Therapists for college students near 60614
Krista Mersino
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Chuying (Selestia) Lin, M.Phil.ED
College can bring a lot of change at once. You may be adjusting to a new environment, feeling pressure to succeed, questioning what you want for yourself, or trying to balance your own needs with expectations from family, culture, or the people around you. For international students or students navigating multiple cultures and identities, these transitions can feel especially complicated. I work with college and graduate students experiencing anxiety, depression, academic stress, burnout, identity exploration, and major life transitions. I especially enjoy supporting international students, Asian and Asian American students, multicultural individuals, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive. Rather than assuming there is one “right” way to move forward, we’ll explore what is happening in the context of your relationships, culture, identity, and experiences. I draw from feminist and person-centered therapy, along with CBT and other approaches, to help you better understand yourself, manage difficult emotions, and make choices that feel more aligned with who you are. Growing up in Guangdong, China and later pursuing my education and clinical training in the United States has also shaped my understanding of culture, identity, and belonging. I provide therapy in both English and Mandarin and strive to create a space where you can bring all parts of yourself into the conversation.
Lydia Christensen
I believe the human experience is beautifully complex, with our emotions serving as both a compass and catalyst for growth and healing. When those feelings become overwhelming, it’s easy to feel isolated or stuck in cycles of anxiety, self-doubt, or hopelessness—but you don’t have to navigate this alone. My passion is creating a space of warmth, understanding, and compassionate curiosity where we can explore what’s happening beneath the surface, make room for your full emotional experience, and discover new ways of thinking, relating, and healing. Gender Identity & Sexuality: Exploring your gender identity or sexuality can be deeply personal and, at times, isolating. Whether you're early in your journey or further along, I provide affirming, compassionate support in a space where you can be fully and authentically yourself—without judgment. You deserve to be seen, understood, and empowered as you embrace who you are. Relationship Challenges: Relationships can be both life-giving and deeply challenging. If you’re feeling stuck in painful cycles, navigating conflict, or longing for deeper connection, I’ll work with you to untangle patterns and build stronger, healthier relationships—rooted in mutual respect, communication, and emotional safety. Family Dynamics: Family systems often shape how we see ourselves and relate to others. I help clients unpack generational patterns, unspoken expectations, and relational roles that may no longer serve them. Together, we’ll work to foster clarity, establish healthy boundaries, and nurture meaningful, sustainable relationships. Anxiety: Anxiety can feel all-consuming, quietly infiltrating every area of life. I offer both practical strategies and gentle exploration to help you better understand your anxiety, manage its impact, and regain a sense of calm, confidence, and agency—especially when life feels out of control. Do I work with struggles not on this list? Maybe what you’re going through doesn’t fall neatly into one of these categories, or perhaps you’re looking to approach it from a different angle. If my approach resonates with you, I’d love to talk more. Together, we can create a path forward that honors your story and supports your unique process of healing and growth.!
Megan O'Brien- Pure Health Center
I've been a psychotherapist for over ten years skilled in treating mental health disorders or distress. I use cognitive behavioral therapy to support students with academic challenges, peer and relationship struggles, life transitions, trauma, and more. I provide individual psychotherapy services (virtually or in person) at Pure Health Center in Lincoln Park walking distance from your campus. Currently, I offer flexible evening and weekend appointments to accommodate students' busy schedules. You can search my name "Megan O'Brien- Chicago IL" on Psychology Today to learn more about my practice or find me on Pure Health Center's website. You may also send an email to schedule a FREE 15-minute consult to get started. I look forward to working with you. Warmly, Megan O'Brien
Sejdaras PsyD & Associates INC
We are a team of anxiety therapists who serve individuals and couples struggling with anxiety. The clients we treat mostly come in to decrease anxiety individually and in their relationships and have a healthier lifestyle. Some clients describe their state of being as feeling stuck and overwhelmed while others present with specific issues such as relationship conflict, panic attacks, social anxiety, depression and/or alcohol and marijuana use. Treatment at our group practice focuses on a holistic approach where trust and self-compassion are the foundation for healing. Our approach is rooted in the relational elements of the therapeutic work, and we strongly value both mindfulness and self-compassion.
