Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Intersectionality and social justice are central in my practice and philosophy; in other words, I view you within the context of your identities and environment and consider what in those spheres may be helping or hurting you. My clinical specialties and interests include trauma, gender & sexuality exploration, depression & anxiety, and life transitions. I also have experience working with community college students, immigrants & refugees, and survivors of intimate partner violence. As a queer person, I understand the challenges of navigating systems that often cause harm. I aim to provide you with a safe, empathetic, and inclusive environment that embraces vulnerability, fosters empowerment, and welcomes the parts of you that you have been told to hide

At Roamers Therapy LLC, we specialize in delivering comprehensive mental health care through evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches. We are deeply committed to cultural sensitivity, offering a welcoming environment for individuals and couples from all walks of life. Our therapeutic approach is grounded in structure and stability, ensuring that each client receives care that is specifically tailored to their unique needs. We take pride in affirming and celebrating LGBTQIA+ communities, and our practice is built upon ethical standards aimed at delivering the highest quality care. We are dedicated to fostering an accessible and compassionate space that supports ongoing stability, personal growth, and empowerment for all individuals navigating their mental health journeys.

Shannon feels that the relationship that she has with a client is the most important aspect of counseling. With a safe and trusting environment, Shannon and her clients can collaboratively work through their specific needs together. She believes that clients should feel as though they have power in counseling, in their decision-making and in their lives. Shannon believes open and honest communication about ones' difficulties and the counseling process is key to success. Shannon hopes to create a brave space where clients can be vulnerable, try new things and speak openly in a position where they feel accepted rather than judged. Counseling can be uncomfortable, and it can also be fun and rewarding. Shannon finds it important to bring humor to counseling in addition to the hard work that occurs at each session. While Shannon uses different approaches and techniques with each client; a strengths-based approach is central to her work. Everyone seeking treatment does so with strengths that continue to bring success throughout the journey. The first of these strengths is making an appointment and seeking the change for which they are ready. These strengths are often the driving force behind successes in treatment, help to build courage and tap into other strengths and assets.

Nora Khani, LCPC utilizes a trauma-focused lens, as well as the bio-psychosocial model which allows her to get a deeper understanding of clients' presenting issues and how they are interrelated with many different aspects of the clients' life. She is focused on understanding and exploring the root cause of presenting issues to assist the client in optimal growth, confidence, and happiness in their life as well as parents. Nora uses client-centered counseling, unconditional positive regard, validation, utilizing the biopsychosocial model to assess client issues, psychodynamic approach, talking therapy, play therapy, CBT to help client's accomplish their goals.

Liz Casaclang Melo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. She graduated from Argosy University with an MA in Clinical Psychology. Liz is a very open and empathetic person who values having a therapeutic relationship with her patients. Liz has had the opportunity to work with patients from different backgrounds, ethnicity, and BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Outside of work, Liz enjoys the outdoors, especially biking and swimming. She loves hanging out with her family and their 3 dogs, and barbeques. She admits she is a foodie.

Nicholas Krysztopik is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has been practicing since 2018. He graduated from the Institute for Clinical Social Work with a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy. Nick believes in a Psychodynamic approach to therapy where he utilizes the relationships that are apart of the client's life, along with the relationship that develops between the client and the therapist to help the client gain an increase in self-awareness. Nick further believes that the exploration of the unconscious plays a significant role in self-discovery which can enrich one's life, and that a portion of one's struggles are rooted within the depths of the mind. Ultimately, needing to be brought forward to consciousness where they can be processed together with the help of a therapist in order to relieve unwanted tensions of the mind and burdens placed on self.

I am passionate about working with adolescents, adults and couples looking to cultivate change. I believe each person seeking therapy is unique, and my approach is tailored to meet your individual needs. I use an integrative approach, drawing upon a variety of techniques including psychodynamic, existential, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. I have experience working with an array of mental health issues including gender dysphoria, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I have a great deal of experience working with first responders, grief, and high conflict couples. I pride myself in creating a safe space for anyone who has experienced complex trauma. My passion to serve my community drew me to social work where I earned an MSW from Loyola University Chicago. I started my counseling career later in life and I look forward to supporting you on your journey of growth and transformation.

