Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Have you ever thought, “Nobody will understand what I’m going through?” Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-isolation, or a negative internal voice? Have you had an experience making it difficult to move forward and live a fulfilling life? Are you feeling “stuck?” Though I will never know exactly what it’s like to step into your shoes, I thank you for the opportunity to let me enter your support system. I believe in normalizing mental health and these feelings we experience as humans. Attending to our physical, personal, social, and spiritual wellness is important. Healing is holistic, and though it may not always be easy, it is achievable. You are allowed to feel like this, and you are also allowed and able to live a more free and fulfilling life. I believe therapy is about inspiring self-growth and exploration, beginning with the therapeutic relationship. I want you to feel like you’re in the driver's seat, and I’m a passenger cheering you on, helping you navigate your personal story. I want to help you explore how your habits and self-talk impact how your story is told. I am here to aid you in handling your challenges and stressors and find meaning throughout the journey. I hope to build a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore, feel unconditionally supported, and grow during and beyond our time in session. I want you to feel comfortable and empowered while you learn how to best support yourself as you experience life's intricate human emotions. Therapy is a brave step, and I’m so glad you’re taking the time to attend to your needs. I’m excited to meet you, work alongside you, and help you meet your goals! I completed my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and people of different races, ages, gender identities, religions, and sexual orientations. I have worked previously in substance abuse and crisis-intensive outpatient settings. I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety or trauma related to past negative experiences. During our initial sessions, we will delve into your current stressors, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. I use EMDR to address trauma to help people live in the present instead of the past without having to retraumatize themselves. I practice from a person-centered lens, working collaboratively with you to determine the best interventions for you. I will use EMDR therapy to help specific memories, beliefs, and experiences become "unstuck" so you can live in the now and develop adaptive thoughts. I believe the most important aspects of our work together are the trust and respect we cultivate with each other. I focus on using a strength-based approach and attention to habits, self-talk, attachment styles, and trauma-informed care. I use different theories and techniques depending on what works best for each individual because every person is different and unique. I hope to work alongside you collaboratively to explore how to support you best. It would be an honor to meet you and learn more about how I can fit into your support system. You matter right now and at every stage of your journey. You are worthy of a more joyful future.

My practice provides trauma-informed, compassionate mental health care for college students navigating stress, anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of past experiences. I specialize in working with students who feel overwhelmed, disconnected from their bodies, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. My approach is grounded in somatic and relational therapies, which means we pay attention not only to thoughts and emotions, but also to how experiences live in the body. Sessions are collaborative, nonjudgmental, and paced to support safety, choice, and self-trust. I strive to create an affirming space for students of diverse identities and backgrounds, including first-generation students and those balancing multiple cultural expectations. Whether a student is seeking support for trauma, burnout, academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, or personal growth, my goal is to help them build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and feel more grounded and empowered in their daily lives.

Hello, My name is Ben De La Torre, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in my hometown of Chicago. I’ve been practicing therapy for over 20 years, working with individuals, families, children, teens, and adults across a range of clinical settings—including inpatient hospitals, outpatient behavioral health clinics, and public schools. I earned my Master’s degree from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice in 2005 and currently offer virtual therapy services throughout the state of Illinois. My approach to therapy is humanistic and solution-focused, rooted in mindfulness and personal exploration. I believe in helping clients reshape the narratives of their lives—on their terms and by their design. Therapy with me is a collaborative process where we’ll explore your unique experiences, thoughts, and emotions to identify practical paths toward the changes you seek. I draw from a variety of psychological theories and developmental perspectives to tailor treatment to your needs. In our first session, we’ll discuss what brings you to therapy and begin identifying meaningful, effective strategies for progress. Over time, we’ll explore different perspectives and opportunities to help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence. If you're feeling stuck or simply ready to explore your next chapter, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. I’m happy to answer your questions and help you determine if this is the right fit for you. Feel free to call, text, or email to book a consultation. You can also visit my website for more information about my services, registration, insurance plans, and payment options. I accept most major insurance plans, and private-pay sessions can be made by credit card. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you. Warm regards, Benjamin “Ben” De La Torre, LCSW

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!

Welcome to Greater Chicago Counseling Center where together we help you resolve conflict which interferes with your happiness and potential. We accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO or Blue Choice PPO and bill for you. Through an empathic partnership our counselors assist you in changing destructive patterns and replacing them with productive coping mechanisms. We’re good at listening when you feel like you have no one else. We’ll help you confront your deepest fears. We’ll help you sort out relationship issues. Giving you new tools and hope remains our goal. We look forward to helping you. Please call or email today (312)955-0319 or info@greaterchicagocounselingcenter.com

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!

