Therapists for college students near 60614

Hi there! I'm glad you are taking a courageous step to focus on your wellbeing. Whether you are seeking therapy for the first time, returning, or looking for a new therapist, you are right where you need to be if you are looking for a warm and caring therapist who is passionate about trauma, grief, life transitions, identity, relationships, and faith and spirituality. I help women of all ages and faiths relieve anxiety and depression, heal childhood and relationship wounds, navigate grief and life transitions, and gain more tools to cope with life, work, and relationships. By working with me, I will be a safe space to bear witness to your thoughts and emotions and honor them by patiently meeting you wherever you are in this season of your life. While taking a holistic approach, I utilize a variety of counseling theories like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotions Focused Therapy, and Person - Centered Therapy. I want to help you reach your fullest potential and support you on your journey to becoming your happiest, healthiest, most-authentic self. I am virtual only, so please email me to schedule your free 15-30 minute consultation. I look forward to hearing from you!

I am Anita Rao, MD, an ABPN board-certified psychiatrist trained in adult psychiatry at Northwestern University, where I had the honor of being a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, recognized for teaching medical students. I earned my MD from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and obtained my undergraduate degree in International Health from Georgetown University. I adopt an approach that goes beyond treating disorders to focus on mental wellness and whole-person health. I utilize holistic treatment modalities, including evidence-based medication management, and collaborate with other members of our treatment team to ensure comprehensive mental health care. My specialization lies in anxiety and depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, with a particular focus on populations that are new to psychiatric care. I take pride in delivering accurate diagnoses, including second opinion evaluations, and am committed to educating and empowering my patients to understand their illnesses and themselves.

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Our focus is on helping our clients create a life of presence, passion and purpose. We are a practice of 42 diverse, authentic and skilled therapists. Having a large team of therapists allows us to cover many specialties and treat most mental health disorders. We serve over 1000 clients each week, many of whom are students struggling with adjusting to college life, "adulting", anxiety, stress, OCD, trauma, depression, eating disorders, body image and identity development. Our therapists are LGBTQ+ affirming and consistently work on anti-racism. As therapists we are both creative and collaborative in helping you become the best and most authentic version of yourself.

Psychotherapy Associates of Chicago serves a diverse clientele of individuals, couples and families in a quiet, comfortable therapy space. Since opening in 2001, our dedicated and highly experienced group of therapists has become some of the most frequently referred in Chicago. Let us help you navigate the inevitable ups and downs in life.

I believe that each person comes from an individualized background, making every aspect of them unique. I seek to allow space for you to feel safe, heard, and accepted to support a path towards self-discovery and healing. My approach stems from a strengths-based treatment which focuses on discovering your internal strengths to find a new balance when facing challenges. While working collaboratively, we will determine a holistic treatment best suited for you that encompasses your identity, culture, and ever-changing needs. I specialize in working with individuals and groups; specifically, those who are young adults, teens, or children who experience challenges related to eating disorders, depression, anxiety, self-harm/suicidal ideation, self-esteem, life transitions, and substance misuse. Recognizing that treatment needed for each individual may vary, I have practice utilizing treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Finding someone to connect with is the starting point of it all. Please reach out to me to begin your journey!

Are you struggling with the transition to college while navigating new responsibilities? You’re bright, creative, and motivated and yet finishing anything feels impossible. You call yourself “lazy” when tasks pile up and feel ashamed that simple things seem hard. You want clarity about your brain, tools that actually work, and a therapist who gets it. I am passionate about working with college students untangle executive-function struggles, perfectionism, trauma, and low self-esteem. I’m especially passionate about supporting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks. Together we’ll kick shame out of the driver’s seat and build self‑compassion, understanding, and systems that fit you. Sessions are flexible and center your needs: if we need to laugh, move, play, or cry—we will. We explore the “what” with curiosity, not the “why can’t you just…”. I use strengths-based reframes, coping tools, and psychoeducation so you understand how your brain works and can actually use the skills between sessions. Fit matters. If you’re craving relief from shame, clearer systems that fit your life, and a space where all parts of you are welcome, let’s talk. I offer virtual and in-person sessions, a free 15‑minute consult, and accept insurance/sliding scale options when available.

