Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

I work with clients who experience anxiety, depression, body image issues, disordered eating, and struggles with life transitions. I am passionate about creating an empathetic, nonjudgmental space where you can be fully yourself! I strive to cultivate a therapeutic bond based on trust and authenticity. I want therapy  to be collaborative, because I truly believe you are the expert on your own life. Therapy sessions  should be unique to you and your goals, and I want to ensure that you feel heard. I take a systemic approach that prioritizes the impacts that culture, power imbalances, and larger societal systems can have on your life, while also attending to your personal narratives. I aim to facilitate healing by offering compassionate perspectives and attentive listening.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Therapy at The Powers Mindset is practical, thoughtful, and grounded in real life. We focus on understanding what’s actually driving stress and anxiety, then building tools that help you feel more steady, clear, and in control. Sessions are supportive and direct. We work on emotional regulation, boundaries, and coping strategies you can use outside the therapy room. The goal isn’t perfection or constant positivity, it’s feeling better and functioning with more ease.

You are the most important person you will ever meet. Why not be on good terms with yourself? I view therapy as a relationship between two people devoted to facing the deepest truths of our lives so we can be healed. I believe that coming to know ourselves and understanding why we suffer leads to genuine change, a return to health, and gives birth to a more authentic life. In therapy, we discover that we heal through relating, because the wounds that occurred in relationships must be healed in a relationship. What was unbearable alone, becomes bearable when shared. Sometimes we find out that the old solutions don't work as well as they used to and we feel stuck. People who come to work with me seek to be understood as unique individuals, to improve their personal relationships, get relief from painful emotional symptoms, gain greater control of their lives, change lifelong ways of coping, and stop self-destructive behaviors. I specialize in treating adults with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and family conflict. I have particular experience and interest in working with college students, artists, and individuals from diverse backgrounds who struggle with self-esteem, self-development, and identity concerns, including gender and sexual identity.

It is often difficult to ask for support in the face of life’s challenges, and I appreciate you taking this step! I work with young adults and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, and identity and self-esteem concerns, among others. My goal is to create a comfortable and safe space where we work collaboratively to help you face those challenges and make the changes you desire to live a more fulfilling life. We all have vulnerabilities, and strengths we often don’t realize. I therefore work with my clients to build on their strengths and resilience, and develop self-compassion. I recognize the impact of culture on our identities and experiences and I have enjoyed working with clients from diverse backgrounds at outpatient, community mental health, and university counseling settings. These included the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University, DePaul University and University of Illinois at Chicago. I welcome clients from all walks of life and feel humbled by their willingness to invite me to be a part of their journey.

Welcome. We are glad you are here. We can help. You may be seeking relief from painful thoughts, emotions, or memories. Perhaps you wish to heal from and better understand the here-and-now impact of past traumas, losses or painful life experiences. You may want help in changing some aspect of your life or relationships that you feel is keeping you stuck. In the midst of a life transition or identity shift, you may need support in navigating this change. Perhaps you aren’t sure exactly what’s wrong, but you know that things aren’t right, either. No matter what brings you therapy, our goal is to help you to experience relief from pain, build your strengths and capacities, and more deeply understand and accept all parts of yourself.

Collectively, college life comes with a variety of experiences and emotions. From my own experiences and research studies, anxiety and depression are unfortunately very common, whether you live on or off campus. Life struggles, transitions, questions concerning your identity, stress, and self-worth can cause college life to be a place of uncertainty. And some relationships can turn your life upside down. Seeking help, even for a short period of time, can have a positive impact on mood and functioning. If you're ready to seek help, we're here.

