Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Thanks for visiting Helpful! With a combination of education, specialized training, and genuine compassion the entire Helpful team is proud to provide therapeutic services to the Chicagoland area. Simply put, the vision of Helpful is to help as many people as possible find their way to being the best versions of themselves. We are all in this life together and our hope is the work done at CIC creates meaningful change in people's lives that then creates meaningful change in our world. Feel free to browse our website to learn more or reach out to us. We hope to be a resource for you!

College can be a lot—stress, pressure, uncertainty about the future, relationship drama, identity exploration—it's all real, and it can feel overwhelming. I'm here to create a space where you can be 100% yourself without fear of judgment. My approach is all about empathy, active listening, and making sure you feel heard, seen, and supported. I'm grounded in person-centered therapy, which means you lead the way—we go at your pace, based on your experiences and what matters most to you. But I also pull from a variety of techniques to help you work through tough stuff like anxiety, trauma, and burnout, and build practical tools to feel more grounded, confident, and resilient. Whether you're going through a big life change, feeling stuck or overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to walk with you—no pressure, no fixing—just real support for wherever you are right now.

Great to meet you! Hi, I’m Melissa. I work with curious, thoughtful people who are ready to show up for themselves — even when growth feels uncomfortable. Many of the clients I connect with are navigating big life transitions, like adjusting to college or next steps after college, navigating adulthood, or realizing the old path no longer fits. If you’re someone who’s willing to stay with the process and understands that meaningful change takes work, we’ll likely be a good fit. A bit about my approach to therapy I believe the relationship we build together matters more than any single approach or technique. Feeling safe, understood, and respected is where real change begins. Clients describe me as steady, thoughtful, and encouraging — someone who can sit with you when things feel messy and help you think outside the box when the usual answers don’t work. I focus on everyday, “garden-variety” struggles that still have a big impact on quality of life, especially during periods of transition. What you can expect from our first session Our first session is a chance to slow down, get to know each other, and talk about what brought you in and where you hope to go. We’ll explore what’s working, what feels stuck, and what kind of support actually feels helpful to you. Over time, many clients walk away with more clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense that they can create a path forward — even if it looks different than they originally imagined. Growth isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.

I’m a psychotherapist and trauma-focused yoga teacher with an approach grounded in psychoanalytic theory and practice. While I work with a wide variety of folks, I have a soft spot for artists and young adults. Although rooted in psychoanalysis, I practice eclectically, meaning I tailor our sessions to your individualized needs while offering a warm, attentive environment in which your experiences, feelings, and questions are explored. I place a strong emphasis on building a trusting therapeutic relationship with you so that we explore patterns shaped by past relationships and experiences to make room for greater authenticity and self-understanding. I don’t see psychotherapy as a way to fix or judge, but as a way to learn to approach ourselves with curiosity, and maybe even a little humor, whether this is through talk therapy, trauma-focused yoga, or a combination of the two.

You’ve been carrying a lot for a long time—maybe the impact of childhood trauma, complicated relationships, or anxiety and shame that seem to live in your body as much as your thoughts. On the outside you may appear high-functioning and capable, but inside things can feel overwhelming. Many of my clients grew up navigating emotionally unpredictable families, painful relationships, or environments where they learned to minimize their own needs to keep the peace. They want more than coping—they want to feel safer in their body, understand their patterns, and finally experience relief from the past. I integrate EMDR, art therapy, somatic approaches, and insight-oriented talk therapy to support healing in both mind and nervous system. Drawing from parts work and trauma-informed care, we move at a pace that respects your story while helping you reconnect with emotions, build inner safety, and process experiences that feel stuck. Reaching out for therapy takes courage—especially if you’re used to handling everything on your own. Whether you're processing trauma, navigating anxiety or depression, or trying to feel safer in your own body, you deserve a space where all parts of you are welcome. When you're ready, I’m here.

Hello, how are you doing today?.. Network WellBeing™ supports your desire to heal, grow and pay it forward. Are you creative, kind and conscientious, but struggle to cope with life's demands?.. See what you think about new era mental health. Perhaps we can help.. > Did you know that trauma-informed psychology is a science? Integrative psychology is a new wave blend of disciplines like neuroscience, nurture-creative-brain, lifestyle medicine, epigenetic science and evidence-based psychology to support mental health from the inside out. > Did you know that a psychologist can design your personal self-care schedule, dopamine productivity guide, Gut-Brain Axis anxiety treatment, or custom sleep hygiene routine? An integrative medical psychologist can help! > Students and career-seekers with mental health issues, neurodivergence and chronic stress intolerance benefit from specialized support over general mental healthcare. Cookie-cutter care is a thing of the past. Personalized mental health and wellness that is science-based and holistic offers the best strategy for optimal health and wellbeing. > Compassionate, trauma-informed and evidence-based care delivered by a seasoned psychologist is the difference between hitting target goals and wandering aimlessly from visit to visit with minimal progress. That's a difference of about 6-12 months. > Students can expect an integrative, mind-body-psyche approach with practical lifestyle tools and deliverance from perfectionism, procrastination, analysis paralysis or other toxic stress-related barriers to learning, health, relationships and life's demands. > You're in good hands! Students from all walks of life aiming to build a sustainable life with confidence and integrity are welcomed. > All communication is HIPAA-secured and confidential. > Student discounts from 25-40% off year around. > Active military and veteran discount 50% off year around. TRICARE-affiliated for quick reimbursement using MIL form. We can help you complete it during the visit. *Spanish-Speaking Doctors *Neurodiverse-Affirmative-Ally *Testing Accommodation Letters *Competitive Academic & Career Planning *Science-Based Productivity Aids for PTSD, ADHD & TBI

