Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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

You’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and you don’t know how to manage everything. You feel like no one understands and it seems as though life keeps getting harder. It seems like you’ve tried everything and nothing is working. Do you often ask yourself what can I do to feel better? Do you find yourself wanting to connect with someone? Everyone deals with a hardship at one point in their lives. During this time it can be difficult to feel heard, understood, supported. I understand that reaching out for the initial session can be difficult, but take the first step, it’s the hardest. I am here to support and guide you in creating positive change. Imagine understanding your triggers, so you have a better understanding of how to manage them. No matter what you’re dealing with or what age you are, I can help you with the difficulties you’re facing. I’ve spent years helping clients learn about themselves and make positive life changes. I offer a safe space for clients to feel comfortable and confident about managing life‘s challenges. I look forward to working together.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience providing individual therapy to a diverse population of adults ages 18 years and older. I have speciality in Anxiety, Depression, and provided support for those who have experienced trauma. I started EmpathicPath to help those through difficult times. I combine cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance, and solution focused therapy based an each individual client’s needs through talk therapy. I provide a nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and respected. My goal is to help you gain deeper insight into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and to identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck or causing distress.

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.

At Tailwinds, we believe mental healthcare should be accessible, transparent, and deeply human. Too often, people seeking support encounter long waitlists, confusing costs, or clinicians stretched thin by systems that don’t support them. Our vision is to remove those barriers, creating a practice where clients and clinicians alike feel valued, supported, and equipped to thrive. We see mental healthcare not just as a service, but as a partnership that helps individuals, families, and communities move forward with strength, sureness, and compassion.

Hi, I’m Sarah, and I’m so glad you’re here. Living with ADHD or autism, especially as a woman or parent, can be overwhelming in a world that often misunderstands or overlooks neurodivergent experiences. Whether you're juggling college, burnout, or just trying to feel like yourself, you don’t have to do it alone. I offer counseling in South Carolina (in person and telehealth) and Illinois (telehealth only), with a focus on supporting neurodivergent women and parents. My approach is personalized and affirming, drawing from CBT, Mindfulness-Based DBT, and Narrative Therapy. Together, we’ll work to reduce distress, explore your story, and reconnect with your strengths, all without trying to “fix” who you are. You deserve care that meets you where you are, honors how your brain works, and supports you as your full self.

Hello! I am a proud Hispanic Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the social service field and 3 years practicing therapy. I’m also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and I’m passionate about providing support that is compassionate, practical, and culturally grounded. Mental health is essential for everyone, and I believe it holds a special importance within the Hispanic community where stigma can sometimes make seeking help difficult. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where healing and growth are possible for all.

Hello! My name is Megan Little, I am a passionate individual who enjoys building a connection with those I work with. I am a licensed social worker who has experience working with adolescents, young adults, and older adults who face a variety of struggles throughout their lifetime. My areas of specialization include anxiety reduction, grief counseling, relationship issues, occupational issues, Christian counseling, learning disabilities, parenting issues, and woman’s issues. I began my career working at a behavioral hospital and as a school social worker. Through many different focuses throughout my career, I truly fell in love with one-on-one based therapy. I truly believe that every person has a story and deserves to be heard. Life can be difficult, but with a helping hand, nothing is impossible to achieve. As a therapist, I feel very passionate empowering my clients to gain control of their lives back and the goals that they once wanted to pursue. Throughout therapy, I may utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) focuses along with holistic and existential therapy approaches to help my clients further explore their goals, beliefs, and their own personal values. I am a strong advocate that everyone brings their own unique life experiences and strengths to the table, and that there is no true exact replica approach to therapy. My goal and purpose is to individually invest in each person who I meet with and to utilize my strengths, expertise and approach to each individualistic client’s needs. Languages Spoken: English Professional Photo:

Welcome! Are you one of those students who struggles with keeping things organized or gets stuck and shuts down when you have a lot going on? Do you get overwhelmed easily? Are you just having some trouble adjusting to being at school? Imagine feeling at ease when you have big assignments coming up, or having the coping skills to work through anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed! Life would be easier and you would be more more in control. If that’s you, you have come to the right place! I focus on helping college students work through their anxiety and challenges with planning ahead, time management, and social skills. I also work with students struggling to adjust to the transition and those just “needing someone to talk to while they are at school” for whatever reason! I look forward to hearing from you! Please reach out via my website: www.rachelkalinalcsw.com and schedule your FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION and we can discuss your needs! Have more questions? Email me at: rachel@rachelkalinalcsw.com

VitaMental Nutrition helps people control of their health with practical, science-backed nutrition counseling that fits your busy life. Whether you're trying to boost energy, manage weight, or eat better on a budget, we make nutrition simple, supportive, and affordable (we’re in-network with many major insurance plans!). Anthony Tassoni, RDN, CSOWM, LDN, founder of VitaMental Nutrition, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. He has been practicing for over 13 years, helping folks from all over the nation to reach their health and nutrition goals.

Our Collinsville, Illinois office location is a quick ten-minute drive from downtown St. Louis. We offer appointment availability seven days a week and can provide up to two or three appointments per week, if needed. Our other offices are located in Lake in the Hills, Schaumburg, and St. Charles, Illinois. Two current therapists at Owens Counseling can offer telehealth services across the Illinois/Missouri state line (Lori Kaniewski and Michael Peila). Our Collinsville office is part of a large group practice with multiple therapists, with varying clinical backgrounds and expertise, to offer support with any mental health concern. Two other therapists are available to offer bilingual services in Spanish, Polish (Craig Janowiak), and American Sign Language (Amber Kay). Our admin team is very helpful in navigating insurance and establishing an initial appointment. We work with many insurance companies and offer self-pay options to qualify for. Our main office and admin office is located in Lake in the Hills, Illinois.

