Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Christopher Allen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2020. Christopher completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Purdue University and his Master's degree from the Indiana University School of Social Work at IUPUI. He has experience working with a variety of populations including individuals spanning from teens to geriatric patients, substance use disorders, college students, couples, and older adults. Christopher has worked in a variety of environments including private practice, inpatient, outpatient clinic, schools, and community-based treatments. He is LGBTQIA+ affirming and has experience in treating Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Adjustment Issues, Relationship Issues, Family Issues, Substance Use, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Schizophrenia. Christopher utilizes a Person-Centered approach that blends modalities like internal family systems, cognitive behavioral, dialectal behavior, and acceptance and commitment techniques. In his free time, Christopher is an avid reader, father, dog dad, and enjoys movies as well as live theater and music.

Kaitlyn Vranek is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. Kaitlyn is a therapist providing a variety of types of therapies to clients. She is able to help them in their lives with any issues they need met. Outside of work, Kaitlyn is very outdoorsy and likes to spend her extra time outside. She is a very active person. She enjoys her work as a social worker and meeting new clients.

Gosha Thornton is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2010. She studied at University of Chicago, The Crown Family School of Social Work, Roosevelt University, and the School of Psychiatric Nursing in Poland. Gosha offers a lifelong focus on providing wisdom and empathy that is centered on the well-being of the clients. Although she has academic training, Gosha keeps her practice grounded in the realities of everyday life. Outside of work, Gosha enjoys music, art, theater, decorating, cooking, and exercising.

If you are ready to discover a better version of yourself, let's talk. I believe therapy works best with collaboration, working together to find the most effective methods of meeting your self- established and recommended goals. My areas of expertise are within the LGBTQ community, including but not limited to gender identity, mood disorders, trauma and PTSD. I work with adults and adolescents confronting anxiety, depression, mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, grief/loss, self- harm, and chronic stress. My clinical style is warm and built on mutual trust, helping you locate and build upon the strengths you already have in order to create change. My educational background includes a Bachelors' degree in Psychology and leadership, and Masters' in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. I am an experienced licensed professional counselor and utilize cognitive behavioral therapy. I also have expertise using exposure and wilderness therapy. I worked as a youth program manager specializing in experiential therapy with under-served youth, combining adventure-based therapies to inspire confidence, independence, and teamwork.

Melanie Blanton, LCSW, provides a compassionate and empowering therapeutic space for individuals in Illinois who may feel overwhelmed by life?s challenges. She works with adolescents, teens, and adults navigating a variety of concerns such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Melanie strives to help her clients reclaim their power and focus on what they can control, supporting them in living a life aligned with their values and goals. Melanie is particularly passionate about supporting girls and women to reach their fullest potential. She specializes in addressing self-esteem, body neutrality, and women?s issues, providing the tools and encouragement necessary for clients to build confidence and foster self-acceptance. Her approach combines empathy and clinical expertise to help clients overcome obstacles and develop a greater sense of empowerment in their personal and professional lives. Using evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Melanie tailors her sessions to meet the unique needs of each individual. Melanie also offers individual and group therapy, creating opportunities for deeper connection and healing.

Stephanie Alvarez, LCSW, knows going to therapy is a vulnerable experience, so she creates a safe and inviting environment to allow her clients to express themselves in an honest way. In sessions, she takes a holistic approach to tailor therapeutic tools that best support each client's needs. She also considers a client's social and cultural background to enhance her understanding of each client. Each person has a different path to healing, and she enjoys discovering that path together. Stephanie uses a combination of modalities such as CBT, mindfulness, trauma-informed interventions, and psychodynamic influences.

Anna Lucas is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Anna is dedicated to providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations while developing personalized, evidence-based treatment plans that align with client goals. She specializes in treating mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, neurodevelopmental disorders, and substance misuse. Outside of work, Anna enjoys gardening, hiking trails with her dog, crafting, and reading.

I personally know how much stress can come from seeking counseling, so I will ensure to create a safe and holding environment that will allow for you to feel as stress-free as possible. I utilize psychodynamic skills, narrative, CBT, solution-focused, multicultural, and client-centered techniques to help you overcome challenges you come to therapy with and to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible sharing these challenges. I have experience working with PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, OCD, and the LGBTQ+ Community. I am currently accepting requests for therapy in-person and via secure video sessions on VSee, doxy. me, and Google Meet during this difficult time of isolation caused by COVID-19. I was born and raised in the Chicago-land area and received my Bachelor's in Psychology at Loyola University Chicago, and my Master's in Counseling at Northwestern University.

