Therapists for college students near 60614

Hi, I’m Zoe—a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and DBT-certified therapist, offering virtual therapy across Florida, Illinois, and Texas. I work with college students, especially young women, who feel anxious, misunderstood, or stuck in cycles of self-doubt, perfectionism, or unhealthy patterns. Classes, relationships, family stress, and the constant pressure to “have it all figured out” can leave you feeling overwhelmed. In therapy, you don’t have to perform or pretend you’re fine—you get a space to be real, vent, and start untangling what’s been weighing you down. ✨ You might relate if… You’re overthinking every text, email, or decision. You feel “different” or “too much” compared to your friends. You’re caught in cycles with food, body image, or relationships. You’re exhausted from trying to keep it all together. In our first session, we’ll slow things down. I’ll get to know your story, the challenges you’re facing, and what you’d like to change. You don’t need to have a plan—I’ll ask questions to help us explore your coping patterns, relationships, and what’s been hardest lately. This is a supportive space where you can share at your own pace—no pressure to open up before you’re ready. By the end, we’ll have a clearer picture of your goals and how we can work toward them. My goal is to make sure you feel heard, understood, and supported from the very beginning.

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!

I help teens and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, self injury, intense emotions, ADHD, substance misuse, as well as identity, sexuality, and gender questioning. I’m passionate about helping people begin to understand themselves, face what’s been holding them down, and develop new skills and resources while creating new paths forward. Witnessing people in therapy recognize their strengths, develop self acceptance, understand what is most important to them, and show self compassion to themselves is the best part about being a therapist and one I am grateful for.

Are you tired of overthinking everything—relationships, school, work, finances, and what’s coming next in life? Do you find yourself always thinking ahead, planning details, and trying to stay on top of everything… to the point that it feels exhausting? Maybe your mind rarely slows down. You replay conversations, overanalyze decisions, and put pressure on yourself to do things the “right” way. You may find yourself feeling anxious about the future or wondering whether you’re somehow falling behind. Internally, it can feel exhausting to always be this “on.” If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many highly capable people feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep it all together while quietly struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, and emotional exhaustion. And often, it’s not simply a time management issue—it’s the mental and emotional load of carrying too much for too long. I specialize in helping individuals manage overthinking, overwhelm, anxiety, and perfectionism. Many of my clients are thoughtful, self-aware, and driven, but feel mentally stretched and unable to fully enjoy where they are in life. Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, and grounded. Together, we’ll work to untangle anxious thought patterns, quiet the constant pressure you place on yourself, and create more space for clarity, confidence, and ease—without lowering your standards or stepping away from what matters most to you. You do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Most of the people I work with reach out while they’re still trying to make sense of what they’re experiencing—they just know they’re tired of feeling constantly “on” or stuck in cycles of pressure and overthinking. Please reach out today to start your care. I’m happy to answer any initial questions and help you determine whether we’d be a good fit. I look forward to connecting with you and supporting you in feeling more grounded, more present, and more like yourself again—so life can start to feel a little lighter.

Life’s challenges can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from ourselves and others. I strive to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I work with emerging adults and adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, body image issues, grief, trauma, and questions related to identity, culture, and belonging. Life’s challenges can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from ourselves and others. I strive to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I work with emerging adults and adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, body image issues, grief, trauma, and questions related to identity, culture, and belonging. I have a particular interest in supporting women, individuals navigating multicultural or first-generation experiences, and those recovering from sexual trauma, intimate partner violence, and unhealthy patterns. I draw from psychodynamic therapy, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches. As a first-generation American with a multicultural background, I understand that culture, family dynamics, and identity can play a significant role in how we experience ourselves, our relationships, and the challenges we face. My goal is to help clients develop greater self-understanding while creating meaningful and lasting change.

