Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

College and graduate school can make everything feel up for question: your relationships, your future, your identity, and who you are outside of other people’s expectations. You may be burned out, navigating ADHD, recovering from painful experiences, or trying to find a stronger sense of purpose. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating relationship concerns, life transitions, trauma, mood challenges, stress, burnout, and identity exploration. I especially enjoy supporting clients exploring gender or sexuality and those who want to better understand themselves and their relationships. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in humor. Together, we’ll explore the beliefs and patterns keeping you stuck, build on your strengths, and help you make choices that feel more aligned with your values. I also work with individuals and couples around intimacy, communication, and sexual well-being. Therapy with me is an affirming space where every part of your identity is welcome and you can show up fully as yourself.

I am a clinician dedicated to providing a space for every client to better understand themselves, others, and how they fit into the world. My role as a therapist is to show clients that they are understood and accepted so that they may develop the courage and confidence to make their own decisions. I work with adults, adolescents and couples of all backgrounds. I collaborate with the client in analysis of thought, feeling, and action to gain insight into and mastery over the self. With couples, sessions are emotion-focused and informed by the Gottman method, with the goal of improving communication. If you experience problems related to divorce, trauma, sexuality, grief, loneliness, anxiety, life transition, or a general sense of purposelessness, I have confidence that I can help.

Holistic, Culturally Attuned Psychiatric Support in English & Vietnamese. As a bilingual Vietnamese psychiatric nurse practitioner in Chicago, I provide compassionate, trauma-informed psychiatric care for adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. Being a second-generation Vietnamese American, I understand the complexities of identity, family expectations, and cross-cultural stressors that often go unspoken in traditional mental health spaces. I approach care with cultural sensitivity, humility, and an appreciation for the role identity plays in emotional well-being. Whether you’re exploring psychiatric care for the first time or looking to adjust your treatment plan, I’m here to help you move forward with confidence. Empowerment, Collaboration & Holistic Healing. I believe mental health care works best when it centers you—your values, your story, and your goals. My treatment plans integrate evidence-based medication management with: • Supportive education about your diagnosis and treatment • Open, respectful communication and shared decision-making • Trauma-sensitive, stigma-free care • Consideration of lifestyle, cultural background, and personal strengths Together, we’ll build a plan that feels personalized and sustainable—never one-size-fits-all. Conditions I Commonly Treat: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder • Generalized Anxiety Disorder Obsessive Compulsive Disorder • Major Depression & Dysthymia • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Trauma and PTSD • Sleep concerns and burnout • Adjustment issues related to culture, work, or identity

As an Asian therapist based in Chicago, I am deeply committed to supporting individuals, couples, and families—especially those from marginalized communities—who are navigating mood disorders, life transitions, self-esteem challenges, interpersonal conflicts, cultural identity questions, and the healing of trauma. Therapy with me is not about “fixing” you—it’s about understanding and honoring who you are, so that healing can naturally unfold and guide you toward the life you want with authenticity and confidence. I integrate multiple approaches to personalize your care, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic theories, Expressive Arts Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Somatic practices. I offer trauma-informed therapy in both Mandarin and English, creating an affirming, nonjudgmental space for you to feel heard, understood, and supported—especially if you’ve never had that opportunity before.

Many young professionals come to therapy feeling torn between who they are and who they think they should be. You might feel anxious, burned out, or uncertain about how to balance your needs with others’ expectations. Perhaps you’re navigating relationship challenges, loss, or identity shifts that leave you feeling unmoored. However, as a therapist in Chicago, I offer a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming space where you can pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself—so you can move toward clarity, confidence, and belonging in both work and life. In my clinical approach, I combine trauma-informed and solution-focused therapy to help clients manage anxiety, workplace stress, and relationship issues. Additionally, I specialize in working with young professionals, first-generation individuals, and LGBTQIA+ clients who want to cultivate balance, purpose, and self-acceptance. I also provide couples therapy to strengthen communication and foster understanding, helping individuals and partners deepen connection and growth both within and beyond their relationships. Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially when you’re used to managing everything on your own. Nevertheless, you don’t need to have all the answers before beginning. Whether you’re exploring identity, searching for balance, or healing after change, I’ll meet you with warmth, curiosity, and care. If you’re ready to feel supported and understood, I’d be honored to walk beside you on your path toward healing and growth. Finally, learn more about our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy and how it can support your well-being.

