Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL
With the many transitions that life brings can come many challenges. It can be difficult to navigate these challenges alone and reaching out for support is a significant step in working towards healing. My goal is to help you navigate your healing journey using compassion, empathy, creativity, and humor. I have worked in a variety of settings including the department of corrections, psychiatric inpatient hospitals, and in an after school setting. Throughout experience I have worked with many different clients including individuals experiencing challenges related to depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief, work stress, career transitions, spirituality, and family life. I approach my work with the mindset that the client is the expert in their treatment. In my work I utilize Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfulness Based Interventions. I aim to provide a welcoming, supportive, inclusive, and judgement free space for you to process any struggles and work towards your goals. I recognize that each person’s path to healing is unique and during our time together we will discover which approach is ideal for you. Life can bring on so much heartache and struggles that can make us feel lost. Through self-exploration we can work towards transforming into a more healed self. Clients interested in working together can reach out to me at rickele@humboldtparkcounseling.com or at 312-880-7671 for more information. All inquires are welcome.
I understand that seeking change or trying something different can be difficult. I enjoy working alongside my clients to help each individual achieve their therapy goals in a way that feels comfortable for them. By using an empathetic and client centered approach, I support and encourage my clients to focus on their strengths to overcome life’s challenges. I strive to create a safe and empowering space where clients can be vulnerable, explore new perspectives, and speak openly in an environment where they feel accepted rather than judged. I believe the relationship between client and therapist is essential in the helping process.
You are holding a lot right now... Balancing coursework, expectations, relationships, and the quiet pressure to figure out who you are (and who you are becoming) can feel overwhelming. From the outside, it might look like you are managing, but internally, there may be anxiety, self-doubt, burnout, or a sense of disconnection that is harder to name. I work with college and graduate students who are navigating exactly these kinds of experiences. Many of the people I support are thoughtful, driven, and deeply self-aware, yet find themselves feeling stuck, exhausted, or unsure of how to move forward in a way that actually feels aligned. Therapy becomes a space to slow down. A place where you do not have to perform, keep up, or have everything figured out. Together, we begin to make sense of what is underneath the stress, whether that is long-standing patterns, identity exploration, relationship dynamics, or the impact of academic and societal pressures. My approach is relational, collaborative, and grounded in a sociological lens, meaning we do not just look inward, but also consider the larger systems and expectations shaping your experience. I integrate attachment-based, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed care, while also offering practical tools when helpful. I am especially attuned to: • Academic pressure and burnout • Anxiety and emotional overwhelm • Identity exploration (including cultural, relational, and personal identity) • Life transitions and uncertainty about the future • The pressure to “hold it all together” while feeling unseen or unsupported Our work unfolds in a space that is steady, thoughtful, and deeply human. We move at a pace that honors your capacity, gently creating room for clarity, compassion, self-trust, and more sustainable ways of showing up in your life. You do not have to navigate this chapter alone. I offer tele-health sessions for students located in Illinois, Iowa, and Nevada, and would be honored to support you in this season of your life!
In our sessions, I create a safe, judgment-free space where we explore the reasons behind your feelings, work on breaking unhelpful habits, and try out new ways of thinking, like seeing situations from a different perspective and making choices based on your values. I use different types of therapy along with holistic approaches, to fit what works best for you. I also believe in using creative activities to help heal your inner child and express emotions in a healthy way. You are the expert on your own life—my role is to support you and ask important questions that help you grow. The goal is for you to live in a way that feels true to who you are, bringing together all parts of yourself so you can feel whole.
I am a Chicago area Licensed Professional Counselor at Obsidian Counseling Wellness. I specialize in life transitions, including the transitions into and out of college. My approach is eclectic and centers around your specific needs. My therapeutic approach is nonjudgmental and accepting of your whole self. Approaches that I draw from include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). With these theories I will help you acquire tools for dealing with the stressors of daily life, while exploring your identity and values. Being a student is hard enough, figuring our how to navigate life alongside school can be a difficult balance. The individuals that I see are often facing major life transitions. These transitions include moving to a new place, the end of a relationship, the shifting of friendships, transitioning into and out of college, the loss of a loved one, and other major transitions.In addition to major life transitions, the individuals that I work with are often experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and working on figuring out who they are and where they fit in.
