Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Throughout our lives, we go through events that change us, often permanently. I consider therapy to be a sacred and compassionate space of exploration. It can be exhausting having to explain your story over and over again. Oftentimes we might feel unheard in our daily lives or get fixated on who we “should be” instead of exploring who we already are. Your story has meaning and it deserves to be heard. You are the expert on your own life experiences and identities. You deserve to feel empowered, validated, and safe. When meeting with a potential client I consider you in the context of your relationships, experiences, and culture. When working together we can move through difficult therapeutic concepts in an accessible and warm way. With your permission, I hope to guide you through challenging life transitions and support you in creating a life that you feel is worth living. I work from a collaborative, person-centered, relational, and strengths-based approach. This means I will use non-judgment to consider all aspects of your life and identity— while remaining open to things that cannot be changed. I utilize an intersectional feminist lens and I specialize in trauma, anxiety, boundaries, relationships, abuse, sexuality, gender exploration, life transitions, disability, memory loss, identity exploration, and resiliency work. MORE INFO ABOUT THE PRACTICE: We accept BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, and United PPO Plans, as well as, Sliding Scale rates. Currently, I have a variety of morning, early afternoon, and evening spots open! Please feel free to reach out.

Shu Hudson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She received her Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from North Park University. Shu thrives in providing a compassionate, client-centered space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported in their healing journey. Her approach integrates evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a deep focus on uncovering and understanding core emotions—those powerful, often hidden feelings that drive our thoughts, behaviors, and relational patterns. Shu has specialized training in yoga and mindfulness, that enables her to bring a somatic awareness to therapy, helping clients reconnect with their bodies as a source of wisdom, grounding, and emotional regulation. Shu focuses on navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or life transitions, working collaboratively to explore underlying emotional truths, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, and fostering meaningful, sustainable change. Shu’s goal is to guide each client toward greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a more empowered relationship with themselves and others.

Ignite Counseling is trauma-focused private practice located in the Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods of Chicago, with options for in-person or virtual appointments. We provide therapeutic services with a commitment to compassionate, relational, and authentic treatment in a culturally-sensitive and inclusive environment. Our therapists have a specialized focus in trauma along with the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief, relationship distress, family issues, identity struggles, racial/cultural issues, and challenges with life transitions, and we approach all clients through a trauma-informed lens. We are a close knit and highly intentional team of clinicians, and value safety and authenticity in all that we do.

Our mission is to make mental health care accessible, collaborative, and culturally responsive. Through evidence-based care and a holistic perspective, we help clients create sustainable change and cultivate a life that aligns with their values. We strive to strengthen our community by supporting individuals and families in developing tools for healing, connection, and growth. We deliver high-quality, client-centered therapy that honors the uniqueness of every individual.

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Hi there, welcome! My name is Stefani. I specialize in maternal mental health/women's wellness. I have a strong passion for working with new moms/moms as they navigate through the many transitional periods of motherhood. I have spent a majority of my professional career working with women as they navigate through the perinatal and postnatal periods of motherhood. While working with moms is my specialty, I too enjoy working with women to help them cope with various life stressors and symptoms related to depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mood disturbances. I enjoy teaching and helping clients incorporate concepts of self-love, self-empowerment, self-advocacy, healthy boundaries, self-care, and self-celebration into their lives. Additionally, I enjoy discussing concepts related to one’s purpose, life passions, and personal goals contributing to heightened peace and wellness. My therapeutic style is what I would consider to be team based. I work alongside my clients to help them establish treatment goals, offer guidance, support, and accountability in accomplishing identified goals. I work to create a safe space welcoming enough for my clients to feel comfortable to explore vulnerable emotions. I provide education, tools, and language to enhance concepts of self-love and self-empowerment. I encourage celebrations for personal and therapeutic victories and accomplishments.

At Neuroworks, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Rooted in innovation and a commitment to wellness, our practice is dedicated to enhancing cognitive functioning, mood, and overall brain performance. We provide high-quality, evidence-based therapeutic interventions designed to help individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater focus, resilience, and effectiveness. Whether you're a student striving for academic success, a professional seeking balance, or someone looking to optimize mental clarity, our mission is to support you in achieving your full potential. At Neuroworks, we don’t just treat symptoms—we empower lives.