State of Mind Psychological Services, LLC
In our therapy sessions, we’ll work collaboratively to increase your insight and better understand the deeper roots of the current problems that you are facing. Together, we will increase your ability to better tolerate difficult emotions, more effectively cope with the issues that you are facing, and create a problem-solving style that works for you. My empathic, direct, and empowering clinical style will help you discover the best version of you. Here are some of my specialties: *Generalist *Interpersonal, Relational Style *Adults *Individuals *LBGTQ+ Affirming *Depression *Mood Disorders *Anxiety *PTSD/C-PTSD *Trauma Informed *Substance Abuse *Self-esteem/Assertiveness/Boundaries *Grief/Loss *Relationship Issues *Understanding unhealthy family/childhood patterns & roles and changing how these are repeated in one’s adult relationships *Narcissistic abuse recovery
Belmont Depression and Anxiety Center
The Belmont DAC is a clinic that specializes in Anxiety Disorders and Depression, including OCD, PTSD, Panic Disorder, GAD, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias, and Grief. We also specialize in working with LGBTQIA individuals and have clinicians on staff within this population. We are committed to social justice and anti-oppression/anti-racism and work diligently to be a positive organization in our community. We approach therapy from a CBT/ACT/DBT and mindfulness orientation and focus a lot on skills, behavior change, and shifting how we think about things. We are excited to be a part of this change in your life.
Health in Tandem
Health in Tandem is an integrative private practice with a team of compassionate therapists who help clients find awareness and balance in all aspects of their health and wellness. We believe that change and growth happen when we focus on addressing four pillars of wellness: mental wellness, emotional wellness, physical wellness, and social wellness.
Nicole Piatek
Everyone seeks support for different reasons, and I’m here to honor yours. In a world of constant connection, the present moment can still feel distant. As a daughter of Polish immigrants, I value cultural heritage and offer support in both English and conversational Polish. I’m especially passionate about working with people navigating family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, and the journey of reconnecting with younger parts of themselves. I believe healing happens through empathy, humor, and collaboration. I specialize in working with teens and adults experiencing: Identity exploration and cultural stress Trauma and intergenerational wounds Relationship challenges and attachment concerns Anxiety, self-esteem, and perfectionism Queerness and LGBTQIA+ identities Life transitions and emerging adulthood Neurodivergence, including ADHD and sensory sensitivities I am DBT-Certified and I co-facilitate the Thursday Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Class at Mind Body Co-op. Alongside DBT, I integrate somatic therapies, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support a compassionate, body-aware, and client-centered process. Whether you’re facing long-standing patterns or new changes, therapy offers space for clarity and growth. Through gentle challenge, curiosity, and affirmation, we’ll explore what helps you move forward with confidence. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University, where I learned to value presence and acceptance. A favorite quote of mine is by Eckhart Tolle: “How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at the moment.” Your experience matters—and I’d be honored to support you in making meaning of it.
Contemporary CBT
We focus on evidence-based treatments, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to help individuals evaluate their relationship to their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so that they can develop the awareness, flexibility, and resilience required to live in alignment with their values. Our clinicians are intimately familiar with helping students and families manage academic stressors and navigate the school setting with minimal interference from psychological distress. We believe in nurturing the therapeutic relationship and recognize the importance of creating a safe and healing space for our clients. Our goal is to help our clients build resilience and add to their repertoire of tools and coping mechanisms to help improve everyday functioning in the home, school, and community.
