Therapists for college students near University of Chicago
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.
Hannah Conner is currently offering virtual/telehealth sessions to assist clients during this time of uncertainty and help them cultivate a safe space to flourish. Hannah received her Masters of Arts in Counseling with a Sport and Health Psychology specialty from Adler University here in Chicago, Illinois. She has worked with groups and individuals from diverse populations with various backgrounds. Her approach is a blend of person-centered theory that includes evidenced-based practices such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness. Hannah has worked with clients who have experienced a wide range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. She also has worked with athletes on mental performance specific concerns such as performance anxiety and mental skills training. Hannah believes that the most important part of a therapeutic relationship is creating a safe space for you to grow and cultivate the changes you would like to make in your life through a collaborative process. Hannah is currently offering solely virtual appointments and is in-network with Cigna, United, BCBS PPO and Aetna insurance companies.
Whether you have specific goals in therapy, or are simply struggling to keep your head above water, therapy can be a space to slow down and allow yourself the opportunity to sit with your experiences and feelings. I love working with queer and trans folks, people exploring their gender and sexuality for the first time, as well as people with Autism and ADHD, and people who are exploring the possibility that they may be neurodivergent. I also enjoy working with people with complex trauma histories, religious trauma, complicated family dynamics, as well as people struggling with anxiety and mood disorders. I am dedicated to working with clients to identify and process what is keeping them “stuck,” so clients can create for themselves a healthier future. I believe that harnessing creativity within the process of therapy can be extremely beneficial, especially for clients who have a more difficult time verbally expressing their thoughts and feelings. As a nonbinary and neurodivergent person, I know how important it is to find a therapist who shares your identities. I generally tend to be laid-back and very relational as a therapist and enjoy using humor to build rapport. Ultimately, this is YOUR space, and I want clients to feel like therapy is a place where they get to exercise autonomy.
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
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.
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 passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families looking to strengthen relationships with themselves and each other. My approach is guided by systems thinking which places clients in a context acknowledging and exploring the myriad of factors that shape who we are as people and how we experience the world. I have experience working with diverse populations with a variety of concerns including relational conflict, identity exploration, trauma, grief, and sexuality. My wish is to walk with clients in identifying strengths and gaining insight while looking for patterns that no longer serve them to make room for new experiences. As an integrative therapist, I draw upon a variety of models while always maintaining a social justice lens. Trained as a relational therapist, I see connection to ourselves and each other as paramount to the human experience and have a particular passion in working with young adults in fostering healthy relationships. I have also completed a certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan's School of Social Work which has deepened my knowledge of working with people struggling with issues related to sexuality including functioning concerns. I am a curious, compassionate, and direct clinician who places emphasis on feedback and collaboration to ensure clients get their needs met throughout treatment. My hope is for clients to leave our sessions feeling more empowered and self-aware. The therapeutic relationship is a key factor in determining the success of therapy. Please contact me if you have any questions about how I practice to determine if I would be a good fit for you. I would love the opportunity to connect with you!
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you’ve been carrying things on your own for a long time. Our work together will move at a pace that feels supportive, collaborative, and safe while honoring both your lived experience and your body’s natural wisdom for healing.
Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and over 8 years of emergency department experience. Skilled in psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based interventions for diverse populations. Experienced in both telehealth and in-person care, with a focus on patient-centered, holistic treatment. Passionate about improving mental health outcomes through collaboration, education, and individualized treatment planning. Committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care while staying current with best practices in psychiatry.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
For four years, I sat in my corporate cubicle daydreaming of becoming a psychotherapist. I could only ignore my calling to work in service of the human condition for so long before ultimately embarking on a 180° career change. Since then, I have come to intimately understand that transformation does not happen in isolation. In the sanctity of private sessions, I have witnessed clients encounter shame with tender curiosity, reparent themselves, uncover and mindfully address values-incongruent tendencies, reframe disempowering personal narratives, implement boundaries, somatically resolve trauma, and develop deep trust in intuition. Stigma often mischaracterizes the pursuit of psychological healing and emotional reckoning through therapy as a testament to one’s weakness. But the term “psycho-therapy” translates to “serving the soul.” Commitment to the therapeutic process, and therefore acknowledging a need for additional support, is a reflection of one’s quiet strength, humility, and capacity for self-advocacy. Within my professional purview, a person’s choice to seek therapy is an act of redemptive warfare for their soul. My clinical interests include counseling adolescents, young adults, and adults seeking support for anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD, and recovery from early childhood trauma. My therapeutic style is predominantly informed by psychodynamic theory and neuroscience, however my educational and clinical experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to facilitate interventions aligned with additional modalities, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT. I am compassionately direct in my counseling approach and appreciate the injection of humor into sessions where appropriate. I have received certification in both Levels I and II of Applied Polyvagal Theory (PVT) in Yoga (16-hour) and I am currently a student in the Somatic Experiencing (SE™) Professional Training Program, seeking to complete the educational & related requirements of the program to use the Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP) credential.
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.
Ashley Knight is a therapist who recognizes that no problem or issue is too big or small to be addressed, and understands that therapy should feel like a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. Ashley works with late adolescents to middle adult clients who are dealing with depression, anxiety, adjustment, relationship, and life transition issues. Ashley strives to meet clients where they are so they can aim to reach their full potential and goals.
I specialize in working with millennial women who are struggling with various life transitions. Maybe you're having a difficult time adjusting to college and new routines. It might be that you are wanting help navigating new friendships and relationships. You might have noticed that you're feeling stressed or down more than you'd like and are hoping to better understand your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I'm here to help you gain stronger self-awareness, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilling life.
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.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I work with clients who are feeling stuck, lost, and struggling to move forward with their life. Seeking help might be intimidating, but therapy can be a space to receive support with navigating the constant struggles of life, and it can be an empowering journey of finding meaning and thinking more thoughtfully about your relationship with yourself and others. This is why I value creating a strong and authentic therapeutic relationship to support your growth and empower you to create the change you desire. I utilize various techniques that are tailored to your specific needs, and I strive to create a warm environment where we can explore different topics and work towards your goals together. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, life transitions, and trauma. I assist my clients with managing professional and academic concerns, creating healthier habits, finding balance, and feeling more fulfilled with their lives. I also offer couples therapy for those seeking to improve intimacy, communication, trust, and emotional closeness with their partners. Additionally, I’m passionate about working with international students and immigrants, a path close to my heart as a former international student from Italy. This firsthand experience of navigating the immigration system and adjusting to a different culture has shaped my approach to therapeutic work, ensuring sensitivity to my clients’ unique experiences, beliefs, and marginalized identities. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from Loyola University Chicago, and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton. I have previously worked in hospitals and community mental health settings, and I especially enjoy working with college and graduate students, international students, early and mid-career professionals, and couples. I also offer therapy in Italian.