Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

My ideal client is wanting to recreate the moments they desire most within their relationships and at school. My goal is to help people embrace their strengths. I do this through creating an environment where differences are appreciated and authentic choices can be identified. I enjoy helping students as they adjust to life changes, navigate friendships, and cope with school related stressors. I value working with couples as they identify ways to maintain intimacy. I enjoy helping students and their families adjust to life changes. I believe it is possible for you to experience a deeper connection. If you are interested in making this happen, feel free to reach out to me via email or by phone. I look forward to getting to know you more and seeing if I am a good fit within your journey.

Drawing from 10+ years of clinical experience, I use a solution-focused approach to teach skills to overcome worry, depression, anger, stress, guilt, low self-esteem, sleep issues, relationship struggles, and parenting challenges. My clients and I work on improving their wellness and their lives by exploring helpful solutions, perspectives, and habits.

Hi, I’m Zoe—a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and DBT-certified therapist, offering virtual therapy across Florida, Illinois, and Texas. I work with college students, especially young women, who feel anxious, misunderstood, or stuck in cycles of self-doubt, perfectionism, or unhealthy patterns. Classes, relationships, family stress, and the constant pressure to “have it all figured out” can leave you feeling overwhelmed. In therapy, you don’t have to perform or pretend you’re fine—you get a space to be real, vent, and start untangling what’s been weighing you down. ✨ You might relate if… You’re overthinking every text, email, or decision. You feel “different” or “too much” compared to your friends. You’re caught in cycles with food, body image, or relationships. You’re exhausted from trying to keep it all together. In our first session, we’ll slow things down. I’ll get to know your story, the challenges you’re facing, and what you’d like to change. You don’t need to have a plan—I’ll ask questions to help us explore your coping patterns, relationships, and what’s been hardest lately. This is a supportive space where you can share at your own pace—no pressure to open up before you’re ready. By the end, we’ll have a clearer picture of your goals and how we can work toward them. My goal is to make sure you feel heard, understood, and supported from the very beginning.

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.

I have been working with the college population throughout my career and I am aware of the unique challenges students face. If you feel that you are constantly fighting an upward battle, that no one understands your pain, that you don't know how to get out of "the pit," I am here for you. As an international psychologist trained in counseling and sport psychology, I am especially passionate about working with students of minority identities and student athletes. I also love working with couples regarding all kinds of relationship concerns. I enjoy laughing with my students in therapy, sometimes crying too, and that's okay.

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

I try to provide a warm but structured therapeutic experience designed to help my clients address their difficulties in productive and forward-moving ways. I use a variety of different therapeutic techniques designed to help my clients gain insight into their behavior and the behavior of others, and together we work toward devising new approaches to past problems that will serve them better. I have over 25 years experience working with young adults. I particularly enjoy working with anxious clients suffering from stress, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety, providing them with ways to manage their stress and thoughts using cognitive restructuring, behavioral calming strategies, mindfulness, meditation, and problem-solving strategies. I also have expertise in working with individuals who have OCD and use an exposure with response prevention paradigm in treatment. In addition, I have also had considerable training and experience in working with individuals who struggle with anorexia and bulimia as well as those struggling with relational problems. I think flexibility and collaboration with clients is the key to a positive therapeutic experience.

My dedication to mental health comes from an interest in patients’ stories and the need to help them, educate them, and encourage them to take an active role in their care. My goal is to collaborate with my patients with empathy to help them better understand their health so they can make important health decisions. I believe in providing individualized care through a holistic approach. I am Board Certified in General Psychiatry. My areas of expertise include Major Depressive Disorder, Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, and psychosis. I am an avid reader and love cooking, gardening, and painting. I have two children and enjoy spending time with my family.

I offer individual, couples, and family therapy, with a deep focus on the LGBTQ+ community and those navigating the complexities of identity and life transitions. Whether you are adjusting to independence, managing the academic and social pressures of campus life, or beginning to explore family planning and your future, I am here to help. I also specialize in neurodiversity, helping students—including those who are late-diagnosed—understand their unique brain wiring and develop strategies that actually work for them. My goal is to help you build a life that feels authentic to who you are, while giving you the tools to navigate the challenges that come with this pivotal stage of life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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 specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals. I have experience assisting people in working on mood and anxiety disorders, grief and identity exploration.

