Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

As your therapist, I will be curious about you and your experiences. I will listen openly and together we will create a plan for what you really need and deserve. I believe it is important to meet people where they are at and work at their own pace. Every person’s therapeutic journey is completely unique and it is never “one-size fits all!” I use positive techniques and tools to empower you to understand your strengths and how you can use them to handle future situations. I prioritize creating a safe space for people to feel supported and understood throughout each session.

As a first-generation college student who has navigated the challenges of attending two large universities, I understand how overwhelming and isolating the college experience can sometimes feel. From academic pressure and financial stress to identity exploration and imposter syndrome, college presents unique challenges that can take a toll on your mental health. For many first-generation students, the transition to college comes with the added pressure of being the first in their family to take this journey. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate an unfamiliar system without a roadmap. Balancing school, work, and personal life while feeling the weight of expectations (personal and academic) can be exhausting. Sometimes, it can feel like you're carrying someone else hopes while trying to find your path. I am here to support students facing anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, school-related stress, racial identity and exploration, and the struggles that come with balancing personal identity with academic and social expectations. Whether you're dealing with the stress of coursework, adjusting to campus life, navigating your racial or cultural identity in a predominantly white institution, or exploring your gender and sexual identity in a new environment, I want to create a safe and affirming space where you feel seen, heard and supported.

As someone who recently graduated from both college and graduate school, I understand firsthand how stressful and overwhelming student life can be—from managing academic pressure to navigating social life or figuring out who you are and what's next. I work primarily with college students and young professionals who are feeling anxious, stuck, burnt out as they navigate college and post-grad life, and who are ready to explore new ways of coping, growing, and building confidence. My approach is collaborative and supportive—I want you to feel comfortable, heard, and empowered. We will work together on identifying what's getting in the way of your well-being and develop tools to help you manage challenges and while building self-compassion along the way. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to see if we are a good fit—I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation.

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Elaine Sowlat, LPC, is committed to helping adults and adolescents navigate challenges such as PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and OCD. She utilizes evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and exposure therapy, she empowers individuals to build healthier coping mechanisms and rediscover their inner strength.

Our approach to therapy is to create a safe space where you can explore and heal the difficult and painful issues that are showing up in your life. Together we will move beyond problem-solving into releasing the deeply held mistaken beliefs and core unresolved issues behind your symptoms. Our body-centered and somatic approach allows me to work directly with your nervous system to address symptoms like anxiety, racing thoughts, and irrational fears as well as feeling stuck, depressed and unavailable or unresponsive to life and relationships. We integrate traditional psychotherapy with coaching, mindfulness, EMDR, Hypnotherapy, Breathwork, Somatic work, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems and other evidence-based approaches. We work together to clear that path so that your most authentic, creative, and passionate self can emerge and shine through. We encourage you to reach out for a free consultation and see what’s possible when you invest time and energy into your healing. I help individuals and couples open a transformational space where anything is possible. I also work with leaders and executives to master the relationship and emotional Intelligence skills necessary to be at the top of their game. Feel free to reach out for a free phone consultation.

We care deeply about the growth and development of every individual we work with. We connect deeply with your unique pain and facilitate healing and growth to help you live your best life. Our clients don’t just heal their wounds and reduce their symptoms; they grow, transform, and increase their capacity to live fully in their lives, relationships, careers, and sense of purpose. Our process is rooted in healing practices that work directly with your nervous system to address trauma, anxiety, depression, overwhelm, and relational challenges. We strongly emphasize overall wellness in terms of mind, body, spirit, and community and are very relationally focused. Relationships often bring us the most joy and pain in our lives, and we help clients heal relationally as well as individually. We are a heart-centered practice. Our ultimate goal is to fully restore your capacity to give and accept love, set boundaries, excel at self-care, and live a life of purpose and connection. Living Well Psychotherapy is committed to providing excellent psychotherapy to our community through adherence to ethical decision-making, professional behavior, clinically proven interventions, and a business model that is fair to the employee, the clients, and the practice. We employ 20+ mental health professionals who are waiting to help you. Call or email for a free consultation or to book your first session.

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I help people manage difficult emotions, move through transitions, explore their sense of self, and feel more secure in their relationships. Many of my clients have experience with trauma, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or fears surrounding conflict. As a queer feminist therapist, I am passionate about working with people who have experienced marginalization because of their gender or sexuality.