Dr. Aubrye Brower, Psy.D. is a licensed neuropsychologist who earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Adler University and her undergraduate degree from DePaul University. She completed her APA-accredited predoctoral internship at the Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she obtained advanced training in inpatient psychiatric services, Community Living Center (CLC) care, and neuropsychology. Dr. Brower went on to complete a two year APA-accredited postdoctoral fellowship at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which included an additional rotation at the Medical College of Wisconsin with a focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodegenerative disorders, and deep brain stimulation (DBS) evaluations. Throughout these clinical settings, she collaborated on interdisciplinary teams addressing the care and symptom management of individuals with stroke, TBI, multiple sclerosis, and geropsychiatric conditions. She also developed extensive experience conducting inpatient evaluations related to decision-making capacity, DBS candidacy, and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). In her current practice, Dr. Brower provides comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluations for adults 18 years and older. Her areas of expertise include assessments related to normal aging, dementia and memory concerns, mood disorders, ADHD, TBI, strokes, and medically complex patients. In addition to diagnostic evaluations, she provides psychotherapy and capacity evaluations for adults in assisted living facilities, supporting individuals as they navigate cognitive, emotional, and functional changes. Dr. Brower is passionate about working with patients during times of uncertainty—when there are often more questions than answers. Her goal is to provide clarity, understanding, and compassionate guidance to patients and their families as they explore concerns related to cognition or emotional functioning. Believing that aging and illness can be times of great adjustment, Dr. Brower strives to accompany patients through the beginning phases of their journey—from diagnosis to aftercare—with empathy, education, and evidence-based care.

Ziyi approaches therapy through an integrative clinical framework grounded in client-centered principles and cognitive-behavioral theory. She prioritizes the therapeutic alliances as the core foundation for effective work and collaborates closely with clients to deepen insight into the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns. Guided by a trauma-informed perspective, Ziyi maintains a warm and steady process. She invites clients to explore their inner experiences with curiosity and compassion while honoring their unique histories and capacities.

College and young adulthood can be an incredible time of growth, discovery, and new possibilities—and, let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming at times. You may be trying to balance school, relationships, family expectations, your future, and figuring out who you are, all while wondering if you’re somehow supposed to have it all figured out. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate it all by yourself. I’m deeply passionate about supporting college students and young adults through this unique chapter of life. I understand the pressures, transitions, and questions that can come with becoming more independent and building the life you want. Whether you’re adjusting to college, entering the workforce, navigating relationships, or simply trying to understand yourself better, therapy can offer you a space to slow down, breathe, and feel supported. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, overwhelming stress, and difficulty adjusting to major life changes. I also have a special interest in supporting individuals as they explore cultural identity, acculturation, family expectations, and the impact of systemic stress on their emotional well-being. My approach is warm, collaborative, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed. Most importantly, I want therapy to feel like a space where you can be yourself without judgment. Your story, identity, culture, and experiences matter. Together, we can explore how your past may be influencing your present while building practical tools to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself. Taking care of your mental health during this stage of life can be one of the most meaningful investments you make in yourself. You deserve the opportunity to feel better—not simply to get through the next semester, transition, or challenge, but to build the confidence and resilience to create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. I would be truly honored to walk alongside you as you navigate the challenges, celebrate the wins, and grow into the person you’re becoming. You deserve support. You deserve to thrive.

Many people come in feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure why certain patterns keep repeating. As a therapist, I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, and LGBTQ+-related concerns. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in meeting you where you are. I approach therapy as a collaborative, trauma-informed process rooted in curiosity and radical honesty. My work is neurodivergent-affirming and attentive to how different ways of thinking, processing, and experiencing the world shape mental health. I integrate CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy, tailoring our work to your goals and lived experience. My work is informed by anti-racist and anti-oppressive perspectives, with particular attention to how identity, power, and lived experience affect mental health. I am especially mindful of the ways weight stigma and body-based shame can impact self-worth and emotional well-being. I strive to offer a space that affirms body diversity and supports clients in showing up fully as they are. If you’re looking for a therapist who values honesty, agency, and inclusive care, I welcome you to reach out.