As a bilingual (Spanish & English) trauma-sensitive therapist, I offer integrative, individualized care. My approach is shaped by your unique needs. Everyone has a unique story and deserves an individualized approach to treatment. I believe in a holistic and caring approach, actively listening and engaging with you to build a strong therapeutic alliance- a vital step in healing. In our work together, my focus will be on understanding you as a whole person, shaping our therapeutic path around your unique experiences and needs. I believe that building a strong, trusting relationship is the foundation of all healing. In the safe space we create, you'll have the opportunity to process your emotions, build resilience, and discover new ways of coping. With a deep respect for your background and identity, I am committed to empowering you to improve your quality of life and mental health.

As an experienced clinician specializing in anxiety and depression, I work with individuals to reduce symptoms, increase resilience and interrupt unhelpful thought patterns. I believe a supportive therapeutic relationship is essential for meaningful change, and I work collaboratively with clients to create a space to explore the parts of you that feel overwhelmed, identify triggers and build skills to manage anxious and depressive thoughts and physical symptoms. My practice is IFS-informed and strengths-based, helping clients feel more grounded, in control and confident in their daily lives.

A lot of the students I work with look like they’re holding it together, but inside they feel overwhelmed. You might be lying in bed with your mind racing, replaying conversations, worrying about grades, or second guessing where you stand with friends, a roommate, or a partner. College transitions can make everything feel louder, with new expectations, new relationships, and sometimes pressure from back home. In therapy, we’ll slow things down, figure out what’s fueling the stress, and build tools you can use right away so you feel more grounded, more confident in your choices, and more like yourself.

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My practice provides trauma-informed, compassionate mental health care for college students navigating stress, anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of past experiences. I specialize in working with students who feel overwhelmed, disconnected from their bodies, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. My approach is grounded in somatic and relational therapies, which means we pay attention not only to thoughts and emotions, but also to how experiences live in the body. Sessions are collaborative, nonjudgmental, and paced to support safety, choice, and self-trust. I strive to create an affirming space for students of diverse identities and backgrounds, including first-generation students and those balancing multiple cultural expectations. Whether a student is seeking support for trauma, burnout, academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, or personal growth, my goal is to help them build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and feel more grounded and empowered in their daily lives.

We specialize in working with clients who are struggling with transitions, like new living situations, shifting relationships, job changes, and striking out on a new path. We especially love supporting recent college and graduate school graduates in figuring out their next steps to create a life they love. Please check out our website to learn more about our team! We'd love to meet you.

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Main character energy is something that you deserve to give off. Why? Because this is your life and everyone deserves to live the life that they want to live (yes, including you), and I deeply believe this. Since this is something I am passionate about, I will work with you to help make sure that you are able to live life fully and happily. I do this through active listening, patience, open mindedness, kindness, and support. I ensure that you will have a space that is welcoming to be who you are, as you are, safe and judgment free. I know that college is a whole new world, with new fun experiences and stress. I will partner with you to navigate the unique challenges of adjusting to school, friends, independence, and this stage of life. Whether you are experiencing; stress, anxiety, depression, or any unpleasant emotion. You are not alone, and together we will make sure that you are living a life aligned with your goals! Together, we will identify strategies to help you achieve those goals. As the expert of your own experiences, feel free to provide feedback and actively participate in the therapeutic process. It's a team effort, and my goal is to ensure that you get the most out of our sessions, so you can live a life aligned with your goals. Remember, you are not alone, and together we will navigate and overcome any challenges you may face. As an African American woman living in Chicago, I understand the pressure to ‘have it together’ or the need to be emotionally and mentally strong at all times. Life is extreme and when you add in the pressures to conform to the way of the world, life can be unbearable. Growing up on the west side of Chicago, I was able to see the inequities faced by brown and black people. I was able to see the negative impact of the injustices placed on the brown and black people. I was able to see the clear segregation of people, resources, and support and I am able to understand the pain the world has caused. My goal is to remind people of color that they are powerful, that their voices should be loud and clear, and that their presence is necessary. My passion is to be and create a safe space for those who struggle with just being. I enjoy working with the LGBTQIA+ community, the houseless community, and with Black Lives Matter to create a movement for equity, not just equality.