Empowering Options is one of the most effective counseling approaches because our philosophy is to be uniquely on the side of the client. We concentrate on helping you learn, explore, and create your options. Options are in the perspective – the beliefs that you view yourself and the world through. As children, we believe what the adults in our lives told about the world and especially about ourselves. This profoundly affects us as adults. The way we view ourselves, our level of self-acceptance, self-esteem, and how we act in our lives and in our intimate relationships. The view we are given of ourselves determines our levels of self-esteem, and self–acceptance, and is one of the main reasons for problems in our relationships, with our partners, and in our parenting. Most of us were unintentionally taught, from a very young age, to think and feel against ourselves. So we do not have an objective view of ourselves and little compassion for how we handle the challenges we face. No charge for the first session to make sure it's a good fit. See the website for all other info.

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.

Hi, my name is Sandy! I am a Master’s level therapist with a special interest in working with adolescents and immigrant populations. I am bilingual in English and Burmese and am open to taking patients in both languages. I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and my Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Roosevelt University. I am a part of the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA). I have experience working with children and adolescents in an inpatient psychiatric hospital and working with older adults and veterans on an online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program. I mainly work from a trauma informed cognitive behavioral framework, while incorporating techniques from psychodynamic and ACT practices. As a therapist, I enjoy creating a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions without judgment or biases. I am particularly drawn to working with immigrants on their mental health as I believe they are often underserved and as an immigrant myself, I am very familiar with the stressors of immigrating and the cultural factors that come with it.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 10 years of professional experience as a non profit leader and clinician providing direct services to a diverse population. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression; anxiety; trauma/abuse; adverse child experiences; gender and sexual identity and coming out; and substance use issues. I have received advanced training in evidenced based practices including completing two 40 training modules to work with sexual abuse and assault survivors and survivors of domestic violence. My counseling style is adapted to the needs of the individual that I am working with. I often use a cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based approach within a trauma-informed and harm reduction framework to help the client I am working with achieve their goals. 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!

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!

I am a firm believer that making the decision to address your issues takes a great deal of courage and bravery. Many of us come from circumstances or environments that encourage us to push through pain by burying it, outworking it, or avoiding it. While these coping skills help us to survive, they don't necessarily encourage us to thrive. As a therapist with psychodynamic training and extensive life coaching experience, it is important to me that our sessions focus on identifying where core issues are coming from, encourage collaborative problem solving, as well as create space for intentional goal setting. I have a great deal of experience helping young adults and professionals with life transitions. Building an authentic sense of self is the first step to cultivating a sense of purpose, empathetic relationships, and healthy boundaries. I approach therapy from a multi-modal lense and take great care to address and honor differences in lived experiences. If anything above resonates please contact me! Being a first-generation Arab American myself, I know how difficult it can be to move past the stigma of pursuing mental health services. That being said, I also know that the most difficult things in life also tend to be the most rewarding. You should be proud of yourself for taking this first step!

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience helping people cope with family and social issues. I have worked with clients with depression, suicidal ideations, anxiety, OCD, TBI, intellectual disabilities, conduct disorders, anger management issues, intermittent explosive disorder, domestic violence, identity, family, grief, social and academic issues. I especially working with college and graduate students, and have also provided guidance and support to families in navigating IEP, 504, and LRE concerns in school environments. I believe everyone can overcome challenges; I help provide a supportive and nurturing environment to help clients navigate tough challenges and situations. Counseling is powerful, and I am diligent about supporting my clients and helping them to reach their full potential. 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!

Ace Counseling Group is a Chicagoland & Illinois practice that strives to help aid clients in their journey for self-reflection, self-improvement and growth. We provide Mental Health Therapy through Telehealth for those with a limited schedule, the inability to meet face-to-face, or if you might just feel more comfortable seeing a therapist via a video platform. Our mission is to make sure each client feels the utmost comfort in their counseling journey and is able to feel heard and understood by their counselor.

