Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL
I have worked in crisis intervention with survivors of trauma, military families, children, teens, and adults for over 25 years. I am here to support individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions. I can help clients develop a solution-focused approach to solving problems. I am a compassionate and caring therapist who works with where you are at. I am a trauma-certified therapist who believes in working with a client-centered approach. If you need emotional support and someone open-minded, supportive, and understanding, then I welcome the opportunity to work with you.
As a therapist specializing in mental health and substance abuse, my goal is to provide you with a safe, supportive, and compassionate space where you can begin or continue your journey toward recovery and wellness. My work is guided by deep empathy for the challenges you face. I know that reaching out for help can be difficult, and I’m here to listen without judgment, offering the understanding and validation that can make all the difference in the therapeutic relationship. I look forward to walking the path of self-discovery and recovery with you.
Do you feel stuck? Perhaps you recognize that something in your life isn't working and you've tried to fix things or make changes, but it didn't work and you find yourself feeling exhausted, defeated, confused, helpless, hopeless, or overwhelmed. Or maybe you have no idea where to start. You've landed in the right place because getting unstuck is my specialty. Reaching out for help is a courageous choice. I am honored to provide a safe space for clients to pause, reflect, process, learn, and grow. My goal is to empower clients to live fully and embrace a lifestyle that sustains a sense of well-being. I am licensed in NY, PA, IL, and NH, which allows me to support students year-round who may live in one state and go to school in another, or who plan to move to another state following graduation. Transitions are often a time of increased stress so finding a therapist who can be present *virtually* throughout is important. In addition to our work together in session, I make use of an app that is free to my clients to provide resources between sessions and collect data to create a personalized approach to treatment.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Dr. Carmaletta Zandi provides compassionate, comprehensive care for people of all ages, drawing on her expertise to support a wide variety of needs. Her top practice areas include ADHD Evaluation and Therapeutic Care, Depression and Anxiety Management, Gold Years Wellness, Educators Resilience Therapy, and First Responder Support. Dr. Zandi specializes in thorough assessment and personalized treatment for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan, integrating neuroscience with practical strategies to help clients enhance focus, manage impulsivity, and thrive. With a strong commitment to Depression and Anxiety Management, Dr. Zandi offers evidence-based therapies to help clients navigate challenging emotions, reduce symptoms, and build resilience. Her approach is empathetic and collaborative, empowering individuals to achieve greater emotional well-being and stability. Through her Gold Years Wellness program, Dr. Zandi supports older adults with a focus on cognitive health, emotional balance, and smooth life transitions, enabling seniors to enjoy vitality and fulfillment in their golden years. She also provides Educators Resilience Therapy, tailored to help teachers and school staff strengthen their mental health, manage stress, and boost emotional regulation—so they can sustain their passion for education. Recognizing the unique pressures faced by those in emergency services, Dr. Zandi delivers First Responder Support for law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and other front-line personnel. She offers practical tools and therapeutic strategies to address occupational stress, trauma, and burnout, fostering resilience and overall well-being. Dr. Zandi is dedicated to working collaboratively with clients—whether children, adults, or seniors—addressing ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, emotional regulation, and the mental health needs of caregivers, educators, and first responders. Her client-centered, evidence-based approach ensures each individual is supported, heard, and empowered to achieve lasting well-being and personal growth.
When people come to treatment with problems, it is important to remember that they are trying to cope with them in the best way they can. With that in mind, I offer a reflective and engaging partnership with my clients, working toward the goal of helping them to be autonomous, authentic and compassionate in a world that can be extremely stressful. Although my work is solidly grounded in psychodynamic, cognitive/learning, and systems theories, my approach is client-centered, practical and strengths-based. I bring honesty, warmth, and humor to the therapy relationship. I am LGBTQ affirmative and invested in doing cross-cultural therapy which is culturally sensitive. I have a dog, Bracket, who works with me, and I have been doing AAT since 2002. There is a growing body of research which suggests that AAT (Animal-Assisted Therapy) can be helpful with a range of diagnoses, including Depression, PTSD, and Autistic Spectrum. Many therapists know little about online games such as World of Warcraft and Second Life. They may dismiss it as unimportant, or assume it is a problem. I am a gamer-affirmative therapist, meaning I’m more interested in understanding your in-world experience and activity than pathologizing it.
If you are a person with a disability who experiences mental health symptoms stemming from social situations, trauma, obsessive thoughts, or difficulty letting go—you are not alone. It is an incredibly frustrating place to be when your mental health feels like it controls your life and limits your choices. If your deepest desire is to regain a sense of calm and control, you've found a supportive space.
I work best with students who often feel like they're carrying more than they let on. Maybe you're the one everyone depends on, you're constantly overthinking, or you're trying to balance school, work, relationships, and everything else while feeling overwhelmed inside. You might be navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, or the impact of past experiences. Whatever brings you here, you don't have to have it all figured out before starting therapy. I strive to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are, make sense of what's been weighing on you, and begin moving toward a life that feels more grounded, fulfilling, and authentically yours.