College Life—Balancing classes, relationships, family expectations, and your mental health can feel like too much. Have you ever felt like everyone else has it figured out while you’re just trying to keep it together? You’re not alone. College is an exciting chapter, but it can also bring stress, anxiety, loneliness, and pressure to succeed. Sometimes you need a space that’s just for you—where you can process everything without judgment. ✅ How I Help I help college students: ✔ Manage anxiety and overwhelming stress ✔ Cope with relationship issues or breakups ✔ Navigate homesickness and adjusting to campus life ✔ Set boundaries and prioritize self-care ✔ Build confidence and self-identity My approach is supportive, down-to-earth, and solution-focused. Whether it’s your first time in therapy or you’re coming back, I’ll meet you where you are and help you create practical strategies for relief and growth.
Hello! My name is Dr. Ashly Lawrence. I have been working with college students and young adults for almost twenty years. College is a time of self-exploration, transition, and identity development. It can also bring great stress, existential questions, and family of origin issues. I am here to support it all. I practice from a relational feminist lens and am best suited to support clients struggling with stress, anxiety, identity development, trauma, family of origin issues, relationship stressors, and life transitions. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and often work with folx with one or more marginalized identities.
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My approach is gentle, grounded, and trauma-informed. I meet you where you are with compassion, curiosity, and no pressure to rush the process. I believe real healing happens when you feel safe, understood, and supported in exploring what's beneath the surface. Together, we will explore the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that are keeping you stuck. We'll work to build insight, process unresolved trauma, and strengthen your connection to yourself. Using EMDR, parts work, and other interventions, we'll move at a pace that feels safe, towards clarity, healing, and lasting change. I specialize in working with people who feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, low self-worth, or trauma, especially those navigating dissociation, generational trauma, or postpartum challenges. Many of my clients are insightful and motivated for change, but need support reconnecting with themselves and healing what's underneath. I became a therapist because I believe in the power of healing through connection. My own inner work, including doing EMDR as a client, showed me how transformative therapy can be. I wanted to offer others the same kind of support: a safe, attuned space to be seen, understood, and truly heal. *Current availability is Mondays at 12pm, Tuesday at 5pm, Wednesdays at 11am, 12pm, and 3pm, and Fridays at 11am.
Devi Natarajan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Counseling Psychology degree from Northwestern University. Trained in both Child and Adult Psychology, Devi has over 12 years of experience working in the Behavioral Health Hospital, Community Mental Health and Private Practice settings. Currently, Devi is the founder and clinical director of her private practice, MindTude, working primarily with the young adult population at Northwestern University, University of Chicago and other local universities in the Chicagoland area.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and the CEO of The Heart Speaks! My private practice aims to aid clients in learning how to get out of their heads and into their heart space, thus encouraging the idea of "feeling your feels" rather than attempting to mask, avoid, or numb your emotions. I have worked with a variety of clients from various backgrounds to address concerns with self-esteem, relationships, family conflict, boundaries, communication, etc. My overall mission is to assist my clients in learning how to become empowered to speak and ultimately live in their truth! I am passionate about creating a safe space for my clients to communicate with me their heart's desires so that we can ensure that their needs get met. Therapy is not a linear process, there will be ebbs and flows but I am here to conquer these obstacles with you...you don't have to do it alone anymore!
I am a firm believer that making the decision to address your issues takes a great deal of courage and bravery. Many of us come from circumstances or environments that encourage us to push through pain by burying it, outworking it, or avoiding it. While these coping skills help us to survive, they don't necessarily encourage us to thrive. As a therapist with psychodynamic training and extensive life coaching experience, it is important to me that our sessions focus on identifying where core issues are coming from, encourage collaborative problem solving, as well as create space for intentional goal setting. I have a great deal of experience helping young adults and professionals with life transitions. Building an authentic sense of self is the first step to cultivating a sense of purpose, empathetic relationships, and healthy boundaries. I approach therapy from a multi-modal lense and take great care to address and honor differences in lived experiences. If anything above resonates please contact me! Being a first-generation Arab American myself, I know how difficult it can be to move past the stigma of pursuing mental health services. That being said, I also know that the most difficult things in life also tend to be the most rewarding. You should be proud of yourself for taking this first step!