Anne Radakovich is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who offers individual and couples counseling. She knows the client is the expert on themselves, so she follows as the client leads. Anne facilitates the environment that one needs to grow and build healthy relationships with themselves and others. Anne creates unique supports for each person she works with. She uses a combination of therapy approaches for the most success, including Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, Solution-Focused, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Lucien Loveless is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2002. They have a BA in Psychology from University of California at Santa Cruz and an MA in Clinical Social Work from Crown Family School of Social Work, Social Policy, and Practice at University of Chicago. At their core Lucien is a trauma-informed and client-centered therapist, focusing on what tools and methods are going to be most helpful to each person in their individual therapeutic journey. There is not a one size fits all answer to mental health challenges, and Lucien can help you find which skills, strategies, and coping mechanisms are going to help you reach your goals. Lucien is dedicated to serving the many communities that have helped them grow out of their personal and professional shell. As a therapist they have a particular passion for working with queer and trans folks, POC, Latinx individuals, and the kink and poly community. While life can often be serious and overwhelming, Lucien believes in the importance of slowing down to listen to our hearts, and our bodies in order to sit with gratitude and compassion for ourselves.

Steve Schreiner is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2008. He has a BS in Education from De Paul University and an MA in Counselor Education from Northeastern Illinois University. Steve helps his clients by assisting them in identifying goals, as well as potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil. Steve seeks to improve communication and teaches practical coping mechanisms which can help the client immediately to deal with their specific symptoms. Steve promotes behavioral change and optimal mental health. Outside of work, Steve enjoys running, writing, reading, theater, movies, playing and watching sports, fitness and nutrition, and outdoor activities.

Hana Crnovrsanin is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois. She has an MA in Social Work from The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work and a BA in Sociology and Criminal Justice from North Park University. Hana has personally experienced a variety of difficult life circumstances and conditions that placed her in a position to understand, validate, and create a safe space for individuals to not only express their current life stressors but to also have them understood. Due to coming from a non-traditional background and upbringing as a refugee in the United States and a first-generation immigrant to emotionally un-attuned parents, Hana knows how difficult it is to feel alone, misunderstood, and lost. Because of her personal exploration of self and desire to understand the impact of her childhood, as an adult Hana was guided towards a path of healing deep childhood wounds.

Cara McGhee, LPC takes a holistic eclectic approach to therapy. With the holistic aspect, Cara addresses symptoms as one way an individual's cognizance can convey consideration to an individual's advance perception. In the eclectic aspect, Cara uses various theoretical approaches to meet client's needs. Cara also addresses the therapeutic relationship with the belief that a stable relationship incorporates trust, authenticity, autonomy and optimistic outcomes. Cara has experience with survivors and offenders of domestic violence, substance use, parenting, and ran a court ordered anger management program. Mood disorders, anxiety, and depression are some of the main areas Cara treats. Cara earner her M. A. in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Ms. Shauntai P. Taylor is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois with more than 14 years of experience in the field. She holds an MA in School Counseling Psychology and specializes in providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions to individuals with various mental health challenges. Ms. Taylor adopts a client-centered and collaborative approach to counseling, tailoring interventions to meet each individual's unique needs and goals. Her therapeutic style is characterized by empathy, active listening, and fostering a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore and address their concerns. Ms. Taylor is committed to staying current with the latest developments in the field of counseling through regular participation in workshops, seminars, and advanced training courses. Outside of work, Ms. Taylor enjoys traveling, music concerts, theater performances, church, and family time.

Jaclyn Weiss, LSW, is dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic space for clients throughout Illinois. She brings warmth and compassion to her practice, fostering a comfortable environment where clients can work on their mental health challenges. Jaclyn specializes in helping adults and seniors manage conditions like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). With extensive training in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), she offers a structured approach to equip clients with coping skills and emotional regulation techniques. Jaclyn is particularly passionate about supporting clients through life transitions, including midlife changes, later life adjustments, and health-related challenges. She works with individuals experiencing grief, helping them process loss and build resilience.

