Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

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Hi, I’m Clayton, a licensed mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist. I believe that healing begins when we feel seen, heard, and accepted for who we are. My goal is to create a space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment — whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, identity concerns, relationship challenges, or simply trying to understand yourself on a deeper level. I work with individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, students adjusting to new transitions, and anyone striving to improve their emotional well-being. My approach is collaborative and compassionate — blending evidence-based techniques with genuine curiosity about your story. Together, we’ll work toward developing insight, strengthening coping skills, and helping you feel more grounded and confident in who you are. Therapy is not about “fixing” you; it’s about understanding, growth, and learning to embrace your own perfect imperfections. If you’re ready to begin that process, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

We can't always decide what happens to us in life, but we can choose what we do about it. I love working with clients who are open to building trust, ready to begin exploring, and want to create change. You don't have to have it all figured out right now, I would be honored to share space with you and start the process of rediscovering yourself. I have the most experience working with self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, difficult family relationships, romantic relationship stressors, gender identity, and sexuality. I want to learn what makes you unique, help you build trust in yourself, and help you reclaim your life narrative. My passion is in learning people's stories. I use trauma-informed techniques to look at the context of our lives, and together we can forge a new path forward towards the life you find most fulfilling. I draw from narrative therapy to learn about your story, and I use EMDR to help reprocess our experiences.

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I integrate a medical-model approach with supportive therapy to provide compassionate, comprehensive care. While diagnostic labels can help guide medication decisions, my focus is on understanding the deeper context of your challenges—exploring symptom triggers, emotional meanings, and how relationships influence your coping style. Mutual respect and trust are the foundation of my practice, and I am committed to creating a relaxed, non-judgmental space where honesty, transparency, and collaboration empower you to take an active role in your treatment. I treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, addiction, OCD, complex grief, and chronic illnesses. Together, we’ll work toward authentic growth, healthier choices, and a more positive outlook on life.

I work with you to not just understand what's going on, but also to develop tools to help. Tools to stop panic attacks, tools to manage depression, tools to get organized and figure out what you want in life. We work together to see what works reliably for you. In addition to talking things through, in session and between sessions sometimes you might be writing, sometimes trying a challenging behavior change, sometimes engaging in mindfulness, and sometimes using visualizations. My aim is for you to feel better, and to know what to do to keep feeling better or help yourself if problems resurface. And I try to work efficiently with you, so you are back to your life (and ending therapy) as soon as makes sense for you. Give me a call to set up an initial (free) conversation, at 303-870-9195.

Your path to a calmer, happier life starts here. I am ready to support you at your own pace, providing flexible appointments and personalized care. Whether you are an individual seeking personal growth, a couple looking to strengthen your connection, or a family aiming to foster harmony, I am here to help. Let’s work together to address anxiety, depression, and stress, creating a healthier path forward for yourself, your relationships, and your family.

School can be some of the most rewarding years of your life but they can also be overwhelming. Between classes, internships, work, relationships, family expectations, finances, and figuring out who you are and where you're headed, sometimes it's good to have some extra support. Therapy gives you a place to talk openly about what's going on, without judgment. Whether you're feeling anxious, stressed, burned out, stuck, lonely, or simply trying to make sense of a major life transition, you don't have to navigate it alone. I work with college and graduate students on concerns such as anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, identity exploration, gender identity, academic stress, life transitions, binge eating, and body image. Many of my clients are also learning how to manage life on their own for the first time and are discovering that no one ever really taught them how to handle the emotional side of money. As a Certified Financial Social Worker, I can help you develop a healthier relationship with money, spending, debt, budgeting, and financial decision-making. Together, we can explore both the practical and emotional aspects of financial wellness so you feel more confident and in control. My style is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. I'll meet you where you are, help you build on your strengths, and offer practical tools along the way. If you're curious about working together, I'd be happy to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit.

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.

Feeling more overwhelmed than usual? Noticing the weight of past experiences getting in your way? Looking to move toward healing? Wanting to lean into a healthier version of yourself? These types of thoughts are common. We all struggle, at times, with how we react to different situations. Our life experiences and environments have an affect on our thoughts, feelings and emotions. I believe that you are capable of breaking patterns that no longer serve you and finding your way towards a more intentional and fulfilling life. I offer support in your growth towards more ease and grounding no matter the circumstance. I will offer you a secure space that is welcoming and open to all as well as filled with compassion, acceptance, and curiosity. I believe that you will find me easily approachable and responsive to your unique needs and experiences. I hold a relational focus because the connection that you and I create is essential for the work it takes to get you closer to what you are looking for in your life. I am authentic and honest in my approach because we are humans coming together in a common experience that requires trust and vulnerability to be able to work on hard things together.