College Life—Balancing classes, relationships, family expectations, and your mental health can feel like too much. Have you ever felt like everyone else has it figured out while you’re just trying to keep it together? You’re not alone. College is an exciting chapter, but it can also bring stress, anxiety, loneliness, and pressure to succeed. Sometimes you need a space that’s just for you—where you can process everything without judgment. ✅ How I Help I help college students: ✔ Manage anxiety and overwhelming stress ✔ Cope with relationship issues or breakups ✔ Navigate homesickness and adjusting to campus life ✔ Set boundaries and prioritize self-care ✔ Build confidence and self-identity My approach is supportive, down-to-earth, and solution-focused. Whether it’s your first time in therapy or you’re coming back, I’ll meet you where you are and help you create practical strategies for relief and growth.

Holistically Divine Counseling is centered around providing a form of care that accounts for all areas of a person's life. Operating within the 8 dimensions of wellness, we empower our client's exploration, growth and pursuit of healing for the mind, body, soul and spirit.

I am a licensed therapist that specializes in anxiety, depression and ADHD. My goal as a therapist is to help people grow and reach their full potential. Wether you're having a hard time adjusting to changes in life or you need help learning that your challenges don’t have to be roadblocks, I am here to help. I take a client centered approach to therapy and focus on each clients specific needs. I believe everyone has the potential to overcome the challenges they face in life and with the right support and tools we can make that happen. I am empathetic and passionate about what I do and I strive to make a difference in each clients life. I am part of the Path referral network, which means that when you reach out, my team will get back to you quickly to schedule our first session. I am committed to making therapy affordable. Through Path, I am in-network for most commercial insurances, so you're only responsible for your co-pay!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Empowered Mind Therapy is a private practice serving college students and young adults throughout Illinois. We specialize in supporting students navigating anxiety, academic stress, burnout, relationship concerns, life transitions, and family challenges. College can feel overwhelming, whether you're balancing classes, work, finances, or figuring out your next steps. We provide a supportive, structured space where students can build coping skills, strengthen emotional regulation, and gain clarity during stressful seasons. We offer: • Individual therapy (Virtual) • Flexible scheduling for students • Spanish-speaking services • Acceptance of BCBS PPO, BCBS Community (Medicaid), Aetna, and other major insurance plans

I work with college and graduate students who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted—even when things look “fine” on the outside. Many of my clients are high-functioning, thoughtful, and self-aware, yet struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, relationship patterns, or a persistent sense that something isn’t quite right. My approach is psychodynamic, meaning we look beyond symptom management to understand the underlying emotional patterns, relationships, and life experiences shaping how you feel and function today. Therapy becomes a space to slow down, reflect, and make sense of internal conflicts that often get pushed aside in the pressure-filled environment of academic life. Students often come to me during periods of transition—starting or finishing school, navigating independence, questioning identity or values, or managing the emotional toll of performance expectations. Rather than offering quick fixes, I focus on helping clients develop insight, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of self that extends well beyond college.

Hi! My name is Sophia (they/them). I am a Licensed Professional and Nationally Certified Counselor. I am passionate about supporting the intersectionality of marginalized groups, including queer, trans, and people of color. My areas of focus are trauma recovery, racial, sexual, gender identity development, childhood trauma, attachment, relational difficulties, anxiety, and depression. I work best with clients who want to build a more mindful and compassionate relationship with themselves, centering pleasure and softness. My work supports people who want to build a stronger sense of self, centering their needs, engaging in inner child healing, and healing from childhood trauma. I have supported my clients with intergenerational trauma/healing, attachment issues, neurodivergence, perfectionism, workaholism, marginalization, identity, belonging, and relational healing. I utilize internal family systems (IFS), mindfulness, somatic, relational, and solution-based approaches. My practice is warm, compassionate, experiential, consent-based, and direct. Therapy is always centered around you and your needs. I prioritize holistic therapy that takes the mind, body, and spirit into consideration, and is rooted in resisting and healing the impacts of oppression. In an effort to decolonize mental health and create safer therapeutic spaces for BIPOC folks, my practice focuses on strengthening the mind-body connection and raising awareness of how systems of oppression can negatively impact well-being. I take into consideration the complex dynamics occurring with you on the individual, societal, environmental, and institutional levels and how they impact your inner world. My goal is to help you foster liberation, empowerment, and consciousness raising as we address oppression and its impact on these levels. I welcome all healing approaches that feel right for you, including ancestral, spiritual, or cultural. If what I've shared resonates with you, please visit my website or email me.

