Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Existing in the world right now may feel overwhelming and reaching out for support may be even more daunting. Maybe you've struggled to feel safe enough in your body to tend to your own needs. Or maybe you've felt disconnected from yourself and adrift in your relationships. However lost or stuck you may be feeling, you deserve an inclusive space to feel valued and held. Building on the inner resilience you already hold, together we can practice slowing down, invite curiosity and compassion into your life, and expand your comfort zones to make life more manageable and meaningful. My style is warm, relational, and collaborative and my approach is rooted in anti-oppressive practice, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction principles. I view therapy as a space that we build together and offer an eclectic range of tools and perspectives to meet your unique needs. As a queer and trans therapist, I believe that therapy can be a powerful tool in our path towards collective liberation. I accept Quartz, Dean, GHC-SCW (under Mental Health Collective) insurances.

I provide attentive, non-judgmental, individualized counseling services for students wanting a different relationship with their anxiety, OCD, and trauma. I find a lot of joy in working with LGBTQ+ and immigrant clients and feel that even with shared identities, no two experience is the same. I accept both MO and IL clients.

Ever feel like life's throwing you some curveballs, and you're ready to break free to become the best version of yourself? As your compassionate therapist, I offer a safe, judgment-free space to explore your emotions and thoughts. In our sessions, we're not just talking; we're digging deep to reveal the amazing person you are. This journey of self-discovery isn't just about finding yourself; it's about unlocking those hidden potentials and creating a life that's genuinely fulfilling and authentic. Along the way, we're not just tackling life's twists and turns; we're building a toolkit of savvy coping strategies, so you can navigate it all with grace. Together, we'll boost your self-confidence, cultivating a strong belief in your worth and capabilities. Ready to kick off your personalized therapeutic journey? Let's tackle those goals, and set you on a path of growth. Choosing a therapist who gets you is key, so why not take that step today? Looking forward to this journey with you!

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.

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

College can be an exciting yet challenging time, filled with transitions, academic pressures, and personal growth. Whether you're navigating stress, adjusting to campus life, managing anxiety, depression, or ADHD, I’m here to help. Together, we can create a supportive space where you can develop effective coping strategies, process your experiences, and build the skills needed to feel more balanced and in control. My goal is to help you feel empowered and equipped to manage life’s challenges with greater confidence and clarity.

Caitlin is dedicated Licensed Social Worker with extensive experience working with children and adolescents, including in school settings, where she has provided support to children and teenagers with Anxiety, Depression, Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and ADHD. She is passionate about providing empathetic support to youth as they navigate life’s challenges. In her role, she creates a safe and nurturing space where clients can explore their emotions, build coping skills, and develop resilience. With a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health issues in young people, she is committed to tailoring her interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual she serves. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helping clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns while developing healthier coping mechanisms. She also has experience teaching executive functioning skills, emotional regulation skills, and social skills, equipping her clients with valuable tools for success. Whether through individual counseling, or collaboration with families, she remains devoted in her mission to empower her clients to thrive. Please contact me by phone number or email to set up an appointment! Email: canderlik21@gmail.com Phone number: 2243307175

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

In Situ Counseling & Coaching offers a grounded, personalized approach to mental health care for individuals navigating stress, transitions, and personal growth. My work is rooted in helping people better understand themselves, make meaningful changes, and feel more in control of their lives. I primarily work with college students, young adults, and professionals who may be dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, relationship concerns, or uncertainty about their direction. Many of the individuals I support are high-achieving or highly self-aware, yet still feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. My approach is collaborative and practical. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we look at patterns, choices, and the underlying factors shaping your experiences. Drawing from Reality Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy, I aim to create a space where you feel understood while also being gently challenged to move forward in ways that align with your goals. Whether you’re working through a specific challenge or simply trying to better understand yourself, therapy can be a place to slow down, gain clarity, and start making changes that actually stick.

Beth Thornton is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing from the University of Louisville in Kentucky and completed her specialized psychiatric training at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. Beth’s approach to care is grounded in patient-centered practice, where your unique needs, experiences, and values guide the treatment process. She is committed to creating a compassionate and supportive environment, emphasizing respect, empathy, and empowering you to actively participate in your mental health journey. Beth integrates the latest research and evidence-based practices to tailor treatment plans that address your individual needs. Passionate about demystifying psychiatry, she welcomes all questions and strives to make the process clear and approachable. "Empowering you to take an active role in your care is my passion. Every session provides an opportunity to review and adjust your treatment plan to ensure your concerns and goals are met. Life brings changes, and you deserve a flexible treatment approach that supports you through every season. Please note, I generally do not prescribe controlled substances during an initial consultation." Sessions are designed to be low-stress, and questions are always encouraged. You are unique, and we will take the time to thoroughly discuss your needs before crafting a plan that supports you in achieving your goals.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Matthew Wells is an experienced and empathetic mental healthcare provider who specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma. With over 13 years of clinical experience, Nurse Practitioner (NP) Wells is committed to delivering exceptional healthcare to patients of all age groups. Employing a patient-centered approach, NP Wells prioritizes establishing robust patient relationships founded on trust and transparent communication. He dedicates time to listening to patients' concerns attentively, comprehensively explains diagnoses and treatment options, and collaborates with patients to devise personalized care plans that resonate with their objectives and principles. Beyond his mental healthcare practice, NP Wells finds enjoyment in familial activities and endeavors to sustain a harmonious work-life balance, a commitment that reassures patients about his personal wellness and its positive impact on his professional practice. In addition to his clinical duties, NP Wells actively engages in evidence-based practice and quality improvement projects, striving to enhance overall treatment outcomes while staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field.

