Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Introduction: Ryan is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who received a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in dance movement therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Therapeutic Approach: Ryan specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults in the pursuit of mental well-being. Having worked with individuals from various backgrounds, I recognize that each client’s story is unique. I utilize a trauma-informed and collaborative approach when working with client’s to understand the holistic impacts on an individual’s symptomatology. I assist individuals explore how their early relationships, inner conflicts, and past experiences shape their current lives. For children and adolescents, I provide a safe and supportive environment to navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, identity development, trauma, and family dynamics. I utilize play and other creative therapies to build trust and rapport and further the safety of the therapeutic relationship. For adults, my practice is centered around helping individuals better understand the root causes of emotional distress, relationship struggles, and life transitions. I believe that healing is possible when clients can access their inner strength, build resilience, and transform negative patterns into opportunities for growth. Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, emotional regulation and expression, grief, divorce / blended family dynamics, ADHD, and coping strategies Currently working with adults, adolescents, and children Theoretical Lens: Psychodynamic, Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR (SAFE), Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered, Motivational Interviewing

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Our practice prides itself on being affirming, accommodating, and accessible. We are empathic story containers, encouraging clients to work through their life narratives. We offer services to meet the needs of those we serve. We offer individual, group, family, and couples services in both in-person and virtual formats. We accept many forms of insurance and offer sliding scale and pro bono to those who qualify. We are a small private practice comprised of 40% women of color and 60% marginalized identities. Many of the clients we serve share our identities and benefit from our lived experiences and shared cultures. We offer expertise in a range of needs, including anxiety, ADHD, depression, gender, substance misuse, and trauma. We are trained in art therapy, IFS, substance misuse, and group counseling theories. I am a queer, bicultural, first-generation Cuban-American born and raised in the Midwest. I have been enriched by purposefully surrounding myself with diversity. My personality is direct and approachable. Curiosity, humor and compassion are central. I approach therapy collaboratively and compassionately, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, insight-oriented, and relationship-focused methods. I find that art making can assist with the physical impact of our daily stressors and can open up new and creative ways to see life’s challenges. I work in ways that are both supportive and challenging.

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As a therapist, I work closely with young adults as they navigate the challenges of college life (identity exploration, academic pressure, major life shifts etc.) drawing on proven methods suited to this stage of development. My background in university counseling informs a focused, strengths-oriented style that helps students gain direction and build confidence. My specialty areas include navigating life transitions, managing anxiety and depression, understanding self and others, and exploring immigrant/second-generation identities. As a Chinese-American, I provide therapeutic services in both English and Mandarin Chinese. In sessions, I strive to create a cooperative environment where we can engage in meaningful conversations that foster positive growth. In session with me, students might notice that we begin with examining thought patterns, identifying existing strengths, and focusing on concrete steps to support lasting change. Based on each student's values and lived experiences, I draw upon various clinical approaches, such as: - Strength-Based Therapy - Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Narrative Therapy Pronouns: He/Him

I am so glad you're here! Starting therapy can often feel like a massive undertaking, so please take a moment to acknowledge the significance of accomplishing this first step. Regardless of whether you are a regular in therapy or a first-timer, my goal in every session is to be approachable, safe, and non-judgmental. I believe that you are the expert on yourself, so I will always be curious about your experience and collaborate with you in sessions.  My clinical approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and holistic, since you are more than the issues that inspired you to seek therapy. As an art therapist, I know firsthand the power of both verbal and non-verbal communication. Whether or not you choose to make art in our sessions, I will focus on all forms of communication and connection. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone has the potential for change within themselves, and I am passionate about helping my clients discover that power.  While I have experience with many different ages and diagnoses, I am particularly interested in working with children, young adults, and adults who are experiencing anxiety, stress, life transitions, and relationship challenges. When collaborating with clients, I pull from various therapeutic modalities: Art Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Motivational Interviewing Play Therapy Strength-based Therapy Person-Centered Therapy pronouns: she/her/hers Julia is in network with BCBS PPO and Aetna

Dr. Schmitt is a dual board certified Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist. She treats psychiatric conditions in adults. She has experience treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder She values compassionate all-encompassing care.

Hector values a compassionate and supportive dynamic that is conducive to healing and growth. He has experience providing individual and group therapy services with specific focus on depression, anxiety, OCD subtypes, co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, and severe and persistent mental illness. Hector applies a practical approach to the helping relationship and incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and existential theories in his work.

Nikolette believes that successful therapy requires authenticity and depth. She works in a highly relational way and practices on the foundations of Adlerian principles. She is an art therapist who is well versed in CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic theory. She believes that art can help bring out what’s going on beneath the surface, giving both the therapist and client a window into the unconscious. She also enjoys working on attachment issues and a whole family systems approach. She practices through a trauma informed lens and bases methodologies on the client’s individual needs. Nikolette’s areas of specialty are CPTSD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, addiction and co-occurring disorder, self esteems issues, and spiritual crisis.

Starting therapy while navigating everything that brought you here in the first place can feel daunting. Whether this is your first time or you’ve been in therapy before, it takes courage to sit with someone new, let down your walls, and share parts of yourself you’ve learned to protect. Wherever you are, I’ll meet you there with respect for the insight you already carry and a commitment to helping you explore new tools and perspectives for growth. I enjoy working with adults, young adults, and teenagers struggling with life transitions, anxiety, depression, mood swings, trauma, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and relationship challenges. I also enjoy working with individuals who identify as neurodivergent and/or LGBTQ+, and I am non-monogamy affirming. I love to support individuals who want to feel more authentic, release shame, and reconnect with their sense of self or inner child. In my work, I value the power of the therapeutic relationship and how sharing humor, creativity, and interests can support connection and self-expression. Together, we can focus on building self-compassion, stepping out of the noise in your head, or embracing the full human experience. I aim to co-create a space that is both serious and lighthearted, challenging when needed and always compassionate. I hold a BS in Psychology from Indiana University Bloomington with a minor in Counseling and a certificate in Clinical Psychology. I am currently pursuing a MA in Counseling at Northwestern University. My approach is trauma-informed and integrative, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness and somatic practice, psychodynamic theory, and narrative therapy. Therapy can be a place to challenge old stories, reconnect with yourself, and build something new. If you're curious about what that could look like, I’d love to meet with you.

