic abuse and providing critical on-site assistance to those impacted by significant tragedies, such as the Parkland and Highland Park shootings, as well as the Surfside building collapse. ​ I am a licensed clinical psychologist (Psy.D.) in Florida and Illinois. I received my doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. I then completed my APA accredited pre-doctoral internship at Miami Dade County, Community Action Human Services Department, and my postdoctoral residency at Nova Southeastern University. I have experience working with clients who have struggled with a wide range of challenges spanning their entire lifetimes. I received clinical training within universities, schools, hospitals, and community-based settings serving individuals, groups, and families. I have served individuals who have experienced anxiety, trauma, depression, adjustment issues, interpersonal deficits, grief, and struggles with acculturation. However, I am especially fond of helping children, adolescents and young adults.

Are you having trouble managing the stress and demands of everyday life? Are you struggling to cope? Then, you are in the right place. At times, life can be difficult and challenging. Reaching out for help doesn’t have to be hard or scary. You don’t have to do this by yourself. Many times, the client’s I work with tell me, it is a good feeling to feel supported and not feel alone. We all want to be able to achieve our goals and feel calm and happy at the same time. This is where I come in. I graduated from Indiana University Northwest in 2001 with my MSW. I have been helping people ever since. I can help you sort out feelings, cope with demands and learn skills to help manage your changing world. I have experience with concerns related to ADHD, school issues, depression and anxiety. When I meet with client’s, I bring with me my experience, knowledge, training and ability to connect and understand others. It is my goal to assist the people I work with to find calm and happiness in their lives. I utilize an eclectic approach to assist the clients with a broad range of needs. We will begin from a strength based perspective utilizing aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person in Environment Theory, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. We will work towards achieving your goals in a way that feels safe and supported. If you are feeling the need for a bit more support and to cope better with life’s demands, give me a call. I would love to be able to discuss with you how I can help. I look forward to talking with you.

Welcome to The Black Sheep Sanctuary, where therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you make sense of your beautifully messy, wonderfully weird, and sometimes chaotic life. We’re here for the overthinkers, the socially anxious, the “why am I like this?” crowd, and anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in. We believe that being different isn’t a flaw—it’s just you, being you. But let’s be real, sometimes figuring out “you” can feel overwhelming without a little guidance. That’s where we come in. Therapy with us isn’t stiff or clinical—it’s a conversation. Sometimes deep, sometimes hilarious, but always real. We show up as ourselves so you can too. Whether you're navigating anxiety, ADHD, relationships, or just trying to function without wanting to scream into the void, we’ve got you. No judgment. No weird therapy head tilts. Just real talk, practical tools, a couple of “f-bombs”, and a safe space where you don’t have to filter yourself. Welcome to the flock. You belong here.

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

Throughout my practice, I have worked with clients facing a wide range of mental health concerns. From stress and anxiety to family conflicts, trauma, and abuse, I am well-versed in addressing the complex emotional and psychological issues that individuals face in their lives. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, identify patterns, and develop effective coping strategies. In my therapeutic approach, I draw from evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapy. I tailor my treatment plans to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, utilizing a collaborative and client-centered approach that promotes growth and positive change.

My practice is heavily rooted in mindfulness-based interventions, proven effective for depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, focus and attention, emotion management and cultivating self compassion. In our work together, you’ll develop practical coping strategies, learn to interrupt unhelpful thought patterns, build the psychological resilience to live more freely and create a relationship to your emotions that allows you to remain grounded in the face of stress and overwhelm.

Hello! My name is Mackenzie Bailey, and I am a therapist intern here at Bellosa Counseling. I believe in living authentically and experiencing life with all its ups and downs - however, this can be challenging, especially with mental health struggles and the general overwhelming-ness that life tends to be. Maybe that’s where you’re at now. And that’s okay. My intention is that when you are ready to start the therapy journey, I can be by your side and help you grow, learn, and heal. I believe in using a unique approach to best suit your goals and personality. I integrate aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy, strength-based approaches, and humanistic styles to work with you to provide empowerment, effective collaboration, and a safe environment for compassionate care and personal growth. I take an honest approach to therapy - I believe in humanity, the strength of individuals, the importance of community, and most importantly, the ability to change and grow.

I am passionate about walking alongside clients in therapy. We each have our own challenges and hardships, but we also have unique and amazing strengths! My goal in therapy is to help you understand what is and what is not working for you and find ways to connect, grow, and thrive. I have a particular interest in clients working through life transitions, spiritual struggles, and burnout.

Hello, I'm Kashara Allen, a licensed social worker therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and expertise. With a focus on anxiety, depression, sports performance, stress, PTSD, and trauma. I provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or personal growth, I'm here to collaborate with you on a journey towards healing and resilience. Together, we can work towards achieving your goals and fostering a greater sense of well-being.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

Trauma impedes our natural ability as humans to be able to identify and reach goals, and connect and form relationships with others. I know that this can all be worked through with a positive therapeutic relationship and guidance to rediscovering the inner knowing you possess about what you truly need to thrive. My personal approach to therapy is what allows for others to connect with me- I am laid-back, direct, funny, caring, and most of all, nonjudgemental. I provide that open space of comfort that is needed to be your authentic self.

Hi, I’m Andrea Picl — a licensed therapist who’s been working in mental health for over 10 years. I’ve supported kids, teens, and adults through everything from everyday stress to complex trauma. I studied psychology and criminal justice at Illinois State, then earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in Chicago. I’ve worked in schools, community agencies, and with families in crisis, and I’m trained in a bunch of therapy styles like play therapy, trauma-focused CBT, and motivational interviewing. At the core of what I do is helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.