Hi, I’m Chelsey Daval (she/they), LCSW. Life brings moments of joy, connection, and excitement, but it can also bring seasons where the emotional weight of everyday responsibilities feels overwhelming. Many people, regardless of age, find themselves stuck in patterns they do not want to be in. Struggling with the same issues again and again, unsure of how to name what they are feeling, or unable to imagine a way forward. This may look like ongoing anxiety, low mood, obsessive or rigid thinking patterns, or difficulties in relationships that begin to feel confusing or distressing. I believe that change is possible when you are supported in an environment that encourages reflection, honesty, and self-compassion. We, as humans, are social beings, and healing does not happen alone. Therapy offers a space to slow down, feel supported, make sense of your experiences, and reconnect with yourself in a way that helps you move towards a more authentic and balanced life. I strive to create a therapeutic space together that is grounded in safety, respect, understanding, and empowerment. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and emerging adults in both individual and group therapy. Much of my work focuses on supporting identity development, emotional regulation, anxiety reduction, and building self-esteem and healthy relationships. I also support individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive patterns that impact their sense of safety, confidence, and daily functioning. In my work, I have had the privilege of watching many clients begin therapy feeling unsure or stuck in patterns that once helped them survive, and gradually grow into individuals who trust themselves more, reach out for support when they feel overwhelmed, and move forward with greater confidence and hope. In addition to individual and child therapy, I offer couples and family therapy for those navigating persistent relationship challenges or significant life transitions together. I work with families experiencing high-conflict dynamics, divorce, or blended family changes, as well as couples who find themselves having the same arguments over and over, struggling to feel understood, or longing for greater emotional closeness. In this work, we look beyond blame and focus on the patterns, stressors, and unmet needs that shape how people relate to one another. Family and couples therapy creates a space to slow down, feel heard, and reconnect. Family and couples therapy creates a space to slow down, feel heard, and reconnect by providing support for healthier communication, deeper understanding, and a sense that you do not have to carry the weight alone. In our work together, I draw from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, strengths-based and systems approaches, psychodynamic therapy, and the Gottman Method. This work often includes building emotional regulation skills, identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, practicing new ways of relating to others, and reshaping the stories you tell about yourself. These approaches allow us to understand you as a whole person, not just the current concern that brought you to therapy. My approach is relational, person-centered, and trauma-informed. This includes supporting people who are working through the impact of past or ongoing trauma and how these experiences continue to shape emotions, relationships, and ways of coping. Together, we focus on creating insight, strengthening internal resources, and supporting meaningful, lasting change. I know that seeking support can feel intimidating, no matter your age. I see the courage, strength, and self-awareness that it took for you to be here. I will approach your story with care, curiosity, and compassion. My goal is to help you reconnect with your sense of inner strength and clarity. You deserve a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. I would be honored to walk alongside you in that process.

I hold a deep belief in each person’s ability to heal and grow — no matter where they’re starting from. With several years of experience in mental health practice, I’ve supported people through a wide range of life challenges, always with compassion, radical acceptance, curiosity, and respect. I aim to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can show up as your full self — messy parts and all. My approach is trauma-informed, rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS), psychodynamic theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and somatic and mindfulness-based practices. That might sound like a lot — but at its heart, it means I listen closely, pay attention to what’s happening inside your body and nervous system, and help you get to know the deeper patterns shaping your thoughts, feelings, and relationships. I have a deep commitment to working with individuals from immigrant and bicultural backgrounds. I understand the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities, generational expectations, and the emotional weight that can come with migration. Therapy with me is a space where all of that — your story, your resilience, and your pain — is honored and held with care. In our work together, you can expect a collaborative and depth-oriented process.I create a space where you can feel deeply seen and safely challenged. I don’t shy away from the harder, deeper layers of healing — and I will support you with gentleness, skill, and curiosity as you move through them. Whether you're facing anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, intergenerational trauma, or simply seeking more clarity and connection in your life, I’m here to walk alongside you.

Whether it’s your first time starting therapy or you’re returning after some time, I am genuinely glad you’re here, and I’m excited to support you on your journey. In a world where hustle culture often pushes mental health aside, there is so much power and courage in choosing to prioritize your well-being. Even during the most difficult seasons of life, there is beauty in the process—sometimes, we just need that reminder and support. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, attachment-based therapy, and specialized support for medical trauma to best serve my clients. I believe in the power of human connection, and with the right tools and support, everyone has the capacity to heal and thrive. I strive to offer a supportive environment where you can better understand your emotional world, gain insight into yourself, and build practical skills to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.

Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in curiosity. As a relational therapist, I believe that healing happens in connection with ourselves and with others. Our therapeutic relationship is a central part of the work we do together, offering a safe and supportive space to explore patterns, build insight, and foster growth. I work with individuals navigating a range of challenges, including eating disorders, body image concerns, and self-esteem issues. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore your relationship with food, your body, and your sense of self. I also offer trauma-informed care, integrating Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and mindfulness-based approaches to support those healing from trauma and navigating sexual dysfunction. Together, we can gently explore the ways your past experiences may be impacting your present life and relationships. Whether you're processing the past or trying to make sense of your present, I’m here to sit with you as you move toward healing and self-understanding. I recognize that healing is not linear, and therapy is never one-size-fits-all. It’s an honor to meet you wherever you are on your journey. Together, we’ll uncover resilience, deepen self-awareness, and work toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

William is a trauma-informed therapist who values building a lasting connection with clients. Through his work with homeless and his experience in the entertainment industry, William utilizes tactful listening and an inviting aperture in order to build trust and comradery amongst clients. He uses a strength-based approach to empower clients and help them realize their strengths in the systems they reside.

