Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Hello! I help women who feel like they are struggling with anxiety, relationships, or challenging life transitions, to go from feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm to reclaiming their voice, strength, and sense of self. I use an empowering, strengths-based approach to support my clients in their growth and healing. I believe therapy can be a space to finally breathe, feel seen, and to start finding clarity about what you need. My style is... • Trauma-informed, non-judgmental, client-centered, and strengths-based. • Creates a space that is compassionate and affirming, where you can show up fully as yourself and be met with understanding and support. • Respects your lived experience and the context in which it was shaped – including relationships, culture, and systemic influences. My therapeutic approach is guided by you. Since each person’s experiences are unique, I use interventions in a way that is responsive to each client’s needs. It's important that you feel comfortable with your therapist. I would be happy to talk with you to explore your needs and whether we would be a good fit.

With over 20 years of experience as a therapist and school counselor, I am dedicated to supporting students as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. My approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and evidence-based practices, with a deep understanding that every individual’s journey is unique. I specialize in providing meaningful support for individuals with ADHD, anxiety, and/or special needs. Whether a client is struggling with focus and organization, feeling overwhelmed by worry, or needing tailored emotional and academic support, I strive to create a safe encouraging space where growth and confidence can flourish. Drawing on two decades of experience in educational and therapeutic settings, I can help clients of all ages build practical skills, emotional resilience, and self-awareness. My goal is not only to address immediate concerns, but to empower individuals with tools they can carry forward—at school, at home, and in everyday life.

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.

Life can feel overwhelming even when everything appears fine on the surface. Many of the individuals I work with are successful, hardworking people who find themselves struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, stress, or emotional exhaustion. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I provide a supportive and judgment-free environment where we can discuss your symptoms, concerns, and treatment goals openly. My focus is on helping you better understand your mental health and finding effective treatment options that support your daily functioning and overall well-being. I specialize in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, prescription refills, and ongoing treatment planning for a wide range of mental health conditions. Through regular follow-up appointments, we monitor your progress, evaluate medication effectiveness, manage side effects, and make adjustments when needed to ensure you receive the most appropriate care. My goal is to help you achieve symptom stability, improve your quality of life, and support long-term mental wellness through evidence-based psychiatric treatment. Seeking help is an important step toward feeling better. Whether you are beginning treatment for the first time, looking for a medication provider, or seeking continued psychiatric care, I am here to help. Together, we can develop a treatment plan that fits your needs and supports your path toward improved mental health and emotional well-being.

As a licensed clinical psychologist, I work with individuals and couples across the adult lifespan seeking a safe and inclusive environment to develop a greater understanding of themselves, their relationships, and paths to move forward in life. I focus my clinical practice on working with adults who have experienced and survived a myriad of traumatic events such as childhood abuse, interpersonal violence, immigration trauma, and racial and LGBTQ-related discrimination – as well as those experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, relationship concerns, insomnia and those experiencing significant life change (i.e., moving, divorce, new parents, college/graduation, etc.). As a non-binary person, I strive to create a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment for all clients no matter their racial, cultural, or gender and sexual identity. Throughout my training, I have focused my work in college counseling centers, working with young adults as well as non-traditional students, returning adult learners, first-generation college students, and international student populations and in community mental health focused on immigrant, refugee, and asylum seekers.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you're already balancing classes, relationships, family expectations, work, and everything else that comes with college life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or simply looking for extra support, I'm glad you're here. I'm Mary Mesiha, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over 20 years of experience helping young adults navigate life's challenges. I specialize in working with college students facing anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem, trauma, and the pressures that often come with this stage of life. I believe the relationship you have with your therapist is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, gain practical tools, and build confidence as you work toward the life you want. I offer a free 30-minute consultation so we can get to know each other, discuss what you're looking for, and determine whether we're a good fit. I would be honored to support you through this chapter of your life.

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 hope to help you on your journey of growth and self-discovery. I enjoy working with clients to reflect on their experiences and find new ways to express themselves, communicate, and cope with life’s challenges. I have experience working with ADHD, anger control, anxiety, communication difficulties, depression, low self-esteem, marital conflict, mood disorders, and trauma. I use a combination of person-centered, solution-focused, CBT, and DBT interventions. I place great value in meeting clients where they are and will implement a variety of approaches to meet client needs and preferences. I enjoy using both art and games to give clients additional ways to express themselves.