Ben prioritizes establishing authentic relationships with clients as the foundation for therapeutic growth. He practices from a client-centered approach, providing individualized care based on each person’s needs. In therapy, he is highly collaborative, providing skills and empowering clients to overcome life’s difficulties. His therapeutic foundation is Rogerian in nature, while pulling from CBT, DBT and mindfulness-based practices. Ben specializes in working with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance-abuse disorders, and problem gambling. He has also worked with couples and has co-authored academic papers on the treatment of depression through couples counseling. Regardless of the concern, Ben works closely with clients to provide best-in-class therapy for his patients.

John is deeply committed to helping individuals navigate the transformative process of change with compassion, clarity, and resilience. With a focus on complex trauma, anxiety, relationship negotiation, social and family role dynamics, and co-occurring disorders, John believes that meaningful change begins with deeper self-understanding and authentic connection. John works from a cognitive-integrative perspective, drawing from object relations and self-psychology to explore how early relational experiences shape current patterns of thinking, feelings, and relating. His approach is exploratory, helping clients build cognitive insights while also attending to the deeper emotional and developmental needs that influence present-day struggles.

We are well-trained, warm, and thoughtful clinicians who thoroughly enjoy getting to know our clients. Our therapy is based on working with you in a collaborative, genuine and productive manner. As counselors, it’s important to us that you feel comfortable and connected so that we can build a positive working relationship where growth and change happen. We offer personalized sessions, flexible scheduling, and are available for both individuals & couples. We accept BCBS PPO, Anthem PPO, Cigna, United Healthcare, self-pay, and sliding scale options. **A few pro-bono (free) slots may be available.

Olivia Palumbo is a Clinical Intern at Ace Counseling Group who provides trauma-informed, body-based therapy using cognitive behavioral therapy, Internal Family Systems, and the Gottman Method. She works with adults and couples experiencing life transitions, identity exploration, relationship concerns, or disordered eating and offers LGBTQIA+ affirming, nature-based and mindfulness-informed care. Olivia draws on experience in inpatient psychiatric settings and is completing her clinical training while pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling.

College and graduate school can bring exciting opportunities, but they can also leave you feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or unsure of how to handle everything that's coming your way. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, relationship conflict, academic stress, identity questions, or feeling stuck in patterns you can't seem to change, therapy can help you better understand yourself and build the skills to move forward with confidence. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, relationship challenges, identity development, and neurodivergence. I have extensive experience supporting first-generation, international, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent students, and I'm committed to creating a culturally responsive space where every part of your identity is welcomed and respected. My approach is relational, collaborative, and trauma-informed. Together, we'll explore the experiences and patterns that have shaped the way you relate to yourself and others while building practical tools to help you manage difficult emotions, strengthen relationships, and feel more grounded in everyday life. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy, somatic approaches, mindfulness, and Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP) to support meaningful, lasting change. Along the way, you'll gain practical strategies you can use outside of therapy while developing greater self-awareness, resilience, and trust in yourself. My hope is that therapy helps you feel more confident navigating relationships, managing emotions, and creating a life that reflects who you are and where you want to go.

Hi, and welcome! My name is Yaritza, and I’m so glad you’re here. Taking the first step toward therapy takes courage, and I want to acknowledge the strength it takes to reach out for support. My role is to walk alongside you as you begin your healing journey. I provide a welcoming, inclusive space where you can freely share your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, healing, and growth at your own pace. As a bilingual queer Latina, I understand how cultural background and our experiences can affect our relationships. I specialize in supporting Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ teens and adults using a trauma-informed, psychodynamic-relational approach to help navigate challenges such as trauma, anxiety, family/relationship conflict, life transitions, and grief/loss. To get started working with me, feel free to call or email me that's listed on my profile. I look forward to working alongside you!

I support students experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD/C-PTSD, and life transitions using CBT, ACT, DBT, and trauma-focused therapy. My approach is collaborative and reflective, creating a safe space to explore emotions and build coping skills. I also draw on holistic wellness practices so you feel seen as a whole person. My goal is to help young adults and emerging students move through challenges and grow with strength. My pronouns are she/her.

I use a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach with CBT and solution-focused strategies to support students dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, and behavioral challenges. I believe every student has inner strengths, and my role is to help you recognize and build on them. Therapy with me is collaborative and compassionate, creating space to talk openly without judgment. Whether you're coping with trauma, relationship struggles, or life transitions, I'm here to support your healing and growth. My pronouns are she/her.

I support LGBTQIA+ students navigating identity concerns around gender, race, and sexuality, as well as anxiety, bipolar challenges, and relationship struggles. My approach is solution-focused and strength-based, integrating Gottman, DBT, and family systems work. As a queer woman of color, I value creating inclusive spaces that affirm all identities. My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself with courage and purpose. My pronouns are she/her.

I'm a bilingual (Spanish/English) therapist supporting students navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, identity concerns, and life transitions. My style is culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and LGBTQIA+ affirming, creating a safe space where your background and identity are respected. Together, we'll build coping tools and confidence so you can move forward with support and resilience. My pronouns are she/her.