Sage Stone Counseling
Therapy is a space for you to be seen, heard, and supported. As your counselor, I will provide a consistent, reliable, nonjudgmental space for you to express yourself honestly and openly. I approach the counseling relationship from a collaborative stance, ultimately recognizing you as the expert of your story; together we will explore what you’ve experienced in your past and present to uncover areas that you may want to adjust, enhance, or extinguish. We will identify goals and establish steps to implement within the framework of your daily life. I work from a person-centered strengths-based perspective, meaning I’m invested in cultivating a genuine relationship with you while tapping into your internal resources to help you thrive. I utilize my training as a clinical therapist and my background as an artist to approach counseling from an out-of-the-box perspective. I believe that some of the best ideas and epiphanies happen when we challenge the norms and look at things from a new or different perspective. Some of the ripest territory is often in areas that we’ve never explored before. I received my BA from New York University; I worked as an advertising professional for several years prior to moving to Chicago to pursue my MFA in painting and drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I actively work as an arts professional in the Chicago community and have a passion for drawing, metal casting, and mold making. Most recently, I graduated with my MEd in clinical mental health counseling from DePaul University. I have a passion for working with young adults and college students, career changers, those exploring their identity and dating life, recovering perfectionists and those who identify as artists/creatives. I’m sex-positive and 2SLGBTQIA+, poly/ENM and kink-affirming. I see each individual as unique and approach counseling as such. Whether you're navigating questions of self-discovery, family dynamics, relationships, or mental health concerns, I'm here to help you find your voice, embrace your identity, and cultivate resilience.
Cayla Tepper, LCSW
Therapy can be many things and is different for each person. Whether you are new to therapy or returning, my hope is to meet you where you’re at, explore what may feel stuck, painful, or challenging, and support you in living a life aligned with what is most important to you. Throughout my career I have really enjoyed working with college students and I know that this time of life can bring unique challenges, both in concerns that arise now and in reflecting on what has brought you to this point. No situation is too big or too small to explore and work to understand how to navigate together.
Jennifer Harris PsyD & Associates
Jennifer Harris PsyD & Associates is a group of warm, down-to-earth therapists offering both in-person and telehealth psychotherapy. We’re based in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, just a few blocks south of DePaul University, and provide telehealth services throughout Illinois and other PSYPACT states. Our therapists work well with students navigating big transitions, questions about identity, or simply looking for someone real to talk to. We aim to create a space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. We’re not afraid to use humor or have honest conversations about what’s really going on. We offer a diverse team of therapists, including those who speak Mandarin and Arabic, and we welcome clients from all backgrounds. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, burned out, lonely, or just stuck, we’re here to help you sort through it. Our therapists have specialized training in treating the following areas: Anxiety, Phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Family & Relationship Issues Identity Development and Life Transitions International Students Acculturation Depression, Self-Esteem Concerns Trauma & PTSD Get to know us and our different specialties at www.jhpsyd.com
Ain Eccles
I work with clients struggling with trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, and identity. During our initial sessions we spend time trust building by getting to know one another, creating a safe environment, and establishing goals. I collaborate with clients through creative expression to develop a plan for addressing issues at hand, decrease stress, and increase mind-body connection.
Health in Tandem
Searching for a therapist can feel daunting, especially when life’s challenges seem to outweigh the moments of clarity. Yet, taking this step toward your well-being is a testament to your resilience and courage. Therapy offers not just a safe haven, but a pathway to understanding, growth, and personal empowerment. Whether you’re an athlete striving for peak performance, or an individual navigating the complexities of daily life, I’m here to support you on your journey. Together, we can navigate the psychology of performance, challenge thought patterns and behaviors, and explore personal beliefs to foster self-awareness, build self confidence, and tap into your inner champion. My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that true healing involves nurturing both the mind and body. By blending traditional therapeutic modalities with sports psychology techniques, we can cultivate a strong relationship between the mind and body that can promote overall well-being.
