Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

If you feel stuck emotionally, mentally, or in your relationships, you’re not alone. Life transitions, anxiety, depression, past trauma, or daily stress can leave you overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward. My goal is to create a safe, affirming space where you can unpack challenges, gain clarity, and build coping skills that help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself. I use a person-centered, strengths-based approach, blending CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques. In sessions, we’ll explore what’s working for you, challenge unhelpful patterns, and create practical strategies to manage emotions, set realistic goals, and achieve lasting change. Taking the first step can feel hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re ready to explore healing and growth, I invite you to book a session through my online calendar today. Together, we can work toward clarity, relief, and a stronger sense of self-worth.

The college and emerging adult years are incredibly dynamic and include a unique set of challenges. My approach is practical, collaborative, and growth-oriented. I combine CBT with other tailored interventions to create an engaging counseling experience based on your needs and values. Together, we work on understanding what is getting in the way, improving communication, building calmer and healthier patterns, and creating meaningful change that carries into your daily life, relationships, work, and sense of purpose.

Colleen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys collaborating with adolescents, adults and families in order to help them make changes that will allow them to find balance, and an enhanced quality of life. Having worked closely with adoptive families, families experiencing crisis and violence in the home, veterans, and individuals managing severe and persistent mental illness, Colleen is well versed in the treatment of trauma and attachment, mood, and anxiety disorders. Colleen's greatest reward as a therapist is helping clients explore ways to make changes in their lives that allow them to look forward with hope and confidence. Her specialties include depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Her special interests include adoption, divorce, trauma, and relationships. We all need someone to talk with who will really listen and accept us without judgment. Colleen creates that warm, nonjudgmental environment. With a caring, supportive, strengths-based focus - and a touch of humor, Colleen uses a variety of approaches and interventions such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and Harm Reduction.

Hi- My name is Jennifer Wolf, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I obtained my Master's Degree in School and Community Counseling from National-Louis University. I have experience in helping clients of all ages with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, career difficulties, and executive functioning. We all need a bit of support in our lives at one time or another. Reaching out for this support and finding a therapist is a courageous first step toward reaching your personal, professional or family goals. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!

Are you struggling with anxious racing thoughts, depressed moods, or overwhelming stress? We can help you manage. You possess your own wisdom and natural tendency towards growth; we will help uncover that. While we are laid back, relatable and warm, we take our work very seriously and consider it an honor to work with you. You’re welcome to seek treatment in the comfort of your own space through our convenient, secure telehealth platform. It’s essential for us that our clients get quality, comprehensive care. We go the extra mile to make sure you are receiving an excellent service, whether that’s by sending helpful resources, suggesting “assignments” between sessions, or introducing you to another trusted provider to join your treatment team. With your permission, we collaborate with your other providers as needed to make sure you receive the best treatment possible. We realize that seeking therapy can be a brave first step to getting help, or you may be already familiar with the concept and this is a trusted tool to maintain mental wellbeing. Wherever you are in your process, we meet you where you are at.

I graduated from Illinois State University in Normal, IL with my Bachelors of Social Work. I continued my education and graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL with my Masters of Social Work, specializing in mental health. While earning my graduate degree I worked on an inpatient psychiatric floor at Methodist Hospital. Mainly I worked with adults experiencing severe mental illness, however, I was also able to work with adolescents and the geriatric population from time to time. Simultaneously, I worked for a local high school as a long-term substitute teacher which provided me the opportunity of working closely with teens and their guardians. Additionally, I completed my internship in the Behavioral Health Emergency Department at Methodist Hospital where I completed assessments and linked people with resources in the community. Upon graduating, I moved to Virginia with my husband who was serving in the United States Navy, where I worked primarily with women on the postpartum units at Norfolk General Hospital. During my time at Norfolk General, I was able to assist women immediately following birth who were experiencing or at higher risk for postpartum depression and anxiety. I was also able to provide support to families who were experiencing an extended stay in the NICU. Since returning to Illinois, I have been back on one of the inpatient psychiatric units at Methodist Hospital working as a clinician. I have been primarily working with adults experiencing severe mental illness and their families by providing individual, family, and group therapy. In addition to therapy, I have been providing case management which has allowed me to familiarize myself with many of the local resources in the area. My husband and I are in the most amazing and exhausting time of our lives raising two toddler boys. We love spending time experiencing life through the eyes of our little boys. Family is everything to us. In my free time (what is that? ha-ha), I love watching Friends or One Tree Hill on repeat, going shopping with my mom, and playing video games. I believe in a holistic and person-centered approach. It's important to me for you to be the leader of your therapy. We will work as a team to set goals and work on what you feel is most important. I want to create a nonjudgmental and unbiased space for you to talk about the hard things. Your life is worth my time.