As if life as an undergraduate or graduate student wasn't already stressful and complicated, a lot of mental disorders first start to really get in the way at that vulnerable and challenging stage, when you're navigating lots of new relationships and figuring out who you are. It helps to have someone to talk to, and some of the most exciting and powerful experiences I've had as a therapist have been working with students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as with adults in other creative fields: music, filmmaking, dance, fashion and poetry. For many, creativity often seems inseparable from mental health and illness, and I've explored how they may interact, both with my clients and through presentations for clinicians on the likes of Kurt Cobain, Mark Rothko and Jean-Michel Basquiat. I think I have some insight into these issues, as my first career was as a journalist, mostly writing on visual and performing arts for the Chicago Tribune and other outlets both online and print. I've been around the block a few times, in other words, and I can help you get back on track.

I meet clients where they are at. My goal is that my clients feel heard, seen, and validated when coming to therapy. I am always actively learning and studying through Somatic work, continuing education classes, reading, and attending conferences. I am in the process of earning my Somatic Experiencing Practitioner credentials. I’ve started my second year of a three year training (Intermediate I) and I deeply enjoy integrating somatic therapy into my work with clients. Meeting people where they are is essential because we want to create safe spaces to discuss their concerns. Whether talk therapy or Somatic, lets give you the space. I’ve started my second year of a three year training (Intermediate I) and I deeply enjoy integrating somatic therapy into my work with clients. Meeting people where they are is essential because we want to create safe spaces to discuss their concerns. Whether talk therapy or Somatic, lets give you the space to explore. Somatic work can help release the stored energy that is stuck, recurrent, or rising to the surface. If interested in Somatic work, consent is key and asked constantly throughout sessions. If either talk therapy or Somatic interests you, please contact Astute.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hello! I work with neurodivergent clients who might have challenges with school, relationships, executive function, identity, or other stuff that gets in the way of living your life how you want to. I tend to work well with clients who feel like they don't quite fit in the mold of society and are trying to figure out how to understand themselves better and exist in the world we live in!

You thought you’d feel more certain by now. You’re going to class, working toward a degree, and making plans for the future, but still feel anxious, stuck, or unsure of what comes next. You may be questioning a relationship, struggling with confidence, or trying to figure out who you are outside of family, cultural, or academic expectations. I work with college students, graduate students, and emerging adults navigating anxiety, academic stress, relationship and family concerns, identity exploration, and major life transitions. Therapy with me is a place to slow down, say what has been difficult to put into words, and understand the patterns shaping your choices and relationships. Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion so you can move forward in a way that feels true to you. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. You can begin exactly where you are.

About Compassionate Healing Psychotherapy & Consultation (CHPC) College and graduate school can be exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming. Many students come to us feeling anxious, burned out, emotionally exhausted, or stuck. Others are trying to heal from difficult experiences while balancing classes, work, relationships, and family expectations. You don't have to navigate those challenges alone. At Compassionate Healing Psychotherapy & Consultation (CHPC), we provide a warm, supportive, and affirming space where you can slow down, make sense of what you're experiencing, and develop practical tools to feel more grounded and confident. We believe therapy is more than just talking—it is about understanding yourself, building resilience, and creating lasting change. Our clinicians work with students experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, attachment trauma, ADHD, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, perfectionism, life transitions, identity exploration, and the impact of difficult childhood or family experiences. Whether you're adjusting to college life, struggling with academic pressure, feeling overwhelmed, or wanting healthier relationships, we're here to support you. We take an individualized approach because no two people heal in the same way. Depending on your needs, therapy may include learning skills to regulate emotions and calm your nervous system, understanding unhelpful patterns, processing difficult experiences, strengthening self-confidence, and building healthier ways of coping. We are an LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practice committed to creating a safe, respectful environment where you can feel heard and accepted. We offer telehealth throughout Illinois as well as in-person therapy in downtown Chicago, making it easier to access support around your academic schedule. No matter where you are in your journey, we're here to help you move toward greater balance, healing, and hope. We would be honored to be part of that journey with you.