Thora DevlescHoward
I am committed to coaching you towards a more fulfilling life. Counseling can help you embrace happiness, manage stress, boost joy in relationships, increase motivation, and unleash creativity. I tailor my approach to your unique goals, using cognitive, behavioral, and other motivational strategies. We will focus on your strengths and amplify them. I will coach you to implement the tools from positive psychology to help you thrive. Through the use of imagination and the discovery of new skills, we will identify solutions and reclaim a sense of control. I will demonstrate my personal values of kindness, courtesy, and mutual respect throughout counseling. I provide individual counseling in a nurturing environment. My areas of expertise include Personal Challenges (anxiety, depression, eating disorders), Relationships (communication, conflict resolution, dating, social skills), and Life Skills (stress management, mindfulness, assertiveness, life transition, goal-setting, time management). I bring a sense of humor and a practical approach to counseling. Recommendations are geared towards acceptance of what you cannot control and commitment to action. They may include awareness of your strengths, attention to cognition, and creation of an outcome picture. Sessions are available in person, by phone, and by telehealth for your convenience.
Caitlin Tupper
When we need support, it can be intimidating to know where to start. You may be feeling trapped by the past and overwhelmed by the future, struggling with self-doubt, or experiencing loneliness. To overcome feeling lost and stuck, therapy can help you figure out your options, learn more about yourself, and find new ways to cope. By beginning the search for therapy, you have already shown courage and self-awareness to recognize you are ready for change. As a queer woman, my approach to therapy is trauma-informed, sex-positive, and anti-oppressive. I have over a decade of experience working with people living with anxiety, depression, and burnout. In serving survivors of abuse and violence, I supported them in their recovery and healing from trauma. I have partnered with clients on their journey to build meaningful relationships and to explore their gender and sexuality.
Megan Kenny - Harborlight Psychiatric
College can look manageable from the outside while feeling overwhelming behind the scenes. I work best with students who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, difficulty focusing, burnout, or the pressure to keep up academically and socially. You may feel like you are working harder than everyone else to stay organized, wondering whether ADHD could explain lifelong challenges, or finding that strategies that once worked are no longer enough. I offer thoughtful, individualized care that looks beyond symptoms to understand your health, daily life, and goals.
Caitlin McIlwee
Welcome! My name is Caitlin and I'm a clinical psychologist that specializes in cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT), especially in the treatment of anxiety and related struggles. I mostly work with young adults and college students. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify active goals for treatment, with a focus on living a life that is flexible, fulfilling, and guided by one's values. I strive to create a supportive and strong therapeutic bond with my clients by using warmth, unconditional positive regard, compassion, and some lightheartedness and humor, when appropriate. I have extensive experience in providing CBT therapies, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), mindfulness, self compassion, behavioral activation, and motivational interviewing. I know it can be intimidating to start therapy and find a therapist who is a good fit. I would love to schedule a complimentary initial phone call to learn more about you, tell you about my approach, and answer questions you may have, and we can together determine if it feels like a good fit. I currently have availability afternoons and evenings, Mon-Thurs.
Adora Grant
If you're exhausted from feeling misunderstood or unable to be your full self, you deserve a therapist who supports, understands, and affirms you. I draw on my lived experience to create an open-minded space where you can feel free to be yourself. Together, we can make sense of your experiences and build a life that feels more authentic, fulfilling, and sustainable. I work with adults and teens (13+) who are seeking support related to Autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, and more. As a Black, neurodivergent, queer therapist, I am especially passionate about supporting BIPOC, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ clients. My perspective and lived experiences also shape my approach to creating an affirming, individualized space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered to navigate challenges with greater confidence and self-compassion. With deep respect for the privilege of being invited into clients' lives, I take a collaborative, active approach to therapy, helping clients turn self-awareness into meaningful, lasting change. I draw from mind-body approaches to invite clients to slow down, notice their emotional and physical experiences, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. I also recognize that expanding beyond what feels safe and familiar can feel overwhelming, especially when shame or frustration arise. For this reason, I prioritize connection and trust as the foundation for healing, allowing us to explore what may be keeping you "stuck" with care, compassion, and curiosity.