I have worked with higher education students extensively and am deeply understand the unique challenges this population faces. I am trained in CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Insomnia) and provide structured interventions that can be incredibly beneficial for those suffering from insomnia, including children, adolescents, and adults. I am currently providing telehealth services in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Florida, Alabama, and New Mexico. I specialize in sexual trauma, child and adolescent trauma, play therapy, and parenting. I am currently accepting clients age 2y and up for individual therapy, in addition to parenting and family therapy. Please feel free to call, text, or email with any questions and to schedule an initial appointment.

can look like everyone else has it together while you’re just trying to keep your head above water. Between classes, relationships, family expectations, money stress, and figuring out who you even are right now—it can be a lot. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or just not like yourself, you’re not alone. I work with college students who are navigating stress, burnout, anxiety, relationship challenges, and the weight of life transitions. Many of the students I support are high-achieving, first-generation, or carrying responsibilities that others don’t see. Some are trying to heal from past experiences while still showing up every day and getting things done. My approach is supportive, honest, and down-to-earth. Therapy with me isn’t about being “fixed” or told what to do—it’s about having a space where you can be real, ask hard questions, and build tools that actually work for your life. We’ll move at your pace, focus on what matters to you, and work toward feeling more grounded, confident, and in control. You don’t have to do college—or life—on your own. If you’re ready for support that feels human, not clinical, I’d love to work with you.

Hi there! My name is Kate, and I’m here to help you learn about yourself. My goal is to build a strong therapeutic alliance with you so we can understand your history, patterns, needs, and desires. I practice therapy with a trauma-informed and neurodivergent affirming lens; I believe in the importance of understanding your story and starting wherever you are. I also use a client-centered approach, meaning you get to set the pace and determine what's most important to you. So whether you’re suffering from anxiety or depression, struggling with change, or simply need a safe place to talk it out, I’m happy to be along for the ride.

I try to provide a warm but structured therapeutic experience designed to help my clients address their difficulties in productive and forward-moving ways. I use a variety of different therapeutic techniques designed to help my clients gain insight into their behavior and the behavior of others, and together we work toward devising new approaches to past problems that will serve them better. I have over 25 years experience working with young adults. I particularly enjoy working with anxious clients suffering from stress, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety, providing them with ways to manage their stress and thoughts using cognitive restructuring, behavioral calming strategies, mindfulness, meditation, and problem-solving strategies. I also have expertise in working with individuals who have OCD and use an exposure with response prevention paradigm in treatment. In addition, I have also had considerable training and experience in working with individuals who struggle with anorexia and bulimia as well as those struggling with relational problems. I think flexibility and collaboration with clients is the key to a positive therapeutic experience.

Parkside Psychological Services is dedicated to serving people of all ages and needs. Our team of diverse, talented providers is committed to understanding the root of client’s concerns and working with them to bring about effective changes for recovery. Different providers are available 7-days/wk including daytime, evening, and weekends to suite your needs. We are currently accepting patients with a wide spectrum of symptoms. Able to connect in-person (Lake Forest, IL) or virtually (PsyPact membership connecting to 42 states nationwide!). We are in-network with BCBS PPO and Medicare. Out-of-network rates can be discussed as needed with option of superbills to support your request for reimbursement. Please reach out to Dr. Smiley directly to discuss your needs and preferences, and get started right away! Ideally an initial appointment will be scheduled within a week.

Hello and welcome! Thank you for considering going on this journey with me! Here is a little bit about me- I have experience working with issues such as trauma, suicidal ideation, family dynamics, ADHD, Autism, anxiety, and depression. I enjoy working with individuals across the lifespan. As a therapist that identifies as Queer and Neurodivergent, I am passionate about working with and advocating for LGBTQIA+ individuals, as well as other marginalized identities. I welcome topics such as diversity and identity in the counseling room. When I am not practicing therapy, I enjoy singing, songwriting, and playing instruments. I also love to include music and art within therapy. I feel that utilizing creativity and mindfulness can be healing in many ways. I believe that everyone has a story to tell and thank you for being open to sharing yours with me.