Veronica Pena is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. There are joys of being a parent and there are also the difficult, confusing, frustrating, and exhausting moments where you might feel like you don't know what to do to help your child. Kids struggling with behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem sometimes need an extra hand to help them navigate the difficulties in life. Veronica understands both childhood development and the complexities of parental struggles, and she can help your child have a better experience of their life. Veronica utilizes play therapy interventions with children ages 3-12 years old that allow them to develop and practice skills to cope with difficult experiences and emotions, have a better understanding of themselves, and tune into their natural resilience. Veronica tailors her approach based on the needs of the child, teen, or family - truly meeting them where they're at. Starting therapy can be difficult and vulnerable for anyone, and with the right therapist and approach, positive change is possible. Outside of work, Veronica enjoys painting, baking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Brighid Morse, LSW, ASW, is a dedicated therapist at LifeStance Health who serves adults and seniors across Florida. With a unique and holistic approach to mental health care, Brighid brings an understanding of how systemic forces shape individual well-being. Their practice emphasizes collaboration, creating a space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported. Brighid believes in the power of community and approaches therapy as a joint effort, helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. For them, mental wellness is deeply interconnected with addressing societal issues, and they are committed to challenging oppression and promoting empowerment. Brighid's experience in crisis response, combined with their identity as a queer therapist, allows them to offer a therapeutic space that is affirming and sensitive to the needs of marginalized individuals. They are particularly passionate about supporting clients within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as first responders and veterans.

Andy Benson, LCSW and CADC, offers a compassionate and non-judgmental space for clients in Illinois, providing individualized and effective evidence-based treatment. Specializing in the treatment of substance abuse, PTSD/trauma, and co-occurring disorders. Andy has extensive experience working with first responders, older adults, and other diverse populations. His approach involves deep listening and understanding, meeting clients where they are to facilitate their healing and growth. At LifeStance Health, Andy Benson is dedicated to helping adults and seniors navigate the complexities of their mental health. He employs a range of interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couples/Marital Counseling, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to address various mental health concerns. His expertise includes dealing with midlife and later life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and men's issues, ensuring that each client receives tailored care that addresses their unique needs and circumstances. Andy is particularly passionate about addressing alcohol and drug use.

Layla Byrnes is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Master of Social Work, and a Master of Arts in Public Policy. Layla provides a safe space to authentically learn and grow, to feel capable within one's own autonomy and community. Layla offers time and space to consider suspending beliefs that are no longer serving you, and to do so within your boundaries. It can be hard to see the "forest for the trees," and it can be helpful to have some assistance. Outside of work, Layla enjoys simple things like a feel-good yoga stretch or her tea light candles. She also loves big moments like Madonna's Blond Ambition tour in the 90s, and graduation ceremonies. Her close friends and family are her everything, not to mention her beloved cat, Athena.

Annabel Punsalan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. Annabel is very compassionate, caring, understanding, non-judgmental, detail oriented, and a well-rounded provider. Her goal is to provide the highest quality of care for every patient encounter. Outside of work, Annabel enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watching, traveling, and eating out. She is passionate about people who need attention and support in their mental health.

Katarina Berin, LPC, believes that change starts with reciprocity and respect in the therapy relationship. She encourages self-expression, affirmation, feedback, learning, and self-awareness to help clients set goals and make new behaviors possible. Katarina earned a graduate degree in community counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She works with clients age 7 to 76 and, while delighted by all life stages, has a special place in her heart for adolescents and young adults. Katarina helps individuals facing various challenges learn to live with energy, flexibility, and peace. In therapy, Katarina combines a warm and calm presence with evidence-based practices to help clients understand, tolerate, grow, and thrive. She uses techniques that are attentive to the body and emphasize the power of self-awareness in affecting change.