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We offer a strength-based, holistic, and highly collaborative approach to therapy. Specializing in relationships, trauma, racial identity and mood disorders, our clinicians provide culturally-sensitive trauma-informed care.

I specialize in treating young adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, low self-esteem, and OCD. I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs, utilizing evidence based practices such as CBT, ACT, and ERP.

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.

Are you looking for a different type of therapist who can understand your concerns? Someone who can help you make the changes you are looking for in your life. Are your feelings and emotions taking up too much space in your life leaving you feeling unmotivated and unaccomplished? Whether you are going through a life transition, struggling with work, or needing help with managing your trauma experiences; I will help you regain the control you are looking for in your life. I can help you make the life changes and adjustments needed to improve your life satisfaction and achieve the goals you are setting for yourself. I am a nontraditional therapist. I don't just sit back and listen to you talk. I challenge your heart and soul to help you achieve your personal goals. As a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience helping those improve their functioning and mental wellness, I specialize in helping those impacted by anxiety, depression, and PTSD / trauma. You will find that my humanistic approach will help you feel more confident about your decision to prioritize your mental health. As an eclectic clinician, I use CBT & DBT mixing in Coaching, Solution-Focused and Reality-Based techniques. I also use humor, story-telling, and psychoeducation to better help you achieve the goals you set for yourself.

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The decision to seek therapy is a very important decision, but choosing the right therapist is even more important since one of the best predictors of a positive therapy outcome is the fit between client and therapist. I strive to provide the people with whom I work an environment that is comfortable, nonjudgmental, and genuinely validating. My job is to provide a space for you to access your strengths and attributes, and with this I can provide psychological approaches to help you address the concerns that brought you in for therapy. I have extensive experience in treating anxiety disorders, (GAD, phobias, panic). I also have extensive experience in treating mood disorders, such as depression. I also have extensive experience in treating trauma. Additionally, I treat academic challenges, such as procrastination and perfectionism. Finally, I also treat psychosis, anger management issues, relationship problems, and tough life decisions, and a host of other issues. Initially, my job is to listen and help us understand the problem. Also during this time, I'll share diagnostic and other relevant information, and then give options on how we might address the problem. We will also periodically evaluate our progress in therapy to ensure that your goals are being met.

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.

All of our therapists at Chicago Counseling Center specialize in helping people learn how to manage symptoms related to Anxiety, OCD, Perfectionism, and general life stressors so that they can live meaningful, fulfilling, and enjoyable lives.

Fred Waltzer, LCSW provides psychotherapy to clients with mood and emotional difficulties. His approach is focused on improving behavioral and emotional abilities to cope with daily life. His focus is helping clients reach personal goals related to social and emotional well-being. The techniques utilized are practical and focused on real world results. If you are coping with depression or anxiety, approaches will include identifying thoughts, behaviors and feelings which increase both well-being and relationships. Mr. Waltzer has worked in healthcare and educational settings. Most often interventions are short term result in productive changes in how his clients interact with their environment. . . .

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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.

As a compassionate therapist, I am dedicated to supporting young adults through anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, burnout, and various life transitions. I understand how hard this stage of life can feel, whether it be overwhelming emotions or heightened pressures — and you don’t have to navigate it alone. My approach is warm, collaborative, and free of judgement. I aim to bring a mix of curiosity, compassion, and humor to create a safe space where you can fully be yourself. I help clients explore the underlying causes of their struggles and develop effective tools for coping, healing, and growth. I lead with a person-centered style, focusing on building real authentic connection. At the same time, I bring in more structured tools when they’re helpful, pulling from CBT, DBT, and mindfulness practices. If you’re feeling curious, unsure, or even a little nervous, that’s completely normal. I’m here to meet you where you’re at — no expectations. Just a genuine conversation about what’s going on and how I might be able to help!