Pari Health & Wellness approaches therapy through a collaborative & client-centered lens. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly. Drawing from evidence-based practices such as mindfulness and CBT, I’m committed to transparency—not just in thought, but in dismantling the cognitive barriers between who you’re taught to be and who you truly are. I work with you to identify goals and build coping strategies while fostering this meaningful change. I integrate solution-focused, holistic techniques to help you develop self-awareness, resilience, and tools for navigating life’s challenges. Whether you’re addressing anxiety, depression, grief, child sexual abuse, or personal growth, my focus is on empowering your transformation at your pace.

Andrew Clavijo, PMHNP, is a skilled and compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in the treatment of bipolar disorder. He brings extensive expertise in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation to develop personalized, evidence-based care plans that align with each patient’s unique needs and goals. Through telehealth, Andrew offers accessible and flexible mental health support, ensuring patients can receive expert care from the comfort of their homes. He also partners with major insurance providers to make treatment both affordable and convenient, helping patients focus on their progress without financial concerns. Whether newly diagnosed or managing ongoing challenges, Andrew Clavijo provides empathetic, tailored care designed to improve emotional stability, foster well-being, and support a balanced, fulfilling life.

No matter what is going on right now, you have taken a huge step in seeking out help for yourself and/or your family. It is often very difficult for people to admit that they need help, and now that you have taken the initial step I would be honored to come alongside you and your family and assist you with whatever you are experiencing. I believe in building on your strengths and increasing your resiliency. I specialize in trauma, and utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help you process your trauma. I also enjoy helping families with behavior difficulties, mood disorders, and anxiety. I am able to adapt to you and find a strategy that works best with you. I primarily work from an Internal Family Systems perspective, and incorporate in EMDR as needed.

What’s keeping you stuck? Are you struggling to understand why relationships keep failing or why your job or school is depleting you? Are you overwhelmed, trapped in a pattern of people pleasing, or struggling with anxious thoughts you can’t seem to stop? Are you high-achieving or perfectionistic and struggling to find peace in your life? Maybe you’re just grappling with the existential questions and wondering what the meaning of all of this is. I specialize in helping people get unstuck, gain confidence, and create the lives they want. I teach you how to cultivate calm in your body and understand how thoughts and internal narratives influence feelings and behaviors. You will learn how to position yourself as the observer of your emotions (like anxiety, irritability), so you can respond intentionally—rather than on autopilot. I provide insightful online therapy that allows you to feel seen, heard, and understood - all in the comfort of your home. I love doing the deep work that helps you better understand yourself and empowers you to build the life you want.

I believe in acknowledging and honoring the yet untold stories of our lives, especially the messy and imperfect parts. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with 14 years of experience as a therapist. Over the years, I've worked with those struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, generalized and social anxiety, self-esteem issues, substance use concerns, suicidal thoughts, life transitions, family conflict, academic stress, and more. I’ve worked in many diverse settings, however, when I began working in university counseling centers several years ago, I discovered a true passion for working with students. My style is warm, validating, and direct. I bring my genuine, authentic self to the therapy space, and will work with you to understand past experiences, identify recurring themes, and uncover patterns, aiming to bring clarity and foster change. For those who prefer a more structured, goal-oriented approach, another important part of my work with you is to help you discover and develop your own abilities, skills, and strengths- turning them into practical coping skills that can be used in your everyday life outside of sessions. My hope is to build a compassionate and collaborative relationship with you, and to support you through the range of experiences that come with academic life- from its challenges and triumphs to everything in between.

Therapy is not about “fixing” yourself. It is about making space to understand yourself, and developing compassion for the parts of you that feel confusing, painful, or hard to face. Healing begins when we stop running from ourselves and start acknowledging what has been asking for our attention. I offer a therapeutic space that is warm, curious, and non-judgmental. I work with adults navigating depression, anxiety, identity exploration, family and relationship dynamics, and more. I am passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community, those struggling with strained or painful relationships, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. I invite those who feel their experiences are not always affirmed by the world around them to explore what it means to feel seen, find clarity, and build self-trust.

I specialize in working with young adults who feel unsettled, stuck, or uncertain about aspects of their lives. These challenges often affect academic performance, relationships—whether with friends, family, or significant others—and overall well-being. Together, we explore how these feelings show up in daily life, identify recurring themes, and uncover behavioral patterns. By working together, I view my role as a clinician to be very similar to a consultant : you are the subject matter expert on your relationships, emotions, and experiences and together we can develop a plan that aligns with your core values.

