Therapists for college students near 60611

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.

Whether you have specific goals in therapy, or are simply struggling to keep your head above water, therapy can be a space to slow down and allow yourself the opportunity to sit with your experiences and feelings. I love working with queer and trans folks, people exploring their gender and sexuality for the first time, as well as people with Autism and ADHD, and people who are exploring the possibility that they may be neurodivergent. I also enjoy working with people with complex trauma histories, religious trauma, complicated family dynamics, as well as people struggling with anxiety and mood disorders. I am dedicated to working with clients to identify and process what is keeping them “stuck,” so clients can create for themselves a healthier future. I believe that harnessing creativity within the process of therapy can be extremely beneficial, especially for clients who have a more difficult time verbally expressing their thoughts and feelings. As a nonbinary and neurodivergent person, I know how important it is to find a therapist who shares your identities. I generally tend to be laid-back and very relational as a therapist and enjoy using humor to build rapport. Ultimately, this is YOUR space, and I want clients to feel like therapy is a place where they get to exercise autonomy.

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!

You don’t need a polished goal to start therapy. I work with adolescents and adults who are dealing with anxiety, stress, burnout, identity questions, or major life changes, as well as people who just want to understand themselves better. We can start wherever you are. Therapy can serve different purposes at different times. It might be a space to slow things down, to make sense of experiences, or to experiment with new ways of responding to challenges. We adjust the focus as your needs become clearer. I’ve spent the last decade working with a variety of Chicagoans across the city, from the North Side to the South Side. I love the work because I get to grow and learn from the people I support just as often as I offer them opportunities for their own growth. I believe the greatest strength of the human species is our ability to support each other. I will never be judgmental. I think everyone deserves second chances and I will fight to help you find yours. Therapy can be overwhelming, but a first session should simply introduce two people and lay out the groundwork for future sessions. Once we understand your goal, and align our expectations, we can start digging into the process behind it. Just ask!

It is often difficult to ask for support in the face of life’s challenges, and I appreciate you taking this step! I work with young adults and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, and identity and self-esteem concerns, among others. My goal is to create a comfortable and safe space where we work collaboratively to help you face those challenges and make the changes you desire to live a more fulfilling life. We all have vulnerabilities, and strengths we often don’t realize. I therefore work with my clients to build on their strengths and resilience, and develop self-compassion. I recognize the impact of culture on our identities and experiences and I have enjoyed working with clients from diverse backgrounds at outpatient, community mental health, and university counseling settings. These included the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University, DePaul University and University of Illinois at Chicago. I welcome clients from all walks of life and feel humbled by their willingness to invite me to be a part of their journey.

I specialize in working with adolescents, teenagers, college students, and young adults struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, and stress, specifically related to their relationships and school functioning. I help clients reflect, access their strengths, and challenge negative mindsets, guiding them to make choices aligned with their values. I look forward to connecting with you to help you grow into the best version of yourself!

Everyday Psychotherapy Chicago focuses on helping clients bridge the gap between insight gained in the therapy room and meaningful action in daily life. Our goal is to create a collaborative space where you can develop practical, evidence-based skills — emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, and self-awareness — and actively practice them outside of sessions. Whether you’re navigating stress at work, deepening relationships, managing ADHD, building resilience after loss, or striving for personal growth, therapy becomes a rehearsal space for real-world living. We work together to translate concepts into concrete strategies you can use in everyday moments — from morning routines to high-stakes meetings, from quiet reflection to important conversations. At Everyday Psychotherapy Chicago, change isn’t limited to our sessions — it’s woven into the way you think, feel, and respond in your daily life.

Do you struggle with feeling guilty after eating certain foods? Have you tried diet after diet hoping that the next one will finally stick? Do you feel obsessed with food and what your body looks like? Is overeating and binge eating common for you and/or do you struggle with restriction? Do you base your worth on the number you see on the scale? Are you hoping to finally stop calorie counting and learn how to eat intuitively? If any of these questions sound familiar, you are in the right place! While working with me, you will learn how to: build meals and snacks that are both physically AND emotionally satisfying, build trust with your body again (or maybe for the first time), decrease binges and/or guilt experienced with certain foods, and gain freedom once and for all from obsessive feelings about food/body image!