I often see transgender and gender-questioning individuals, people in the sex work industry, and people navigating kink and/or polyamory dynamics in their relationships. I work with people who have or are experiencing a range of mental health needs, from depression and anxiety, to navigating grief and complex trauma. Whether you have experienced life-long mental health difficulties or are facing new challenges in your life, I will welcome you into the therapeutic space openly and without judgment.

Dr. Steve Yousha is a Psychologist and Senior Consultant who has been practicing since 1990. In addition to his clinical practice, he is Principal at Strategic Talent Management Consultants LLP. Clinical Practice As a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Steve Yousha specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, adjustment and relational problems, providing both individual and couples therapy. He also has extensive experience with multicultural populations. He is published in the areas of depression, adjustment difficulties, and performance enhancement. Incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques within a relational and psychodynamic frame, Dr. Yousha offers both symptom- and issue-focused therapies. He is also Level II certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), one of the most effective treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dr. Yousha has directed mental health clinical and training programs for several years, supervising clinicians and students from bachelor to post-doctoral levels of training across Clinical Psychology, Social Work, and Psychiatry disciplines. As a director, he has been able to set a clear strategic vision for his staff, develop and grow a clinical and training program, create one of only two CARF accredited refugee mental health programs in the State of Illinois, and helped expand the breadth and depth of clinical services offered in his program. He offers consultation for therapists who want support in the logistics of developing or growing a practice or who are seeking clinical guidance.

During my eight years on staff in college counseling centers, I fully enjoyed helping college and graduate students be their best selves. Sometimes that involved offering concrete information about something specific, such as ADHD, and sometimes that has involved helping a person feel better about themselves or get more satisfaction out of life and out of relationships. I enjoy working together with students who are interested in exploring the obstacles to getting what they want out of life.

I specialize in working with young adults and adults facing anxiety and mood disorders, using proven approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). My therapeutic style is all about collaboration—you are the expert in your life, and I’m here to guide you as we create a personalized plan tailored to your needs and goals.

My name is Abosede Babalola; I go by Abby. I am a doctoral-prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in evaluating and treating a comprehensive range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. I understand the emotional and physical suffering people experience with mental health disorders and dedicate myself to easing patients’ distress, offering empowerment and hope for mental well-being.

Bellosa Counseling, LLC is a private practice located in Park Ridge and St. Charles, IL. We offer professional counseling services to individuals, couples, families and groups in-person and via Telehealth (virtual). We help people with physical, emotional and mental health issues by showing them how to gain insight into themselves, improve their sense of well-being, alleviate feelings of distress and provide a framework for best possible opportunities for change. Our team is empathic, creative and focused and would be honored to work with you and/or your loved one. Services & Treatment/Interventions The individualized process begins with a phone consultation. You will speak directly with a counselor who will gather information from you, verify insurance benefits (if applicable) and answer any questions you have. Next, you will be matched with a therapist who best fits your needs and you will be able to schedule the initial assessment appointment.

Hi, I’m Lyndee! I am a Licensed Social Worker and I want to help provide a listening ear, feedback and different therapeutic approaches to help you be the best version of yourself. I believe that everyone has a unique path in life and has the ability to learn new skills that they can use to improve their wellbeing. I help people who long to feel a connection to their authentic self, but feel held back by life’s challenges. I am most passionate about assisting children, adolescents, teenagers & young adults, ages 5-35 who are dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem & life changes. I am also passionate about working with individuals diagnosed with OCD and ASD. In my therapy sessions, I like to meet the client where they are at. Life and challenges look different for everyone. I feel it is important to cater to the individual and their specific goals and needs. Lining out goals and aspirations for therapy is the best way to stay on track and discuss ways to help one’s thought process. I help clients when it comes to problem solving life stressors, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and creating an awareness of their needs and wants in life so that they can live the life they imagined. I know from my own path to wellness that life’s challenges may seem unmanageable at times. However, if an individual is committed to change, they are capable of their full potential and can increase their skills through working on their goals. It is important to remember that we all make mistakes and that no one is perfect. Working through life’s challenges, practicing self-forgiveness and having a growth mindset is something that takes time, commitment and practice. I believe that every individual is capable of change if they are willing to try. I received my bachelors in Psychology from Northeastern Illinois University & my masters in Social Work at Dominican University. My goal is to help clients with life changes/challenges, relationship issues, building self-confidence, changing negative thinking patterns & developing positive coping strategies. I believe that “Healing is something that takes time, effort, & practice. Asking for help is a courageous step towards your goals and becoming aligned with your true self”. Areas of expertise: · Anxiety · Depression · Life Changes · Self-esteem · Divorce · Relational issues · Coping skills Available for appointments on: Monday: Afternoons & evenings via Telehealth or Park Ridge location Wednesday: Afternoons & evenings via Telehealth or Park Ridge location Thursday: Afternoons & evenings via Telehealth Self-Pay: $200 Initial & $150 for follow up appointments Out of network insurance: Super bills are available upon request to for clients to submit directly for possible reimbursement