I am a licensed psychologist dedicated to supporting college-aged individuals as they navigate one of the most transformative and challenging periods of life. Whether you’re adjusting to a new environment, managing academic pressures, exploring your identity, or coping with stress, anxiety, or relationships, I provide a safe, confidential space where you can feel heard and understood. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each person’s unique needs. I draw from evidence-based practices to help you build practical skills, deepen self-awareness, and develop resilience. Together, we can work toward managing overwhelming emotions, improving focus and motivation, strengthening relationships, and fostering a greater sense of balance and well-being. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to navigate this stage alone. I welcome new college-aged clients and strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you can grow and thrive.

I am a board-certified general psychiatrist. I completed my undergraduate studies in Biology and Psychology at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY, and earned my medical degree from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Following that, I completed my residency in general psychiatry at the same institution. I have experience working in various clinical settings, including psychiatric emergency rooms, first-episode psychosis programs, obsessive-compulsive disorder clinics, and specialized psychiatric units in hospitals. I have also worked with diverse patient populations, such as refugees, veterans, and individuals from underserved urban and rural areas. My approach is centered around the patient and takes a holistic view. My treatment includes medication management along with a combination of supportive, cognitive behavioral, and psychodynamic therapies.

I am Brittany Brookshire, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor working remotely with clients in Illinois and Arkansas. I graduated in 2017 with a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Georgia, and I have worked as a school counselor and in private practice. Many of my clients are between ages 18-50, and I often work with people experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and adult ADHD. I love being a part of peoples’ journeys through life, and I feel passionately about helping those going through (or healing from) life transitions, religious trauma, abusive relationships, uncertainty in life, grief, stress within marriages, or those just working to love or learn about themselves. I am currently accepting clients ages 18 and up, and I would love to meet you and see if we would be a good fit. Not sure what you are looking for in a counselor? Have questions about me, my practice, or how to find the right counselor for you? I would love to hear from you!

Hi, I’m so glad you’re here. Working with me is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I might be a good fit if you’re an over-functioning perfectionist, people-pleaser, or eldest daughter ready to strengthen boundaries and take back your life. I specialize in supporting individuals transitioning to life with Type 1 diabetes, inner child work, recovering from a relationship, or leaving narcissistic abuse behind. My background in family therapy includes parent coaching, supporting caregiver burnout, adolescent therapy and play therapy. My intention is for you to feel supported, validated, and inspired to grow, while making space for deep self-exploration. My approach is relational and trauma-informed, grounded in Health at Every Size and social justice. I integrate IFS, narrative therapy, and somatic experiencing to support meaningful, lasting change. I believe therapy is a tool to help you feel free, empowered, and fully yourself.

My dedication to mental health comes from an interest in patients’ stories and the need to help them, educate them, and encourage them to take an active role in their care. My goal is to collaborate with my patients with empathy to help them better understand their health so they can make important health decisions. I believe in providing individualized care through a holistic approach. I am Board Certified in General Psychiatry. My areas of expertise include Major Depressive Disorder, Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, and psychosis. I am an avid reader and love cooking, gardening, and painting. I have two children and enjoy spending time with my family.

I believe in providing a safe and supportive environment for clients to express themselves without judgment. My approach to therapy is collaborative and tailored to the client - I believe that different techniques work better for different people. I integrate cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and humanistic styles into my treatment plans to create a productive and empathetic therapeutic experience. My clients have described me as comforting yet honest, with a knack for encouraging insight. I specialize in working with members of the LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and disabled communities, though I’m passionate about providing compassionate therapy for all. I have experience with a diverse range of clients and presenting problems. I worked as a special education recreation counselor for children and adolescents with developmental and physical disabilities. My clinical experience comes from working in a residential treatment center with a focus on trauma, eating disorders, and addiction. Many of my clients have also struggled with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or like you're carrying invisible weight no one else can see? Whether you're juggling classes, navigating relationships, questioning your identity, or dealing with family or cultural pressure, you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m Tsuki, and I specialize in working with students who often feel like they don’t quite “fit the mold.” Many of the students I support are BIPOC, neurodivergent (ADHD, Autistic, AuDHD), and LGBTQIA+, and they're trying to make sense of who they are while moving through complex systems that weren’t built with them in mind. In therapy, your whole self is welcome — even the parts that feel messy or misunderstood. I offer online therapy in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese and bring a compassionate, down-to-earth approach to our work together. Therapy with me is collaborative, flexible, and always grounded in respect for who you are and what you need. If you’re looking for support with anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, identity questions, or just feeling stuck — I’m here to help.

My approach is integrative and trauma-informed, drawing from psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, and mindfulness. I have particular experience working with grief, identity exploration, chronic illness, spirituality, LGBTQ health, and women’s health. I also work with clients who feel disconnected from their purpose or who are navigating major shifts in their sense of self. Our work will begin with your story, and from there, we will collaboratively create a plan to address your goals. My aim is to help clients access their own wisdom, find relief from emotional distress, deepen self-awareness, and experience greater self-compassion. In addition to my work as a psychotherapist, I have worked as an interfaith hospital chaplain, supporting patients, families, and staff during moments of intense vulnerability and uncertainty. This experience informs my work, allowing me to hold space for life’s deepest questions and existential concerns. My approach to spirituality is non-prescriptive, honoring each person’s unique beliefs, values, and ways of making meaning.

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!