Julia has always maintained the belief that we, as humans, are all worthy and capable of healing. Our life experiences, backgrounds, and circumstances play a significant role in the way we feel and express our emotions. Julia strives to create a comforting therapeutic space, characterized by acceptance and cultural humility. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in strength-based treatment, intending to guide the client in understanding the strong influence our thought processes have on our behaviors and emotions. Additionally, Julia understands the impact of childhood experiences and relationships through life and the role they play in our emotional expression. Julia has received training in a variety of treatment modalities. She has experience working with individuals and groups, assisting clients in managing challenges related to trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and difficulties within relationships. Julia is LGBTQIA+ affirming, seeking to provide a safe space to heal and grow, for all people. She honors multicultural humility, consistently seeking to expand her knowledge and understanding of our diverse world.

While trauma can be generational, so can healing! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently based out of Illinois. Since I started working in the field, I have gained experience providing services to those who not only identified troubles due to mental health, but who have also struggled with addiction. I received my MSW from the University of Northern Iowa in 2018 where I specialized in trauma processing and trauma-informed care. I am also an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Trained Therapist; I find this modality has been especially helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma but can also be used for other mental health diagnoses such as depression and anxiety. While my previous work experience has an emphasis on trauma and addiction, I am also comfortable working with issues such as depression, anxiety, and anger management among other different diagnoses. I have also had the joy of working with individuals of all ages. I like to use an eclectic approach when it comes to treatment modalities because I believe that there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to therapy. I truly believe that one is the expert of their own experiences, so I enjoy working collaboratively with individuals to tailor their mental health services to meet their needs. I pride myself on providing a welcoming and inclusive space for the individuals I work with to feel heard and to heal from their past and present. I want everyone I work with to know that their feelings are valid, and hope that they leave feeling empowered to take on life’s challenges! 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 also 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.

Megan provides Individual and Group psychotherapy, specializing in treating individuals with addictions, eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and self-injuring behaviors. She has worked in the residential setting, intensive outpatient, and outpatient settings. Megan believes in a holistic approach that is integrative, trauma-informed, psychodynamic, and empowering. She focuses on treating the whole individual, including emotionally, physically, psychologically, and spiritually. Megan’s counseling style is compassionate, empathic, and collaborative. She strives to meet each client where they are in their process.

Welcome to Greater Chicago Counseling Center where together we help you resolve conflict which interferes with your happiness and potential. We accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO or Blue Choice PPO and bill for you. Through an empathic partnership our counselors assist you in changing destructive patterns and replacing them with productive coping mechanisms. We’re good at listening when you feel like you have no one else. We’ll help you confront your deepest fears. We’ll help you sort out relationship issues. Giving you new tools and hope remains our goal. We look forward to helping you. Please call or email today (312)955-0319 or info@greaterchicagocounselingcenter.com

Have you ever thought, “Nobody will understand what I’m going through?” Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-isolation, or a negative internal voice? Have you had an experience making it difficult to move forward and live a fulfilling life? Are you feeling “stuck?” Though I will never know exactly what it’s like to step into your shoes, I thank you for the opportunity to let me enter your support system. I believe in normalizing mental health and these feelings we experience as humans. Attending to our physical, personal, social, and spiritual wellness is important. Healing is holistic, and though it may not always be easy, it is achievable. You are allowed to feel like this, and you are also allowed and able to live a more free and fulfilling life. I believe therapy is about inspiring self-growth and exploration, beginning with the therapeutic relationship. I want you to feel like you’re in the driver's seat, and I’m a passenger cheering you on, helping you navigate your personal story. I want to help you explore how your habits and self-talk impact how your story is told. I am here to aid you in handling your challenges and stressors and find meaning throughout the journey. I hope to build a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore, feel unconditionally supported, and grow during and beyond our time in session. I want you to feel comfortable and empowered while you learn how to best support yourself as you experience life's intricate human emotions. Therapy is a brave step, and I’m so glad you’re taking the time to attend to your needs. I’m excited to meet you, work alongside you, and help you meet your goals! I completed my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and people of different races, ages, gender identities, religions, and sexual orientations. I have worked previously in substance abuse and crisis-intensive outpatient settings. I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety or trauma related to past negative experiences. During our initial sessions, we will delve into your current stressors, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. I use EMDR to address trauma to help people live in the present instead of the past without having to retraumatize themselves. I practice from a person-centered lens, working collaboratively with you to determine the best interventions for you. I will use EMDR therapy to help specific memories, beliefs, and experiences become "unstuck" so you can live in the now and develop adaptive thoughts. I believe the most important aspects of our work together are the trust and respect we cultivate with each other. I focus on using a strength-based approach and attention to habits, self-talk, attachment styles, and trauma-informed care. I use different theories and techniques depending on what works best for each individual because every person is different and unique. I hope to work alongside you collaboratively to explore how to support you best. It would be an honor to meet you and learn more about how I can fit into your support system. You matter right now and at every stage of your journey. You are worthy of a more joyful future.