As you navigate your journey through college, I understand that this phase of life brings both stress and excitement. At my therapy practice, I believe in supporting your mental health from a holistic perspective. What does this mean exactly? Mind-Body Connection: Holistic therapy recognizes the intricate link between your mind and body. My approach integrates mental and physical well-being, acknowledging that both aspects are essential for overall health. Emotional and Spiritual Wellness: Beyond addressing immediate concerns, I strive to nurture your emotional and spiritual wellness. This may involve exploring your values, purpose, and inner growth. Lifestyle and Environment: I consider your lifestyle choices and environment as integral parts of your well-being. From sleep habits to social interactions, these factors play a crucial role in your mental health.
I am a licensed clinical counselor who believes that everyone has it in them to be the force of change that they want to be. I look forward to working with anybody who wants to learn about themselves in a safe environment free from judgement. I do have a specialty in working with people who are dealing with substance use, with or without co-occurring mental health issues and life transitions. I also address career concerns, stress over life decisions, relationships, boundaries, and healthy habits for wellness. My therapeutic style is primarily based on motivational interviewing, harm-reduction, and strengths-based models, and I particularly enjoy working with college and graduate students to help harness your strengths. I incorporate aspects of CBT interventions and skills when necessarily to be able to help you achieve your goals. I am part of the Path referral network, which means that when you reach out, my team will get back to you quickly to schedule our first session. I am committed to making therapy affordable. Through Path, I am in-network for most commercial insurances, so you're only responsible for your co-pay!
Therapy can seem overwhelming when seeking guidance for very personal problems. Sometimes just seeking the “right fit” can be the hardest part. My hope is that therapy becomes one of the best investments in yourSELF. I work to make sure that therapy is a safe and healing environment in which you can explore your past traumas, fears, deepest desires, and biggest needs. Therapy can be a place to bring awareness to internal beliefs, thought processes, and behaviors. Here is where can change occurs. We will work from a holistic-integrative model that includes the healing the whole SELF, mind-body-soul. Whether you have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, experienced trauma, bi-polar, mood disorders, or having relationship issues, YOU are worthy of the time and attention it takes for healing and change.
Reaching out for help can be difficult and the thought of seeing a therapist can seem intimidating. I believe that with the right therapist, you can express yourself freely without fear of judgement and receive the support you need and desire. No two people's journey and life experiences are the same, so I take an individualized approach with my clients. I love helping clients feel their feelings, address their anxiety and fear of failure, and feel empowered to grow and change habits. I specialize in aiding clients with managing relationship challenges, developing better routines, managing their emotions, and implementing boundaries. I utilize values, humor, and compassion so we can build an authentic, therapeutic relationship to make changes. In sessions, I will often bring us back to the present moment to build awareness and identify old patterns of behaviors so we can create new habits. I strive to provide a welcoming environment that will support your unique development of self-awareness, vulnerability, and growth. Together, we will identify your goals for treatment and work towards those in a collaborative process. I value feedback so I can ensure your goals and voice are at the heart of our work. I look forward to our journey together!
Hi! I'm Rachel. As a licensed therapist with 11 years of experience. I specialize in helping individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, perfectionism and low self esteem, among others. My approach is compassionate, client-centered, and grounded in evidence-based techniques. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. Whether you're facing a major life transition or simply want to better understand yourself, I’m here to support your growth and healing every step of the way. I been trained in EMDR, have extensive experience treating complex trauma and emerging adulthood issues. I am LGBTQI affirming. I have used expressive/art therapy techniques for clients who better express themselves creatively.
Great to meet you! Hi, I’m Melissa. I work with curious, thoughtful people who are ready to show up for themselves — even when growth feels uncomfortable. Many of the clients I connect with are navigating big life transitions, like adjusting to college or next steps after college, navigating adulthood, or realizing the old path no longer fits. If you’re someone who’s willing to stay with the process and understands that meaningful change takes work, we’ll likely be a good fit. A bit about my approach to therapy I believe the relationship we build together matters more than any single approach or technique. Feeling safe, understood, and respected is where real change begins. Clients describe me as steady, thoughtful, and encouraging — someone who can sit with you when things feel messy and help you think outside the box when the usual answers don’t work. I focus on everyday, “garden-variety” struggles that still have a big impact on quality of life, especially during periods of transition. What you can expect from our first session Our first session is a chance to slow down, get to know each other, and talk about what brought you in and where you hope to go. We’ll explore what’s working, what feels stuck, and what kind of support actually feels helpful to you. Over time, many clients walk away with more clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense that they can create a path forward — even if it looks different than they originally imagined. Growth isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.