Dr. David Weidner is a Telehealth Sleep Expert who serves clients living in Illinois. Dr. Weidner is a Sleep Specialist who sees clients with Sleep concerns such as: insomnia, narcolepsy, circadian rhythm disorders, CPAP adherence, Sleep Apnea issues and nightmares. Dr. Weidner sees self-pay clients from the states listed above. The fee for each session is $199. He takes insurance for Illinois residents. Insurance plans include; Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

At The Kedzie Center, we aim to provide a safe space, by providing confidential and empathic care. Within this frame, therapy is guided by the initial concern that prompted the individual or family to seek treatment. Areas of concern may include emotional distress, relationship issues, work or employment stress, grief and loss, major life transitions, adjustment issues, behavior problems, acculturative stress, and exposure to trauma, abuse or violence. Therapy can be brief in nature, allowing for an exploration and resolution of the presenting concern. Treatment can also be long-term, with a greater focus on seeking to understand the internal and interpersonal dynamics at play in one’s life. How therapy is structured and scheduled is part of the ongoing collaboration between therapist and client. Based on an initial assessment, recommendations are made for individual, family and group therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Services are available in both English and Spanish at this time.

Melissa Mello is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in the evidence-based treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, and eating disorders. Melissa received her BS in psychology from the University of Washington and her Masters in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Melissa completed her training at UC San Diego in an outpatient setting and went on to contribute to clinical research and provide services for eating disorders on multidisciplinary teams. She was also a program therapist for the UCSD Intensive Family Treatment (IFT) program- a week-long intensive program for teens with eating disorders and their families. She has been trained in and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Family Based Treatment (FBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy( ACT). Her primary interests include working with children, teens, and young adults with anxiety disorders, OCD, and eating disorders. She is a member of the International OCD Foundation and a certified Family Based Treatment provider.

Welcome! I'm the founder of Internal Authenticity LLC, a space dedicated to self-discovery, healing, and growth. As a Clinical Licensed Counselor, I’m passionate about helping individuals embrace their true selves, navigate life’s challenges, and cultivate meaningful connections. Whether you’re here to explore, reflect, or begin your journey toward authenticity, I’m honored to walk alongside you. I invite you to take a look around and see how Internal Authenticity can support you on your path

My ideal clients are queer, neurodivergent folks with a history of trauma. They may struggle with self-acceptance, navigating relationships, or managing emotional overwhelm. Their needs include validation, trauma-informed care, coping strategies, and support in embracing their unique identities. Their goals are healing, reclaiming their power, and building a sense of community. They want to feel empowered, seen, and safe—so they can live authentically, cultivate self-trust, and thrive despite the challenges they face in a world that often marginalizes them. I specialize in EMDR, somatic therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients process trauma, regulate emotions, and heal from past wounds. Using these modalities, I guide clients in reconnecting with their bodies, integrating fragmented parts of themselves, and fostering self-compassion to create lasting emotional transformation. I understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate trauma, identity, and emotional struggles on your own. You deserve a space where you’re seen, heard, and supported. Together, we can explore healing through trauma-informed techniques like EMDR, somatic work, and IFS. You don’t have to do this alone—I'm here to support you when you're ready.

Therapy is not about “fixing” yourself. It is about making space to understand yourself, and developing compassion for the parts of you that feel confusing, painful, or hard to face. Healing begins when we stop running from ourselves and start acknowledging what has been asking for our attention. I offer a therapeutic space that is warm, curious, and non-judgmental. I work with adults navigating depression, anxiety, identity exploration, family and relationship dynamics, and more. I am passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community, those struggling with strained or painful relationships, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. I invite those who feel their experiences are not always affirmed by the world around them to explore what it means to feel seen, find clarity, and build self-trust.