Inshirah Hajjar, LSW, is a dedicated social worker with over eight years of experience supporting individuals across Illinois in navigating life?s challenges. She provides compassionate care to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, fostering a safe and collaborative environment for healing and growth. Inshirah specializes in helping clients manage anxiety, trauma (PTSD), and reproductive challenges, using personalized strategies to empower and build resilience. Inshirah is particularly passionate about addressing developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. Her integrative approach includes evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Parenting Skills. Whether working with children facing behavioral concerns or adults navigating complex life transitions, she tailors her methods to meet each client?s unique needs. Her expertise also extends to treating depression, grief, and ADHD. Inshirah excels at guiding clients through midlife and later-life transitions, helping them adapt to change with confidence and hope. Additionally, she offers case management and group therapy services to ensure comprehensive support for a variety of concerns.

Tekeia Hinton is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is experienced in working with anxiety disorders, transitional stress, substance use, depression, loss, crisis, and trauma. She uses techniques from many therapies including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. She also incorporates skills of mindfulness and education. Tekeia received her Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She particularly enjoys the fall season and learning about new cultures.

Jill Jensen, LCSW, provides a compassionate and empathetic space for individuals and families across Illinois. With a focus on understanding and honoring each client?s unique experiences, Jill helps create an environment where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to take steps toward their mental health goals. Serving children, teens, young adults, and adults, Jill supports clients facing various challenges, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and childhood behavior issues. Jill is especially passionate about helping clients navigate concerns related to body image and self-esteem, understanding the deep impact these issues can have on mental health and overall well-being. With specialized experience in addressing school avoidance and eating disorders, Jill employs evidence-based approaches to foster growth and resilience, particularly for adolescents and young adults who may be struggling to find balance and confidence in their lives.

Samuel Rentschler, LSW, creates a supportive and collaborative environment for clients. He believes every individual is the expert of their own experience, and he encourages clients to make use of their own expertise to accomplish change. Samuel earned an MSW from University of Michigan. He treats adults with a wide range of challenges, including depression or anxiety, individuals experiencing distress from change or circumstance, and people who are looking to learn new tools or skills to take their mental health into their own hands. In therapy, Samuel's style is strength-based and helps clients identify clear goals by identifying relevant problems and workable solutions. His approach incorporates client self-reflection as well as teaching skills to help achieve the goals they create.

Sometimes it feels like everyone else got a manual for life that you somehow missed. Maybe you're questioning a relationship, feeling disconnected from yourself, struggling with anxiety, exploring your sexuality or identity, or wondering why the version of you that's holding everything together also feels completely exhausted. You don't have to figure it all out on your own. Therapy is a space to get curious about your experiences without judgment, reconnect with your strengths, and create a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling. As an art therapist with specialized training in sex therapy, I bring creativity, curiosity, humor, and authenticity into every session. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. Together, we'll explore what's getting in your way, strengthen your coping skills, and help you move forward with greater confidence and self-compassion. I especially enjoy working with students and young adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationships, self-esteem, trauma, and identity exploration. I provide affirming care for clients exploring sexuality, kink, polyamory, and diverse relationship structures, and I'm passionate about supporting women and women-identified individuals through reproductive, prenatal, and postpartum mental health experiences. Art therapy is at the heart of my work, offering a creative way to express emotions and experiences that can be difficult to put into words. No artistic experience is needed. I also draw from person-centered therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and Imago Relationship Therapy to tailor our work to your unique needs and goals. Whether you're seeking support as an individual or with a partner, my hope is that you'll leave therapy feeling more connected to yourself, more confident in your relationships, and empowered to move through life with authenticity, creativity, and compassion.

You may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, navigating the effects of past experiences, or seeking support around identity-related stress. Therapy can be a space to slow down, reflect, and better understand yourself. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and LGBTQ+-related concerns. To support our work together, I draw from a blend of evidence-based, trauma-focused approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and expressive therapies such as art, narrative, and movement-based work. My training is rooted in a relational approach that integrates the neurobiology of trauma, allowing us to explore how early experiences and ongoing stress impact the nervous system and mind–body connection. I also incorporate IFS and ACT to help clients shift unhelpful patterns, build self-worth, and move toward meaningful goals. I am mindful of how identity, culture, and lived experiences shape mental health and the therapeutic process. My goal is to offer care that feels affirming, thoughtful, and responsive to each person’s story. If you’re looking for a therapist who values collaboration, reflection, and authenticity, I welcome you to reach out.

When life feels heavy, confusing, or difficult to navigate on your own, therapy can be a space to feel supported, validated, and empowered. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing stressors related to anxiety, trauma, relationship dynamics, identity concerns, and life transitions, including healing from generational and cultural pressures. My therapeutic approach is integrative and trauma-informed, shaped by my lived experience as a Latina, a child of immigrants, and a veteran. I focus on the whole person, not just symptoms, by building a strong therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, patience, collaboration, and empowerment. I draw from Psychodynamic Therapy, CBT, DBT, mindfulness practices, and the Gottman Method to tailor care to each client’s needs. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish and am especially mindful of supporting clients navigating cultural and generational experiences. I understand that seeking support can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating, particularly in communities where therapy may be misunderstood or stigmatized. Healing does not mean erasing our past—it means creating space for growth, self-compassion, and healthier boundaries. My goal is to help you navigate cultural expectations, relationships, and unresolved experiences with greater confidence and self-awareness. If you are looking for a therapist who values empowerment, cultural understanding, and meaningful connection, I look forward to hearing from you.