I have worked with college students and young adults since 2017 providing outpatient counseling in settings such as a college counseling center, nonprofit agency, and private practice. I work with goals such as building healthier relationships, including managing difficult family dynamics, developing independence from family, exploring dating or building healthy romantic relationships, or navigating friendships and relationships with people they see at school and work. In addition, many of my clients are navigating their relationship with themselves! I particular love working with clients who are exploring sexuality and gender identity, religion and spirituality, socioeconomic class dynamics, and their understanding of self in a political context. I have worked with a lot of young people who identify as artists and activists, high achievers, and young people who are coping with life as an adult child of an alcoholic.

College can be stressful, the pressure, the pace, the constant push to keep going. It’s no wonder your mind feels overloaded. At Bloom Therapy we’re not just therapists. We’re real humans who get it. We’re here to help you navigate life as a college student without losing yourself in the chaos. Whether you’re working through anxiety, navigating relationships, battling ADHD, or dealing with life balance changes as a college student. We’ll meet you where you are and walk with you toward where you want to go!

The past few years have been incredibly difficult for everyone, regardless of background or finances. In my practice I strive to create a warm and welcoming space where we can curiously and compassionately explore your concerns. I genuinely believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my goal is to assist you with discovering and deciding how to live your best life. Throughout the pandemic I was specializing in working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, isolation, interpersonal conflict, and grief. I have extensive history working with the college-aged population from my doctoral internship at Illinois State University and Spalding University’s counseling centers. I also have experience working in higher levels of care with non-college aged adults at outpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and inpatient levels of care. While working together we’ll collaboratively explore areas where you may feel stuck and discuss the use of new, more adaptive coping skills to help you move in the direction of your goals. I have many years of experience teaching classes focusing on evidence-based treatments, such as: DBT, ACT, and CBT. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Things may feel heavy right now, and as a younger person trying to make sense of it all, it is no surprise you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Between social expectations and constant news cycles, you may be unsure of your next step. We specialize in supporting teens and twenty-somethings who are navigating anxiety, depression, school stress, relationship challenges, and the “What am I doing?” moments that show up during significant transitions. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I also work closely with clients exploring their identities, including the overarching systems and pressures we navigate. Our experience as high school social workers informs my work with neurodivergent clients, making the complex feel practical by incorporating evidence and body-based practices. With humor, honesty, and a touch of sarcasm, we will identify patterns, strengths, and values to create tools that complement your life. Your story is worth telling, and so is the chance to reconnect with yourself through thoughtful reflection and action. Whether you are seeking support for the first time or have experience doing this work, you will be met with a down-to-earth and warm space where you can show up exactly as, and who, you are.

I believe change occurs in the context of our relationships, with our own self and with others. Oftentimes, when people seek out therapy, they are feeling lost, discarded, and may be filled with self-doubt and negative thoughts and feelings about themselves in the world. I work with clients to forge new ways of relating to ourselves and others to engage more fully in the world. We do this by learning a range of new skills and processing past experiences, but at its core, it is about connection with another human being and being seen, heard, understood, respected, and known. Therapeutically, I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and EMDR. With these two treatments you learn effective skills to manage painful thoughts, feelings, and sensations, develop direction and purpose, as well as process painful past experiences towards resolution and prepare for how to handle the future. My style as a therapist is energetic, accepting, compassionate, and challenging. I truly love my work and experience a deep sense of gratitude for being able to participate in it. People are endlessly complex and I am constantly in awe of our resilience and depth as human beings. If what I’ve written here speaks to you, I encourage you to reach out.