Hello, I am a huge advocate for school and I am so glad you want to better your life! I offer a welcoming environment for students and encourage you to be open. This is a judgment-free zone. I specialize with clients whom are experiencing depression, anxiety, school stressors, life stressors, and in many other areas.

There are many ways we learn to cope with hurt, stress, and loss and, given our past experiences and upbringing, these ways can often involve avoidance – wanting to escape or numb the pain. This may look like excessive screen use, emotional eating, self-medicating, isolating, self-harm, etc. If you’re noticing that what helped you get by until now no longer works, if it’s impacting your ability to show up in your life and engage with the things you care about most, then I want to be your ally and support you through the process of change. My approach is collaborative, non-judgmental, and warm. In each session I prioritize creating a safe space for you to explore what brings you into therapy while providing a constructive environment, utilizing evidence-based approaches, to help you learn healthier coping strategies and facilitate the change you want to make. I want you to know that you are not alone and asking for help is an act of courage. I want to hear your story and have the privilege to accompany you on your journey of self-exploration, healing, and growth. To quote Brené Brown, “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years experience in the mental health field. I received my Master’s In Social Work Degree from Loyola University Chicago after spending a few years in Corporate America. I use a strength-based approach combined with empathy, lightness, and humor (when appropriate) to help you gain insight and skills to change. I draw from principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing and am client centered. I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma and PTSD and have completed advanced training in perinatal mental health.

Orange Tree Counseling and Consulting is a therapy private practice currently offering telehealth services in Evanston and the surrounding Chicagoland areas. Our core belief is that each person has the skills and tools they need to thrive within them, and therapy provides a space for those tools to emerge. We welcome adults from all walks of life to work with us, and we have a specialized focus on the unique issues of LGBTQIA and BIPOC college students, Black women and individuals of color. Our hope is to create meaningful change in the lives of every client we are privileged to provide therapy services to. Everyone deserves an opportunity to live the life they’ve imagined. Let us be a part of your healing journey today

I am currently accepting new clients! Seeking therapy and finding a professional you trust can be difficult, even overwhelming. I aim to ease this transition by creating a nonjudgmental, flexible, and supportive space for our sessions- one that promotes your growth and healing. I believe meaningful change starts with meaningful relationships. As such, I will partner with you to build an alliance that fosters curiosity, strength, and resilience. I value depth-based work and use an integrative, individualized approach to therapy. Inherent in this approach is diligently staying attuned to your goals and what you need from our sessions. I work with individuals (16+ years old) and couples who are struggling with problems related to life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relationships. I also have experience exploring gender and sexuality, LGBTQ+ issues, problematic eating patterns, and sexual/relational trauma. I am honored to work with individuals holding many identities, backgrounds, and life experiences. I especially enjoy working with students, creative minds, or anyone trying to untangle the meaning of life. If you think we may be a good fit, I encourage you to reach out and look forward to hearing from you.

I believe in acknowledging and honoring the yet untold stories of our lives, especially the messy and imperfect parts. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with 14 years of experience as a therapist. Over the years, I've worked with those struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, generalized and social anxiety, self-esteem issues, substance use concerns, suicidal thoughts, life transitions, family conflict, academic stress, and more. I’ve worked in many diverse settings, however, when I began working in university counseling centers several years ago, I discovered a true passion for working with students. My style is warm, validating, and direct. I bring my genuine, authentic self to the therapy space, and will work with you to understand past experiences, identify recurring themes, and uncover patterns, aiming to bring clarity and foster change. For those who prefer a more structured, goal-oriented approach, another important part of my work with you is to help you discover and develop your own abilities, skills, and strengths- turning them into practical coping skills that can be used in your everyday life outside of sessions. My hope is to build a compassionate and collaborative relationship with you, and to support you through the range of experiences that come with academic life- from its challenges and triumphs to everything in between.