I have a passion for helping individuals who have been wounded physically, emotionally and spiritually to become whole and restored. During my professional career I have worked with individuals of all ages who suffer from traumatic experiences, mood disorders, chronic illness, grief and loss, crisis intervention and a host of other issues. I am a certified premarital/marital counseling facilitator with PREPARE/ENRICH. I am hard of hearing and fluent in American Sign Language and have the ability to relate to the Deaf and have a deep understanding of the culture. I am certified to do online counseling (video chat, email, text). This gives freedom to those who may not be able to get to the office due to limitations or restraints. I believe in the mind, body, spirit approach and finding balance in those areas. I work with individuals to find balance in life and to become more whole through exploring the various areas of their lives.

Cassie McCarthy's therapy practice is tailored to help individuals, especially college students, navigate and overcome the challenges of anxiety or living through traumatic/painful events in their past. She also has a specialized expertise in helping survivors of sexual trauma overcome the unique effects of sexual & relationship violence. Cassie leverages science-backed approaches, and focuses on teaching practical skills and techniques to effect lasting change. Her approach is results-oriented, utilizing homework, worksheets, and real-time progress tracking to ensure therapy is tailored to each individual's needs. This practice is ideal for college students looking to take control of their mental health and wellbeing, offering tools and support to move beyond their past and thrive in their personal and academic lives. She uses Evidence-Based therapy approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help clients meet their goals. For a free phone consultation, visit www.CassieMcCarthy.com or call 978-403-6400

I'm Chelsea Horn, owner and founder of Wild Haven Counseling. I’ve been practicing as a licensed mental health counselor since 2018. My passion lies in helping adults and college students navigate life transitions, develop strengths, and find meaning and purpose. I’m skilled in treating anxiety, perfectionism, imposter feelings and self-doubt, depression, binge eating, and body image issues. In the therapy room, I combine evidence-based practices with a touch of humor and humanity. I see therapy as a space where the focus is entirely on you, where you can reflect on your experiences, reconnect with yourself, and rediscover what brings you joy and fulfillment. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for real change. My style is collaborative and conversational; I offer input and perspective, but I also recognize that you are the expert on your own life. Together, we’ll identify goals that feel meaningful to you. I often encourage clients to practice new skills outside of sessions, which helps build confidence and momentum in daily life. I also take a holistic approach to mental health, considering how emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being all connect. My philosophy centers on pursuing wholeness over perfection. Growth isn’t about getting everything right, it’s about showing up for yourself, learning along the way, and taking that first step toward change.

VitaMental Nutrition helps people control of their health with practical, science-backed nutrition counseling that fits your busy life. Whether you're trying to boost energy, manage weight, or eat better on a budget, we make nutrition simple, supportive, and affordable (we’re in-network with many major insurance plans!). Anthony Tassoni, RDN, CSOWM, LDN, founder of VitaMental Nutrition, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. He has been practicing for over 13 years, helping folks from all over the nation to reach their health and nutrition goals.

Hi there! I’m Dawn Meyer, and I’m here to help you navigate whatever life is throwing your way—whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, or just the everyday stress of college life. I know reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, but my approach is straightforward and compassionate. We’ll work together to help you manage big stressors or work on issues related to your mental health. Feel free to call, text or email me for more information. I am a fully virtual therapist. Life’s tough sometimes, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Online sessions are available. Details can be found at https://ginnyestupinian.com/appointments/ In-person office sessions are now also available for those who would rather come into my office. Board-certified in Clinical Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. I specialize in treating college students who are dealing with severe anxiety, depression, stress, and complex trauma. Over the years, I have worked with many college students who have found themselves feeling anxious and depressed to the point that they can't continue with school. Many students report going down the same rabbit hole; as the demands of college increase, they become strapped for time and start to neglect their usual self-care routines—eating healthy, exercising, and relaxing. Not surprisingly, their mood becomes poor. Sadly, ignoring these early changes will cause things to get worse. Students then reported no longer enjoying activities that were usually the highlight of their day, feeling exhausted continuously but unable to get a good night’s sleep. Next, their class performance suffers; they sometimes miss classes because they can’t get out of bed. In some cases, students find themselves in a dark place, barely eating, and unable to concentrate enough to read even a short paragraph in their books. It is not uncommon that thoughts begin to circle the same unpleasant memories and nagging fears, resulting in a sense of hopelessness and guilt. The good news is that, In many cases, I have been able to help those individuals feel better and develop the resilience strategies they needed so they could continue with school and graduate successfully. When we work together, you can be assured that you will never be judged; everything we discuss will be confidential. You will be provided with the most advanced techniques appropriate to your needs, and they will help you feel better about obtaining the goals you want to reach. No situation is too small or too large that I can't help you with. Call today for more information. 844-802-6512