I provide counseling and therapy services to children and teens ages (9-14 y/o), adults, and parents. We all develop unhelpful patterns that often hold us back and can harm us instead of helping us. When this happens it’s helpful to have someone we can talk to who listens and supports us without judgment. I’ve had the opportunity to help support children and parents for the past 20 years as an educator within the education systems and now through the therapeutic process as a therapist. Currently, I specialize in working with people who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, chronic illness/pain, life transitions, relationship struggles, parenting, and caregiver challenges. I welcome the opportunity to support you in your process toward change, growth, and healing.

I am a ‘Recovering Perfectionist’ that has struggled with anxiety for much of my life. I know how it feels to get stuck in my own head wondering what others think, trying to do everything ‘right’ (whatever that really means), and putting others before myself. I know what it feels like to want to give up and just avoid everything all together. So when we work together, you won’t just get a trained therapist, but also someone who truly understands what you are going through and what it means to find the right balance between challenging yourself and validating your progress to keep you going so you can reach your goals.

I graduated from Illinois State University in Normal, IL with my Bachelors of Social Work. I continued my education and graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL with my Masters of Social Work, specializing in mental health. While earning my graduate degree I worked on an inpatient psychiatric floor at Methodist Hospital. Mainly I worked with adults experiencing severe mental illness, however, I was also able to work with adolescents and the geriatric population from time to time. Simultaneously, I worked for a local high school as a long-term substitute teacher which provided me the opportunity of working closely with teens and their guardians. Additionally, I completed my internship in the Behavioral Health Emergency Department at Methodist Hospital where I completed assessments and linked people with resources in the community. Upon graduating, I moved to Virginia with my husband who was serving in the United States Navy, where I worked primarily with women on the postpartum units at Norfolk General Hospital. During my time at Norfolk General, I was able to assist women immediately following birth who were experiencing or at higher risk for postpartum depression and anxiety. I was also able to provide support to families who were experiencing an extended stay in the NICU. Since returning to Illinois, I have been back on one of the inpatient psychiatric units at Methodist Hospital working as a clinician. I have been primarily working with adults experiencing severe mental illness and their families by providing individual, family, and group therapy. In addition to therapy, I have been providing case management which has allowed me to familiarize myself with many of the local resources in the area. My husband and I are in the most amazing and exhausting time of our lives raising two toddler boys. We love spending time experiencing life through the eyes of our little boys. Family is everything to us. In my free time (what is that? ha-ha), I love watching Friends or One Tree Hill on repeat, going shopping with my mom, and playing video games. I believe in a holistic and person-centered approach. It's important to me for you to be the leader of your therapy. We will work as a team to set goals and work on what you feel is most important. I want to create a nonjudgmental and unbiased space for you to talk about the hard things. Your life is worth my time.

Health and Healing Therapy is a mental health counseling and psychotherapy practice. We are here to help children, teens, adults, families, and couples create the lives they want and deserve for themselves and for the people they care about. Our therapist team and counseling office are open for in-person and telehealth visits.

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 vision for heARTful remedies is to create a safe, welcoming space where the whole person is accepted for who they are. heARTful remedies utilizes Art Therapy, Expressive Arts, Mindfulness practices, Animal Assisted Interventions, and Internal Family Systems to empower clients to lead an authentic and Self-led life. Find heARTful remedies that work for you. Explore how to be your best Self by exploring creative possibilities. Create, play, learn, and grow in a safer space where you can engage in creative and expressive modalities as part of your healing journey.