Are you tired of overthinking everything—relationships, school, work, finances, and what’s coming next in life? Do you find yourself always thinking ahead, planning details, and trying to stay on top of everything… to the point that it feels exhausting? Maybe your mind rarely slows down. You replay conversations, overanalyze decisions, and put pressure on yourself to do things the “right” way. You may find yourself feeling anxious about the future or wondering whether you’re somehow falling behind. Internally, it can feel exhausting to always be this “on.” If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many highly capable people feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep it all together while quietly struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, and emotional exhaustion. And often, it’s not simply a time management issue—it’s the mental and emotional load of carrying too much for too long. I specialize in helping individuals manage overthinking, overwhelm, anxiety, and perfectionism. Many of my clients are thoughtful, self-aware, and driven, but feel mentally stretched and unable to fully enjoy where they are in life. Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, and grounded. Together, we’ll work to untangle anxious thought patterns, quiet the constant pressure you place on yourself, and create more space for clarity, confidence, and ease—without lowering your standards or stepping away from what matters most to you. You do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Most of the people I work with reach out while they’re still trying to make sense of what they’re experiencing—they just know they’re tired of feeling constantly “on” or stuck in cycles of pressure and overthinking. Please reach out today to start your care. I’m happy to answer any initial questions and help you determine whether we’d be a good fit. I look forward to connecting with you and supporting you in feeling more grounded, more present, and more like yourself again—so life can start to feel a little lighter.

** Telehealth and In-Person appointments.** We all long for our experiences, feelings, and needs to be seen, recognized, and honored. I bring to our work deep respect for your concerns and suffering. I place the therapeutic relationship at the heart of our work together which I approach with curiosity and empathy. I am most interested in what your unique experience is, and I aim to listen deeply on our road toward understanding. A safe-enough space will help us to transform your patterns of experience that interfere with your ability to be compassionate with yourself, to build meaningful relationships, and to work and play creatively, in other words, to live a fulfilling life. I am humbled by the complexity of human existence and feel honored to work with individuals from different racial and cultural backgrounds, sexual and gender identities, as well as spiritual and religious affiliations. In addition to my private practice, I am an Instructor in Psychology at Harvard Medical School (part-time) and supervise psychology interns and psychiatrist fellows. I served as the co-chair of the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Society for Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychology Graduate Student Committee helping young clinicians explore and develop their professional identities.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Melody Stauffer, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois who has counseled children, teens, and adults for over 10 years. She graduated from Judson University with a bachelor’s in psychology. She then graduated from Argosy University in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Community Counseling. Her areas of expertise include: depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting, children/adolescents, communication issues, stress management, grief & loss, self-esteem issues, self-harm, substance abuse, psychosis, and crisis stabilization. Melody recognizes each client has their own story to tell and specific wounds to heal and will let her clients lead the way on their mental health journey. Melody is also trained in EMDR therapy that is helpful with patients with trauma, old or new. Schedule your appointment with me by simply clicking on the "Visit Website" link below!

Feeling burnt out? Keeping up with college life can be overwhelming. We specialize in working with college students and we're here to support you! Schedule an appointment today! We look forward to meeting with you. We are accepting new clients and have immediate openings, both in person or virtual. We accept insurance, self-pay, and sliding scale (reduced fee).

We are licensed psychologists who've been working with students for 20+ years. We understand and care about college student concerns -- from adjusting to campus life, navigating friend-groups, reflecting on family, and making your way academically. We can help. In addition, we're "PsyPact certified" in 42 states and counting, which means when you head home for breaks or intern out of state, there's a really good chance we can provide continued support so you can maintain the gains you've made.

Hi, I'm Jennifer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides a supportive, nonjudgmental space where college students and young adults can explore challenges, build coping skills, and work toward meaningful change. College can be an exciting time, but it can also bring significant stress and uncertainty. I support individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, academic stress, burnout, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, relationship challenges, family conflict, grief and loss, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Whether you're adjusting to college life, navigating relationships, managing family expectations, or feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, therapy can provide support and practical tools to help you move forward. My approach is client-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing while incorporating techniques from Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and trauma-informed care. Together, we will identify your goals, build insight, strengthen coping skills, and develop strategies that fit your unique needs. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in both school-based and clinical mental health settings. As a school social worker, I provide counseling, crisis intervention, behavioral support, and collaboration with families and community providers. My experience working with adolescents and families has given me a strong understanding of the challenges that can arise during times of transition, including academic stress, changing relationships, identity development, family expectations, and increasing independence. I strive to create a welcoming environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I look forward to supporting you as you work toward greater confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing. *Additional evening appointments may be available Monday (6:00PM - 8:30PM) and Tuesday (6:00PM - 8:30PM). Please contact me for current availability. Thank you!

As a licensed therapist with over three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, family dynamics, grief, and significant life transitions. I bring a compassionate and nuanced approach to addressing communication challenges, workplace issues, and personal growth. My work is deeply rooted in understanding the unique experiences of women, young adults, and individuals facing profound life changes, including those dealing with cancer or end-of-life transitions. I am committed to creating a supportive, empathetic space where clients can explore their personal narratives, heal from past experiences, and develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. Drawing from my extensive background, I offer culturally responsive care that honors each individual's journey. My goal is to walk alongside you, providing thoughtful guidance and support as you move toward greater understanding, resilience, and personal empowerment.