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I want to help people feel a sense of belonging even if they don't feel like they belong anywhere else. This includes people who are part of the LGBTQ+/queer community, people who are autistic, AuDHD, or have ADHD, and people who have experienced relational trauma and/or religious trauma. If any of this reflects your experience, you may carry deep shame and feel disconnected from those around you. You might be putting on a happy face on the outside while things feel like they are falling apart inside. I want to come alongside you and help you clean out some of the rubble inside. You might be surprised by the "you" that you uncover. My approach is relational, experiential, and collaborative. I make space for what clients bring into session while guiding them to a point of focus and greater clarity. I primarily use internal family systems (IFS) therapy and also incorporate sandtray therapy. When meeting with clients virtually, I use Minecraft or Simply Sand Play for sandtray therapy. Using these types of therapy, I will help you access emotions and experiences that you can't access with words alone. This will help you unload some of that weight you've been carrying and live a more free and authentic life. If you are interested in working with me, contact me to book a free 15-minute consultation. I look forward to getting to know you!

You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from yourself. Perhaps you've spent years pushing through, caring for others, or minimizing the impact of difficult experiences, yet something still feels heavy. Therapy offers a space to slow down, process what you've been carrying, and better understand how past experiences may be affecting your relationships, self-worth, and daily life. I believe healing begins with feeling seen, understood, and accepted. Together, we can explore patterns that no longer serve you and work toward meaningful, lasting change. I help adolescents and adults navigate trauma, anxiety, self-esteem challenges, relationship concerns, and life transitions. Using a trauma-informed, collaborative, and strengths-based approach, I provide a supportive space to explore your experiences, build resilience, deepen self-understanding, and move towards greater authenticity and fulfillment. Taking steps towards healing and growth is one of the bravest things we can do for ourselves. I'm here to walk along side you as you navigate this journey. If you are looking for a therapist who will honor your strengths, respect your story, and provide a safe space for healing, I'd love to connect.

I am a Counselor with a passion for supporting emerging adults as they wade through the complexities of today's world. I believe in a Person-centered , Humanistic approach to therapy. Building therapeutic relationships based around trust and mutual respect, fostering an environment of non-judgement, positive regard, and authenticity. I assist my clients on their journey towards their desired goals, working together we will discover ways to spur personal growth and foster a greater sense of fulfillment in one's life, utilizing, expanding, and developing skills and abilities, including ones you might not even know you already have. I have experience working with a broad range of clients. I particularly enjoy working with emerging adults struggling with life transitions, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. I also have a strong interest in working with clients involve in the creative arts. As well as those living with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. Utilizing my own experience gaining a BFA in Filn and Television from DePaul University, and being informed by my journey with Legal Blindness. I strive to listen and understand without judgment, and to honor each client's individual perspective on life and the world around them. I am excited to collaborate with my future clients, providing compassion and support as you tackle life's many hurdles. I have immediate availability for new client's, including weekdays and weeknights.

Coral Heart Counseling provides therapy to those who want to live their best life, but find it hard to do so because of the various life stressors that have gotten in the way. These individuals usually feel like aspects of their life are too much and that their mind, body, and spirit are out of sync; they’re overwhelmed. Our clientele are young adults who are tired of struggling with life events such as relationships, transitions, racial and cultural identity, adulting, imposter syndrome, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, academics and success, perfectionism, and past traumatic moments. We want to help our clients move beyond what’s holding them back. We assist in our clients’ growth by utilizing various modalities that are meant to bring out a person’s strengths, show them their power, and allow them to see how much they matter in this world. We also provide guidance on difficult issues that individuals may be faced with so that they can decide what is best for them. We believe in providing a safe space and necessary skills for our clients to achieve their goals. Our aim is that our clients encounter enhanced emotional intelligence, relational/relationship advancement, and peace. We hope that you will take a step towards freedom of the mind, feeling at ease, and self-love by reaching out to us.