Are you ready to talk about the stress that has been building up? Therapy is such a great virtual tool to access anywhere these days! If you’re trying to juggle college life while learning to adult, it can be overwhelming. We can work on stress reduction, time management and self care to improve functioning. We can identify parts that struggle to feel joy or peace. We can get you on track to finally starting to understand, love and accept yourself. Email me and let’s get started!

Kathleen Harvey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Illinois and earned a Bachelor's of Arts and Masters in Social Work degrees from St. Louis University.Kathleen believes that it is not what happens to you, it is our attitude and what we choose to do about what happens, that makes a difference. Kathy has experience working with individuals and couples using a multi-disciplinary approach to therapy to help clients resolve life challenges which alter our ability to function in our daily lives. Kathy is accepting new patients at this time and is asking you to take a risk and seek help with what is holding you back from achieving your dreams in life and moving forward in life with joy and hope.

Have you recently started to understand yourself in a new way—maybe through a neuropsychological evaluation, a late diagnosis, or content you’ve encountered online during college? Are you finding that the strategies that seem to work for others don’t quite fit your brain? I specialize in working with college students and young adults who discover later that they are neurodivergent. Together, we explore what this identity means for you in the context of academics, relationships, independence, and future goals. My approach supports you in building systems that actually work for your brain, while creating a life that feels authentic, sustainable, and aligned with your values.

Sometimes getting out of bed and facing the world is unbearable. You are expected to show up and give your best, but you have nothing left to give. You muster up enough strength to get by and do it all over again the next day. Perhaps you are stuck in a rut and fear of everything prevents you from moving forward. Your mind is tired and the thought of taking any type of action scares you and makes you retreat. You find yourself in a vicious cycle of making promises to yourself and others, failing, and starting over. We have all been there and have needed someone to walk with us and help us choose a different path. I work with individuals and families to get them "unstuck." Acknowledging that you are the expert on your life, I meet you where you are and we work together to find realistic solutions to your problems. My goal is to empower you to make future decisions that move you forward versus leaving you depleted and stagnant. Contacting someone to support you when you are exhausted, anxious, sad, or afraid is COURAGEOUS! You are worth it and WE will get through this. While the journey may be challenging, you do not have to navigate it on your own. Take the first step to getting unstuck and give yourself permission to heal. I wish you all the best on your healing journey.

Hello. I am a therapist with several years of experience working young adults and I especially like working with those who may be struggling to adjust to the abrupt shift from living at home with family and living independently. Depression, anxiety and stress can creep in and before you know it, you're on an unhappy path. I think you'll find me easy to talk with and sometimes even funny. Please take the next step for yourself and schedule a session with me.

I am open to working with a variety of people. I can work with teens to adults. I can do depression, anxiety, etc. My schedule is pretty open at the moment. However, if there is a time slot that I filled I will work with you to find a better timing.

You’re smart, motivated, and doing your best—but inside, you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or like you’re barely holding it together. Maybe you’re struggling with burnout, imposter syndrome, identity questions, or relationship stress. You’ve checked all the boxes, but something still feels off—and you're tired of pretending it’s fine. I specialize in working with college students and young adults who feel stuck in their heads and want something to change. Therapy with me is supportive and real—we’ll talk through what’s weighing on you and build tools to help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your life. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to show up, and we’ll take it from there.

I hope to offer my clients a safe and positive place to address concerns, gain awareness and strength for the current stressors that bring them to counseling. Clients have said they feel comfortable in therapy with me, and gain a sense of hope and knowledge they did not have before seeking therapy. My approach is person-centered using CBT, strength-based and mindfulness as some of the empirically proven strategies to guide my clients to success.

Thrive for Life Counseling – Helping College Students Navigate Life’s Challenges College is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—times of your life. Between classes, jobs, relationships, and figuring out who you are and where you’re headed, it’s easy to feel stressed, anxious, or unsure. That’s where Thrive for Life Counseling comes in. Our team of compassionate, experienced therapists understands the unique challenges that come with being a college student. We know that success in college isn’t just about grades—it’s about managing stress, building confidence, coping with change, and finding balance in every area of life. At Thrive for Life, we meet you right where you are. Whether you’re feeling anxious about academics, struggling with motivation, facing relationship challenges, or just needing a safe space to talk, we’re here to help. We offer a supportive, judgment-free environment where you can sort through your thoughts, learn practical coping tools, and gain clarity about your next steps. What sets us apart? Specialized support for college students – We “get” the unique stressors of campus life. Therapists you can connect with – Our team is down-to-earth, approachable, and genuinely invested in your well-being. Convenient virtual sessions – You can meet with us from your dorm, apartment, or wherever you feel comfortable. Multi-state access – We can work with college students located in Indiana, Illinois, Florida, Missouri, and New Jersey. We help students: Manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm Build self-confidence and motivation Navigate changes in friendships, dating, and family life Cope with homesickness or transitions Find balance between academics, work, and personal well-being You don’t need to wait until things feel “bad enough” to reach out. Whether you need short-term guidance or ongoing support, Thrive for Life Counseling is here to walk alongside you. Therapy is a powerful step toward building the life you want—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Your mental health matters. Your story matters. And we’re here to help you thrive—right now, in college, and in life beyond. If you’ve been thinking about talking to someone, this is your sign. Let’s get started.