It is often difficult to ask for support in the face of life’s challenges, and I appreciate you taking this step! I work with young adults and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, and identity and self-esteem concerns, among others. My goal is to create a comfortable and safe space where we work collaboratively to help you face those challenges and make the changes you desire to live a more fulfilling life. We all have vulnerabilities, and strengths we often don’t realize. I therefore work with my clients to build on their strengths and resilience, and develop self-compassion. I recognize the impact of culture on our identities and experiences and I have enjoyed working with clients from diverse backgrounds at outpatient, community mental health, and university counseling settings. These included the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University, DePaul University and University of Illinois at Chicago. I welcome clients from all walks of life and feel humbled by their willingness to invite me to be a part of their journey.

Feeling like you've been stuck in a hole and can't tell up from down. Maybe you keep telling yourself you cant feel better. Therapy is not about "fixing you." You're not broken. Therapy is a way for one to become a better version of yourself while taking the steps to live a more fulfilling and authentic life. A collaborative approach will help you feel therapy isn’t a one sided relationship because we will walk side by side together. You will be able to make the necessary changes to have a life worth living, while learning to accept yourself the way you are. I believe that we make the best decisions we knew how to make with the information we have and its our job to learn from it. I place a high value on the therapeutic relationship through a warm and inviting atmosphere. I hope we are a good fit and I look forward to meeting you!

Peace, love and a few good laughs…in one way or another, most of us hope to maximize the presence and growth of these delicious things in our lives. After working in a university counseling center for ten years, I have a strong sense of many of the most common concerns students may face. That being said, we are all individuals with our own strengths and struggles. Every one of us experiences unique challenges that arise within the context of living our human lives. I am a queer-identified, neurodivergent, trans-affirmative, body positive, sex positive, emotion focused, experiential therapist, working with traditional college age students and adults of all ages. I am a generalist practitioner and have experience working with a wide range of concerns. Areas of specific clinical interest include working with those addressing issues related to gender diversity and sexual orientation. My clinical expertise includes providing treatment for depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (Asperger's/Pathological Demand Avoidance) body image concerns, eating disorders and disordered eating. I find that my approach to therapy resonates well with college students in general and specifically with therapists in training, artists and creatives (of all sorts). Please contact me directly to schedule a brief (15 minute) consultation to discuss how we might work together to increase the peace and love you find in life and to share a few good laughs along the way.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck? When anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma take hold, life can feel heavy—like you're carrying a burden no one else sees. Maybe you’re doing your best just to get through the day, but inside, it feels like something’s missing or too much to manage. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and there is a way forward. In our work together, we’ll explore what’s weighing you down and uncover the strengths you already carry within you. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can feel seen, heard, and truly supported. Healing isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. My approach is holistic and person-centered, integrating your mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Together, we’ll develop practical tools to manage life’s challenges, build resilience, and help you reconnect with yourself and what matters most. If you're ready to take that first step toward a more grounded, fulfilling life, I’m here to walk alongside you. Reach out today to schedule a consultation—I’d be honored to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.

As a therapist, I strive to co-create a space of curiosity and self-compassion with my clients. I believe that healing and growth are best supported when individuals feel safe, seen, and empowered to explore their inner experiences. This collaborative environment allows for a deeper connection with oneself and the development of meaningful insight. My approach is grounded in two years of post-master’s training in Somatic Experiencing, a body-oriented modality that helps regulate the nervous system and process trauma. I also draw from polyvagal theory, psychodynamic principles, and attachment theory to inform my work.

I joined Relational Insight in 2023 to provide affordable therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I apply collaboration within therapy to help clients tell their story to practice new perspectives or behaviors. I aim to help clients find validation, healing, and growth within life struggles and transitions. I have a passion for reaching underserved clients, especially men of color and other members of marginalized groups. Also, I connect easily with adolescents struggling with emotional or behavioral concerns. I strive to provide a warm welcome with tangible support for individuals and families who may be new to focusing on their mental health. Looking to assist those struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, interpersonal conflict, and professional challenges. After transitioning from the professional world as a sales director and consultant, having a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology allows me provided insight for clients facing professional challenges and questions.

Megan provides Individual and Group psychotherapy, specializing in treating individuals with addictions, eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and self-injuring behaviors. She has worked in the residential setting, intensive outpatient, and outpatient settings. Megan believes in a holistic approach that is integrative, trauma-informed, psychodynamic, and empowering. She focuses on treating the whole individual, including emotionally, physically, psychologically, and spiritually. Megan’s counseling style is compassionate, empathic, and collaborative. She strives to meet each client where they are in their process.