Therapists for college students near University of Chicago
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.
Hi! I'm Rachel. As a licensed therapist with 11 years of experience. I specialize in helping individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, perfectionism and low self esteem, among others. My approach is compassionate, client-centered, and grounded in evidence-based techniques. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. Whether you're facing a major life transition or simply want to better understand yourself, I’m here to support your growth and healing every step of the way. I been trained in EMDR, have extensive experience treating complex trauma and emerging adulthood issues. I am LGBTQI affirming. I have used expressive/art therapy techniques for clients who better express themselves creatively.
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!
College and grad school is a time for self-discovery, building connections with peers, and finding your place in the world. But let's be real, it's not always easy. College and grad school bring up a lot of unique challenges. Whether you’re struggling with relationships, questioning your identity, or feeling overwhelmed by academic pressure and expectations, it’s okay to feel like things are tough. I’m here to support you, and together we’ll find what’s not working and tap into your strengths to help you create a more fulfilling and balanced experience. I'm dedicated to helping you find hope, healing, and understanding during challenging times. My true passion lies in cultivating long-term, meaningful connections with students, creating a space where you can freely explore your deepest concerns. If you're interested in learning more about how I can support you, please reach out to me or visit my website to schedule a free initial consultation. I'm thrilled you're taking this step and would be honored to work with you!
I work with clients who are feeling stuck, lost, and struggling to move forward with their life. Seeking help might be intimidating, but therapy can be a space to receive support with navigating the constant struggles of life, and it can be an empowering journey of finding meaning and thinking more thoughtfully about your relationship with yourself and others. This is why I value creating a strong and authentic therapeutic relationship to support your growth and empower you to create the change you desire. I utilize various techniques that are tailored to your specific needs, and I strive to create a warm environment where we can explore different topics and work towards your goals together. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, life transitions, and trauma. I assist my clients with managing professional and academic concerns, creating healthier habits, finding balance, and feeling more fulfilled with their lives. I also offer couples therapy for those seeking to improve intimacy, communication, trust, and emotional closeness with their partners. Additionally, I’m passionate about working with international students and immigrants, a path close to my heart as a former international student from Italy. This firsthand experience of navigating the immigration system and adjusting to a different culture has shaped my approach to therapeutic work, ensuring sensitivity to my clients’ unique experiences, beliefs, and marginalized identities. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from Loyola University Chicago, and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton. I have previously worked in hospitals and community mental health settings, and I especially enjoy working with college and graduate students, international students, early and mid-career professionals, and couples. I also offer therapy in Italian.
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I seek to build a strong therapeutic relationship through active listening and collaboration. My role as your therapist is to appreciate the complexity and nuances of your concerns. I believe you have the innate ability to heal from pain and dysfunction, and my role is to meet you where you are at and provide perceptive to your situation. At the early stages of our work together, I emphasize establishing trust through clear communication and active listening. As we get to know each other, my style adapts to your needs. Regarding my training and experience, I have worked as a master’s-level licensed counselor for eight years. I have extensive experience working with a variety of people and presenting problems. To illustrate, I have worked with creative students as well as adults entering the workforce, individuals struggling with mood disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder), and life transitions issues. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and am particularly attuned to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, creatives, and emerging adults. my therapeutic approach is rooted in fostering an environment of open dialogue and trust, where clients feel validated and supported. I tend to use the following therapeutic modalities in my practice: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Solutions focused.
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.
I am passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families looking to strengthen relationships with themselves and each other. My approach is guided by systems thinking which places clients in a context acknowledging and exploring the myriad of factors that shape who we are as people and how we experience the world. I have experience working with diverse populations with a variety of concerns including relational conflict, identity exploration, trauma, grief, and sexuality. My wish is to walk with clients in identifying strengths and gaining insight while looking for patterns that no longer serve them to make room for new experiences. As an integrative therapist, I draw upon a variety of models while always maintaining a social justice lens. Trained as a relational therapist, I see connection to ourselves and each other as paramount to the human experience and have a particular passion in working with young adults in fostering healthy relationships. I have also completed a certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan's School of Social Work which has deepened my knowledge of working with people struggling with issues related to sexuality including functioning concerns. I am a curious, compassionate, and direct clinician who places emphasis on feedback and collaboration to ensure clients get their needs met throughout treatment. My hope is for clients to leave our sessions feeling more empowered and self-aware. The therapeutic relationship is a key factor in determining the success of therapy. Please contact me if you have any questions about how I practice to determine if I would be a good fit for you. I would love the opportunity to connect with you!
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
Leslie is a licensed clinical social worker. She earned her Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, and her Bachelors in Social Work at Luther College in Iowa. Leslie has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with various issues including depression, anxiety, coping skills, difficult life transitions, and building self-compassion. She has worked with individuals in many different settings ranging from individual and group therapy to crisis intervention in the Emergency Room. Leslie practices from a strength-based approach and combines several modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness. Throughout treatment, she works with clients to utilize coping skills, identify their core values, and develop a strong sense of self. Leslie believes that regardless of age, clients are their own expert and therefore aims to build a strong therapeutic relationship that provides a warm and accepting environment that can lead to positive change.
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I believe that my clients know themselves better than anyone else, so my role is to provide resources and support to help them meet their goals. As a social worker, I also help my clients unpack how larger systems impact their mental health and relationships. I work from a queer-affirming, anti-oppressive, and neurodivergent-affirming approach to therapy.
I work with college and graduate students who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted—even when things look “fine” on the outside. Many of my clients are high-functioning, thoughtful, and self-aware, yet struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, relationship patterns, or a persistent sense that something isn’t quite right. My approach is psychodynamic, meaning we look beyond symptom management to understand the underlying emotional patterns, relationships, and life experiences shaping how you feel and function today. Therapy becomes a space to slow down, reflect, and make sense of internal conflicts that often get pushed aside in the pressure-filled environment of academic life. Students often come to me during periods of transition—starting or finishing school, navigating independence, questioning identity or values, or managing the emotional toll of performance expectations. Rather than offering quick fixes, I focus on helping clients develop insight, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of self that extends well beyond college.
I am a therapist who is looking to provide clients with a safe non-judgemental space. No matter your background, similarities, or differences, the ultimate goal is to ensure that you, the client, feel safe and supported. Whether you are currently experiencing a crisis, seeking to manage ongoing concerns, or looking for a space to space to check-in, I am here to support you. Reach out to schedule a free consultation. Let's see if I would be a good fit for you.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
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.
Welcome to Mind Body Behavioral Health, your premier destination for comprehensive healthcare services tailored to address your psychiatric, physical, and emotional needs! We are dedicated to guiding you towards optimal health and well-being. With a compassionate approach that integrates care for mind, body, and spirit, we strive to empower you on your journey to wellness. Explore our range of services designed to enhance your health and happiness, including treatment for depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality disorders, trauma-related disorders, substance abuse, and other mental health illnesses. Join us on this transformative journey toward optimal well-being, where every individual is valued, heard, and empowered to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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!