Being a student or young professional can feel overwhelming. You may be balancing academic demands, career uncertainty, relationship challenges, ADHD, perfectionism, or questions about who you are and what you want for your future. Even when you're accomplishing a lot on the outside, it can feel exhausting to keep up with the pressure. I am a doctoral-level Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience helping graduate students, healthcare workers, young professionals, and other high-achieving adults navigate anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, ADHD, relationship concerns, and life transitions. My clients often come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by patterns they can't seem to change. I have particular expertise working with ADHD and concentration difficulties, as well as the challenges that come with high expectations and demanding environments. Whether you're struggling with procrastination, time management, decision fatigue, stress, or burnout, we'll work together to find strategies that fit how your brain works while building a deeper understanding of yourself. Relationships are another core area of my work. Whether you're navigating dating, communication challenges, family conflict, or friendship struggles, I can help you better understand the patterns shaping your relationships and develop healthier ways of connecting with others. My approach is collaborative, curious, and tailored to your goals. Drawing from CBT, ACT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Gottman Method principles, I combine practical tools with deeper self-exploration to help you create meaningful, lasting change. You don't have to figure everything out on your own. Therapy can help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected as you navigate this chapter of your life.

Feeling stuck in old patterns, overwhelmed by stress, or unsure how to navigate changes in your relationships or life can be deeply challenging. If you are seeking support to better understand your emotions, strengthen coping strategies, and build more satisfying connections with yourself and others, therapy may be a helpful step. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relational concerns. I approach therapy with warmth, respect, and a focus on the whole person. My work is trauma-informed and grounded in evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, and EMDR, tailored to each person’s needs and pace. I offer therapy in both English and Mandarin, and I am mindful of how language, cultural context, and communication style shape the experience. I understand that there are moments when making sense of what you’re experiencing feels difficult to do alone. My goal is to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can deepen self-understanding and grow in the direction that matters most to you. If you are looking for a therapist who values empathy, collaboration, and steady progress, I would be glad to connect.

Navigating life’s complexities, identity development, trauma, relationship challenges, or cross-cultural experiences, can feel overwhelming or fragmented at times. Therapy can offer a space to piece together your story with curiosity, compassion, and grounded support. I work with individuals and couples seeking understanding and healing around trauma, PTSD, intergenerational stress, inner child healing, identity exploration, life transitions, shame, anxiety, depression, and the pressures of growing up in diaspora and queer/trans experiences. I approach therapy through trauma-responsive, anti-oppressive, and relational lenses, centering you as the expert on your own life. My work is interactive, balancing curiosity and compassion with opportunities for direct feedback. I use an integrative approach that includes psychodynamic methods, Somatic Experiencing, CBT, and DBT to explore patterns that may be hindering your progress and deepen your sense of self while enhancing connection to your body and nervous system. I offer therapy in English and Macedonian, and draw on my bicultural and bilingual experience to support clients navigating cross-cultural and authenticity challenges. I understand how difficult it can be to show up as your authentic self, especially when cultural expectations, identity concerns, or past experiences hold weight. As a queer and trans therapist, I bring lived understanding to this work and aim to foster a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment where you can expand self-awareness, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful change. If you’re looking for a therapist who values curiosity, depth, and collaborative growth, we may be a good fit.

Therapy can be a space to slow down, untangle complex feelings, and better understand patterns that influence how you relate to yourself and others. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families seeking support with emotional challenges, life transitions, relationship concerns, stress management, and identity-related questions. I approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, and collaboration. My work centers on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore emotions, experiences, and long-standing patterns at a pace that feels right for them. I draw from evidence-based approaches and tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs. I offer therapy in both English and Polish and am mindful of supporting clients navigating cross-cultural experiences. I understand that reaching out for support can feel both hopeful and uncertain. My goal is to offer a respectful, warm, and supportive therapeutic relationship as you work through challenges and move toward meaningful change. If you are seeking a steady and compassionate therapeutic partnership, I invite you to reach out.

Feeling understood and supported can make a meaningful difference when emotional patterns, relationship concerns, or questions around identity begin to feel heavy. Many people seek therapy when they want a space where their experiences, background, and story are taken seriously. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples seeking support with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and curiosity, shaped by my multicultural and bilingual experience. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore emotions, patterns, and relationships at a pace that feels right for them. I draw from evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-informed strategies tailored to each person’s needs and goals. I recognize each person carries a unique context that influences how they experience themselves and their surroundings. Taking time to reflect on that can open space for change. My goal is to meet you with warmth, respect, and presence as we work together toward clarity, balance, and meaningful growth. If you are looking for a therapist who values curiosity, connection, and empowerment, I would be glad to connect.