Greetings! My name is Cynthia and I am a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I have experience in and enjoy working with a variety of age groups across the lifespan. I look forward to establishing a healthy and safe space to help you work on yourself. I’d like for you to view our therapy sessions as an opportunity for you to release stress and any thoughts you may have acquired overtime. My approach in therapy is directed to be a strength-based, client-centered approach utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). I look forward to creating an individual and tailored approach to meet your needs. My Education Background: I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University. Shortly after, I received a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialty in Mental Health from Loyola University of Chicago. Populations I work with: · Adults ranging from the age 18 to geriatric · Adolescents · Children with and without IFSP /IEP · Marginalized communities Additional Specialty Areas: · Anxiety · Depression · Trauma · Grief/Bereavement · Self-Harm · Thought about death and ending one’s life · Crisis Intervention · Health · End of life issues · Coming of Age Availability: I am currently taking clients via In-person and Telehealth. Languages: · English · Spanish

Hi, my name is Emma Weber, and I am a therapist intern. My approach is grounded in the belief that every person deserves access to care that is compassionate, affirming, and rooted in respect for autonomy. I believe that healing happens in community and that relationships are central to who we are. I utilize an integrative approach that is tailored to each individual client. I pull from behavioral and humanistic approaches that are trauma-informed, identity affirming, and strength-based. I am not one to sugarcoat things, but am also warm, collaborative, and deeply invested in creating a space to help you feel safe, seen, and in control. I view my clients as the experts in their own lives. I will show up with curiosity, honesty, and the tools to help you move through life in a way that feels authentic to you. Areas of Expertise & Experience · Eating disorders and body image concerns · Depression and mood disorders · Trauma and PTSD · Life transitions and stress · Self-esteem and identity development · Anxiety and emotional regulation · LGBTQIA+ and queer affirming care Populations I work with: · Individuals · Families · Adults · Teens & Young Adults · Adolescents I am a Health At Every Size® (HAES) clinician who utilizes a weight neutral, anti-diet framework. Outside of the therapy space, I enjoy anything creative, reading, and spending time exploring the city. I adopted my cat, Trout, in 2024 and he is my sweet boy! Additional Information about Emma… Emma received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Michigan State University. Emma is currently pursuing their Master’s in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School. They have experience supporting adults in a residential and partial hospitalization level of care. They are working under the direct supervision of Meghan Erwin, LCSW, CADC. If we seem like a good fit or if you have any questions, please reach out to schedule a consultation. I look forward to the possibility of working with you!

My aim is to provide a philosophically sophisticated therapeutic experience that is tailored uniquely to you. Together, we can work on various concerns such as addiction, overwhelming stress, culture shock, grief, difficulty in relationships, a sense of anxiety or the exhaustion of depression. My approach is a holistic one, based on a meditative, in the moment application of REBT, DBT, and Existential Counseling to help guide you through your struggles. My strength as a therapist is the total commitment to my client’s needs and yours is the resilience to unburden yourself from the obstacles that arise in your daily life.

Life can be challenging & overwhelming at times, especially when feeling unwell and lonely. It may seem scary, but you don't have to face these times alone. Whether dealing with depression, anxiety, work stress, burnout, relationship problems or the loss of a loved one, don't hesitate to reach out for support. I am here to listen and help. I aim to offer high-quality therapy services to help people achieve a more fulfilling, joyful, and healthy life. Promoting well-being and a well balanced life is a top focus for me, and I am committed to delivering excellent treatment to all my clients. I offer a secure and supportive environment for discussion. Let's collaborate for a more positive tomorrow.