Hello, some of my strengths include identifying and cultivating strengths in others, giving language to complex feelings, detangling complex issues and finding paths to wholeness. My goal in therapy is to support others to reach their personal goals and even help them identify what those may be if they are unsure. My ideal Patient is motivated to change and open to trying various techniques. I'm dual licensed in the States of Massachusetts and Illinois and provide only Teletherapy. I've been in clinical practice since 2013, yet have 20 years of experience through mentoring young adults. One of my strongest areas of expertise is healing from trauma, of all kinds. What I often find in practice are Patients unaware of neglect and abandonment that they have lived through. I support Patients in identifying pain, creating space to grieve and heal, and creating a new way to experience life alive.

Hello, I’m Ashley! My passion is to support people and meet them where they are on their journey. I've worked at a school as a Social Worker, and at a private practice doing individual therapy and family sessions. It’s important to me to work with clients and families as a team, when possible, so that they feel comfortable not only asking for support, but also advocating for themselves. I understand how intimidating it can be to ask for help. I encourage you to take the first step toward strengthening your overall wellbeing. I look forward to working together!

Welcome, and thank you for reaching out. Emotional wellness leads to happiness and peace in your life and in your relationships. I'm here to help. Together we'll explore what's happening in your life, and how to live from a place where you can feel your best. I help people get curious about their feelings of depression, anxiety, and relationship issues, and understand how to feel more relaxed, and at ease in their life. My therapy style is relational, where you can feel heard, and seen, and supported. I have over 25 years of experience helping young adults navigate college, work, and all of their important relationships. I'd like to help you.

I offer virtual mental health services to AZ, IL and MD residents. Life is completely unpredictable, fast moving, unstoppable and often complicated. Do you feel lost, hurt, lonely, confused, depressed, and/or anxious? Do you suffer from pain that has no medical explanation? Do you worry endlessly about your physical health or medical diagnosis? If so, I will be able to help. I offer a non-judgmental space where all of your feelings and questions can be expressed and explored with kindness, compassion, and acceptance.

Melody Stauffer, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois who has counseled children, teens, and adults for over 10 years. She graduated from Judson University with a bachelor’s in psychology. She then graduated from Argosy University in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Community Counseling. Her areas of expertise include: depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting, children/adolescents, communication issues, stress management, grief & loss, self-esteem issues, self-harm, substance abuse, psychosis, and crisis stabilization. Melody recognizes each client has their own story to tell and specific wounds to heal and will let her clients lead the way on their mental health journey. Melody is also trained in EMDR therapy that is helpful with patients with trauma, old or new. Schedule your appointment with me by simply clicking on the "Visit Website" link below!

Cassie McCarthy's therapy practice is tailored to help individuals, especially college students, navigate and overcome the challenges of anxiety or living through traumatic/painful events in their past. She also has a specialized expertise in helping survivors of sexual trauma overcome the unique effects of sexual & relationship violence. Cassie leverages science-backed approaches, and focuses on teaching practical skills and techniques to effect lasting change. Her approach is results-oriented, utilizing homework, worksheets, and real-time progress tracking to ensure therapy is tailored to each individual's needs. This practice is ideal for college students looking to take control of their mental health and wellbeing, offering tools and support to move beyond their past and thrive in their personal and academic lives. She uses Evidence-Based therapy approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help clients meet their goals. For a free phone consultation, visit www.CassieMcCarthy.com or call 978-403-6400

We are licensed psychologists who've been working with students for 20+ years. We understand and care about college student concerns -- from adjusting to campus life, navigating friend-groups, reflecting on family, and making your way academically. We can help. In addition, we're "PsyPact certified" in 42 states and counting, which means when you head home for breaks or intern out of state, there's a really good chance we can provide continued support so you can maintain the gains you've made.

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I integrate a medical-model approach with supportive therapy to provide compassionate, comprehensive care. While diagnostic labels can help guide medication decisions, my focus is on understanding the deeper context of your challenges—exploring symptom triggers, emotional meanings, and how relationships influence your coping style. Mutual respect and trust are the foundation of my practice, and I am committed to creating a relaxed, non-judgmental space where honesty, transparency, and collaboration empower you to take an active role in your treatment. I treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, addiction, OCD, complex grief, and chronic illnesses. Together, we’ll work toward authentic growth, healthier choices, and a more positive outlook on life.