I believe that each person has the wisdom and knowledge within them to be able to heal and grow themselves but that intuition can be difficult to access due to our upbringings, beliefs, structural expectations, etc. I am honored to join with clients on their growth journey and provide perspective and safety along the way. I welcome clients from all walks of life and work primarily with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self exploration, and navigating the many transitions of life. I take an eclectic approach that utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Psychedelic Integration and also value the wisdom and significance of spirituality, mindfulness, somatics, ancestral connection, connection with nature and other non western conceptualizations of growth and healing. I foster a inclusive, nonjudgmental and affirming approach that does not shy away from difficult emotions. This is a collaborative relationship where we work together and rely on your inner wisdom to pursue growth at a pace that is healthy for you. If this resonates with you, I look forward to connecting with you and exploring the work we can do together.
Relational trauma can make you feel like you’re not good enough and somehow too much at the same time. You might be hyper aware of others' needs which leaves you feeling emotionally exhausted. You over-function in relationships and struggle with conflict and boundaries due to fear of rejection. No matter what you do, it feels like you’re a supporting character in the cast of your own life. You may have developed these parts of yourself in order to feel safe, but what would life look like if you could shed old scripts and live authentically with emotional balance and self-trust? Let’s explore how trauma and loss may influence the way you interact with the world around you. I prefer a more holistic approach to therapy and don’t believe that we can always think our way out of something. I’m interested in helping you develop healthy relationships with others, but more importantly your relationship with yourself.
Hello! As a mental health therapist, I'm here to offer a supportive and confidential space for you to navigate the unique challenges of college life. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed by academic pressure, social changes, and the process of figuring out your future. My goal is to work with you to develop effective coping strategies and build confidence so you can thrive during this important chapter. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, or just need someone to talk to, please know that reaching out is a sign of strength. I look forward to connecting with you.
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.
I provide counseling to teens and adults, who struggle with anxiety, depression, stressful relationships and identity, sexuality, and gender questioning. I’m passionate about helping people learn more about themselves. I help people identify who they are and what’s important to them. All while helping them learn how to fully accept themselves and increase their self compassion.
Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Urdu. I have several years' experience in treating adults with psychiatric disorders. I will work with you to create a customizable plan to treat your psychiatric illness, that includes not just medications but also lifestyle modifications where appropriate. My goal is to help you reach your optimal functioning and I understand that this process looks different for everyone. Since past experiences can contribute to current behaviors, we can also discuss negative thought processes during treatment. It is important to know that as a new client I will work with you and respect your comfort level. We will discuss your goals of treatment and how these can be achieved with appropriate treatment. Schedule your session easily through our online booking link. Click "Website" to find a time that works for you.
Little Bird Psychotherapy is a therapeutic space for clients to explore and understand themselves with a sense of compassion and curiosity. Rooted in a commitment to collaborative care free of judgement and shame, Little Bird welcomes those with a desire to discover and rediscover who they are in order to embody their most authentic and joyful selves. We are who we have always been; Little Bird can help you see who that is. I enjoy working with adults of all ages seeking support with eating disorders/body image, gender/sexuality exploration, unique stressors of graduate school, and family of origin issues. Abolition is the primary value that guides both my own life and practice. In sessions, this involves a deep understanding and compassion for all persons and their parts and a commitment to maintaining space free of pathologization and hierarchical relationships between therapist and client. I am deeply invested in anti-carceral approaches to healing. For clients wanting to engage in a collaborative relationship to foster healing, find joy in their authentic selves, and practice more self compassion, this might be your nest.
Trauma impedes our natural ability as humans to be able to identify and reach goals, and connect and form relationships with others. I know that this can all be worked through with a positive therapeutic relationship and guidance to rediscovering the inner knowing you possess about what you truly need to thrive. My personal approach to therapy is what allows for others to connect with me- I am laid-back, direct, funny, caring, and most of all, nonjudgemental. I provide that open space of comfort that is needed to be your authentic self.
The demands and transitions in college can be hard and lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, loneliness, grief, anxiety, depression, helplessness, hopelessness, anger, etc. I offer an emotionally safe telehealth experience to listen, guide, and support you. If you are looking to learn skills to build confidence, resilience, tame performance anxiety, self-manage emotions, prepare yourself for life after college, and learn how to get through any challenge life throws at you, my specialization with sports and performance psychology is the answer. I have worked with all levels of athletes, musicians/performers, chess masters, health and law professionals, etc for over 15 years. I will meet you where you are at and support you with all the tools, research, leadership, and experience I have built. Feel free to text my work cell 630-219-0339 anytime to schedule.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I work with college students and young adults who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, overthinking, performance pressure, and emotional shutdown — even when they are capable and motivated. Many of the students I support struggle with test anxiety, presentations, interviews, perfectionism, panic symptoms, or the sense that their nervous system goes into “fight or flight” under pressure. Others experience anxiety and depression together, which can affect motivation, focus, and connection. My approach is neuroscience-informed and practical. I use evidence-based therapies including EMDR, ACT, CBT, Polyvagal-informed therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies to help clients regulate their nervous system, reduce reactivity, and build confidence in real-world situations. I provide a supportive, structured space where students can develop tools to manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and move forward with greater clarity and resilience