Hi! I'm Hannah. Have you ever heard the phrase, “The body keeps the score”? It’s true! Our bodies are incredibly smart and know how to keep us safe. They remember our past and are doing their best to keep us safe in our present and future. But sometimes this means that it’s working overtime to protect us from anything else that could hurt us, and this can end up causing problems in relationships, jobs, schooling, and in our mental and physical health. Traditional talk therapy is often ineffective at helping the body heal from these old wounds. Instead, I use a body-based approach that provides long-lasting healing from trauma and loss. I believe that the therapeutic relationship truly heals, and I aim to be one of your biggest supporters as you overcome challenges in your life. I’ll be right there with you through some of your hardest moments, and I’ll hold onto hope even when it seems hopeless. I believe in you and your ability to do hard things. I also believe you deserve all the healing that you can possibly have in this life, and it’s my honor to guide you on your healing journey. I’m sex-positive, kink-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and strongly believe in racial justice.

Licensed clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience providing Telehealth in Illinois. My clinical training and practice has primarily centered on college students and the unique challenges of emerging adulthood. Areas of focus include eating disorders, anxiety disorders and performance/perfectionism guided by principles of trauma-informed care. Modalities used include CBT, DBT, ACT and psychodynamic therapy. Please see my website for more information about me.

I often work with students navigating big changes—adjusting to college life, managing stress, or figuring out who they are and where they fit in. Maybe you’re balancing school with work or family expectations, or feeling pressure to succeed while silently struggling. I offer a supportive, judgment-free space where you can slow down, talk things through, and learn to care for yourself while meeting life’s demands. Together, we can work on easing anxiety, building confidence, and finding balance that feels sustainable.

I’m Mercedes Yates-Jones, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and Virginia. I am also the founder of Safe to Say Therapy located in Winfield, IL. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and have spent over a decade helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. Before starting my private practice, I worked with the Department of Veteran Affairs and in several private practice settings, supporting clients with a wide range of needs. I also have experience in inpatient psychiatric care, which has shaped my calm and steady presence when clients are feeling overwhelmed or facing difficult moments. I work with children ages 10 and up, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, academic stress, relationship concerns, life transitions, or periods of feeling stuck. I also have a heart for supporting students, veterans, parents, caregivers, and individuals from underserved communities. I created Safe to Say Therapy because I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and truly supported. My goal is to meet you with warmth and authenticity and walk alongside you as you move toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful change, at a pace that feels right for you.

Focus Group Wellness Partners was created with the mission to provide comprehensive mental health care for all. At Focus Group Wellness Partners, we believe all individuals deserve accessible, affordable, and informed mental health care regardless of age, race, socioeconomic status, ability, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. We are committed to promoting a culture of inclusivity and diversity while empowering our clients on their wellness journeys. We accept all insurances and can see clients virtually or in person.

** 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.

Hi my name is Laura, I am a therapist located in Colorado. I see clients in Illinois and Colorado. I help people feeling overwhelmed, unhappy and unsure about situations in their life. I love working with College students. College can be such an exciting time for some, and for others it can be very confusing and stressful. If you are feeling unhappy, overwhelmed, or dealing with a social or family situation I would love to help you! Please reach out to me via email or phone and we can talk about the next steps.

At Brave Beginnings Counseling, our goal is to provide a welcoming, therapeutic environment for people to move towards becoming the best version of themselves. We offer compassionate and empathetic counseling services for people of various backgrounds.

Throughout my practice, I have worked with clients facing a wide range of mental health concerns. From stress and anxiety to family conflicts, trauma, and abuse, I am well-versed in addressing the complex emotional and psychological issues that individuals face in their lives. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, identify patterns, and develop effective coping strategies. In my therapeutic approach, I draw from evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapy. I tailor my treatment plans to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, utilizing a collaborative and client-centered approach that promotes growth and positive change.

Before coming to the US, I graduated from the top medical school in China and have a background in internal medicine. After 10 years of practicing in the field of medicine, I had the opportunity to train as a psychiatrist at University of Tennessee and became a board certified general psychiatrist. My training in the field of internal medicine has helped my psychiatry practice, especially in the care of the geriatric patients, who often have chronic medical conditions. I am very conscious of the side effects of the medications commonly used in the treatment of mental illness, some which may affect a patient's physical health. I have been practicing psychiatry for about 12 years in the Chicagoland area, treating a diverse population of patients. My approach includes listening to a patient's story and concerns, evaluating patients’ cultural, social, mental and physical status, their support system, and treating the patient as a whole person. I then generate a treatment plan that can include psychotherapy and other supportive therapy, not only the prescription of medication. I speak Mandarin fluently and can support patients with that language need. Schedule your session easily through our online booking link. Click "Website" to find a time that works for you.

I earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree specializing in Psychiatry from The University of Texas at Arlington. I am proud to say I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am a true believer that not one of my fellow humans is immune to stress, anxiety, and feelings of sadness at some point in their life. We all find ourselves feeling vulnerable at times. It is completely normal to question why we feel the emotions that we do, why we seem to fall apart at times, and better yet, how we can get through it all in one beautiful piece. I think the first step to meaningful recovery from anxiety, depression, complex mental illness, and/or substance use is to reach out and ask for help. It is a difficult, but very brave action. I am not one to judge, look down on, question your past experiences, or current situation. I am very good at rationally breaking down a situation and I can offer practical advice and medication suggestions depending on your goal in mind. Schedule your appointment with me by simply clicking on the "Visit Website" link below!