You may look like you’re keeping it together on the outside, but inside you’re exhausted from overthinking, carrying stress, and trying to manage emotions that feel bigger than you can explain. Maybe you’ve learned to push through, stay busy, or take care of everyone else while ignoring what’s happening in your own mind and body. I work with clients who are tired of surviving on autopilot. Many are navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, difficult relationships, or major life changes, and often feel stuck in patterns they understand logically but can’t seem to change. They may feel emotionally drained, disconnected from themselves, or frustrated that they’re struggling even when they’re doing “all the right things.” Therapy with me is a space to be real without judgment. You don’t have to minimize your experiences, make them sound less serious, or show up with the perfect words. Together, we can make sense of what’s beneath the overwhelm, understand the patterns that keep repeating, and create meaningful change that feels sustainable — not performative. If you’re used to being the strong one, the self-aware one, or the one who holds everything together while quietly falling apart, you don’t have to keep doing it alone.

I welcome the individual that is curious to understand the myriad of feelings, patterns and issues in one's life. I create space to be known and understand the self. Young adulthood is a time of discovery, to figure out how you want to be. Old defenses and coping skills may not be working as well. My professional interests are broad when it comes to the human condition including grief and loss, relationships and transitions. I work through a relational psychodynamic strength-based attachment lens. You and I work within the relational interaction between us as we discover your self-structure. This allows a person to expand and evolve. The hardest step is reaching out. If the way I work is of interest, please give me a call to see if treatment would be a good fit. All questions are good questions. Invest in yourself, you are worth it. I practice in Missouri, Maine, Illinois and New Mexico. My undergraduate educational experience is from Dartmouth College along with my MSW from Washington University. I have certificates of study from the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute, in the Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program and from The National Institute for the Psychotherapies, NYC, in Integrative Trauma Studies. I am currently in year 2 of Somatic Expererience Method Training. I have worked inpatient, residential and outpatient with a team oriented approach in nationally known facilities, McLean Hospital, St. Louis Children's Hospital, and Care and Counseling St. Louis prior to opening my own practice in 2015. Be well, Cindy

I prioritize seeing a holistic view of a person. I find joy in helping assist individuals find their meaning and finding balance in every aspect of their life. Whether that's physically, mentally, emotionally, and/or spiritually. I find it to be a great privilege to listen to someone’s story, and for the past eight years I’ve worked with children, adolescents, and young adults for experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and overall life transitions, especially when it comes to going to college. I would be happy to work with you whether that may be in person or virtually. I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri!

Hi, I’m Jaime! I’m a licensed therapist who creates a supportive, nonjudgmental space for students navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, or big life changes. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered to take steps toward healing and growth—at your pace, and in your way.

Are you having trouble with falling and staying asleep? Are you feeling anxious and overwhelmed? I specialize in working with people who are having trouble sleeping, who are experiencing anxiety, and who are going through reproductive transitions or who are experiencing distress related to their reproductive health (e.g., PMDD, pregnancy, postpartum, infertility). In my work, I aim to cultivate a safe space to hold and honor your emotions, while also providing you with new coping tools to help you process your emotions, get some distance from your thoughts, and help you engage with your life. To do this, I use a blend of evidence-based psychotherapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy.

We are Peace in Counseling, a small group practice of fully licensed social workers, and professional counselors. We provide individual, family, and couples therapy. We specialize in depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and eating disorders. At Peace in Counseling, we strive to provide our clients with perspective, exploration, acceptance, comfort, and empowerment to make lasting changes. We believe YOU are the expert on your own life, and will assist you in harnessing your full potential.