I earned my **Master’s degree in Counseling from Freed-Hardeman University in 2008** and became a **National Certified Counselor (NCC #247220) in 2016**. I have been a **Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois (LCPC #180.011277) since 2017**. With more than **14 years of counseling experience**, I have worked with adolescents, college students, and adults facing a wide range of mental health and life challenges. I specialize in helping individuals manage **anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma/PTSD, substance use concerns, stress, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions**. I understand that the college years can bring unique pressures—academic stress, uncertainty about the future, balancing relationships, adjusting to independence, identity exploration, and feeling overwhelmed by expectations. My goal is to provide a supportive space where students can build confidence, strengthen coping skills, and develop practical strategies to succeed both personally and academically. My background includes work in **outpatient, residential, in-home, rehabilitation, foster-care, correctional, and telehealth settings**. I have experience providing **individual, group, and family therapy**, with a strong focus on helping clients improve emotional regulation, executive functioning, stress management, communication skills, decision-making, and healthy relationship patterns. I take a **collaborative, nonjudgmental, and strengths-based approach** to therapy. Together, we will identify your goals and create a treatment plan that fits your needs and values. I want clients to feel safe, heard, and respected throughout the counseling process. My therapeutic approach is tailored to each individual and may include evidence-based methods such as: * **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)** * **Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)** * **Mindfulness-Based Interventions** * **Solution-Focused Therapy** * **Motivational Interviewing** * **Attachment-Based Therapy** * **Behavioral Activation** * **Person-Centered Therapy** * **Positive Psychology** To help students get the most out of therapy, I often provide **practical exercises, skill-building activities, and between-session strategies** that can be applied in daily life, academics, and relationships. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and I would be honored to work with you as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of your college experience.

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.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to turn, you’re not alone. I’m Ron, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) providing thoughtful, compassionate psychiatric care through telehealth. My goal is to offer a supportive, respectful space where you feel heard and understood. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, perinatal and postpartum concerns, stress, and major life transitions. My approach is collaborative and individualized, taking time to understand what you’re going through and creating a plan that fits your goals. Medication management with me is never rushed or one-size-fits-all. I prioritize education, shared decision-making, and minimizing side effects. I take a holistic view of care and strive to create a calm, nonjudgmental virtual space where you can speak openly and feel supported. Reaching out for help can feel like the hardest step. My goal is to make that step feel a little lighter by offering care that is accessible, respectful, and genuinely human. If you’re ready to begin, I’d be honored to work with you.

I value each person for who they are and strive to create a safe, welcoming space where everyone feels respected and accepted. I believe mental health care should be empowering, supportive, and individualized, which is why I take time to understand what matters most to you—so we can work together to create a plan that supports your goals and overall well-being. I focus on understanding your story, goals, and expectations, and work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. I aim to be a caring, approachable provider who believes meaningful care starts with seeing the whole person, not just a diagnosis

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.

I received my Master's in Social Work from New York University's Silver School of Social Work. I have years of experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, eating disorders, as well as different phobias. I am trained in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (EX/RP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

Parkside Psychological Services is dedicated to serving people of all ages and needs. Our team of diverse, talented providers is committed to understanding the root of client’s concerns and working with them to bring about effective changes for recovery. Different providers are available 7-days/wk including daytime, evening, and weekends to suite your needs. We are currently accepting patients with a wide spectrum of symptoms. Able to connect in-person (Lake Forest, IL) or virtually (PsyPact membership connecting to 42 states nationwide!). We are in-network with BCBS PPO and Medicare. Out-of-network rates can be discussed as needed with option of superbills to support your request for reimbursement. Please reach out to Dr. Smiley directly to discuss your needs and preferences, and get started right away! Ideally an initial appointment will be scheduled within a week.

I enjoy working with individuals who would like to learn better tools and skills to manage internal experiences (thoughts, emotions, etc) so they can create a life that is uniquely meaningful and vibrant. Our minds are useful tools but they can also leave us feeling trapped. In our work together, you'll practice how to get "un-stuck" from your mind and have more control over your behaviors.

The daily grind of work, family, friends, and life can be so demanding. Trying to juggle and balance it all at once. It can be too much pressure. You don't have to do it all, and certainly not alone. When feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, therapy can provide a space to have time to focus on you: to be heard, get feedback, and process through the hard stuff that's going on in your life. I enjoy practicing with individuals, couples, and familes. I am specialized in trauma, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and couples. I am trained and certified in EMDR and perinatal. I have extensive experience working with trauma recovery, survivors of abuse, and relationship and intimacy difficulties. As a working mom myself, with over 17 years of clinical experience, I take a direct and compassionate approach to therapy that allows for interactive dialogue and feedback to identify things that are working, and incorporate them into places that don’t seem to be working so well. We collaborate to create treatment goals, identify barriers, and create a plan.