Therapists for college students near 60614

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.

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.

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.

Welcome! I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes and parenting issues. In my practice, I have worked with families, individuals, and children/teens. As a woman of color, I am especially passionate about working with female BIPOC children, adolescents, and adults. I find it deeply rewarding to work with clients to reach their goals and achieve overall better well-being. I create a strong relationship with my clients by giving them an environment where all of their feelings are welcome.

I’m a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with experience in both inpatient and outpatient care, supporting patients with acute psychiatric needs, substance use disorders, and complex comorbidities. I thrive in team-based environments and focus on whole-person, evidence-based care that empowers patients and improves outcomes. I’m seeking inpatient or outpatient opportunities in the Chicago area where I can bring my skills, clinical insight, and passion for mental health to a dedicated care team.

I work best with students and young adults who are thoughtful, overwhelmed, and trying to make sense of who they are while carrying a lot more than they should have to. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, trauma, identity exploration, burnout, family stress, or major life transitions like college, grad school, or early career shifts. I offer a warm, collaborative space where you don’t have to perform or have it all figured out. Therapy with me is grounded, reflective, and practical. We focus on understanding your nervous system, building emotional regulation skills, and unpacking patterns that keep you stuck while honoring your cultural background, values, and lived experience. I am especially affirming of LGBTQ+ clients, BIPOC students, neurodivergent folks, and those who have felt misunderstood in previous therapy spaces. My approach blends evidence-based therapy with curiosity, compassion, and real conversations. We move at your pace, with the goal of helping you feel more steady, more connected to yourself, and more able to navigate life with clarity and confidence.

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’ve always been captivated by love, connection, and the strength people show through life’s toughest moments. Being transracially adopted is a meaningful part of my identity—it’s given me a deep appreciation for the complex, beautiful ways people form relationships and a strong commitment to honoring diversity, neurodiversity, and inclusion. As your therapist, I offer a calming, collaborative, and nonjudgmental presence. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, identity exploration, or life transitions, I want therapy to be a space where you feel seen, safe, and supported to explore your story. I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, valued, and connected—and that real growth happens when we slow down, reflect together, and make space for what truly matters to you. I work with individuals and couples of all backgrounds, and I’m especially passionate about helping people feel empowered in their relationships—with themselves and others. I’m currently earning my Master’s in Couple and Family Therapy at Adler University. As I grow in the field, I find myself drawn to Narrative, Emotionally Focused, and Collaborative therapies—approaches that center your lived experience and emphasize meaningful connection, healing, and change. I attend supervision with Mia Dal Santo, LMFT. You don’t have to have it all figured out before reaching out. Therapy is a place to begin, and I’m here to walk with you as you move toward clarity, connection, and a life that feels more authentically yours!

So often when we are going through a time of transition and change, we can feel consumed by thoughts of worry. We often feel pre-occupied with thoughts about the future, our relationships, our bodies, or how to get through so many changes at once. Not only are we struggling to cope with so many changes, we are losing sleep and feeling disconnected from the things that matter most to us. As a therapist, I strive to help clients get unstuck from all those thoughts and re connect with the parts of their lives that they value the most. I believe that my clients are the experts in their lives; they know what they feel like they are missing out on and what matters most to them. Together we get curious about their lives and what can help them begin to once again move close to what matters most. I am a people and relationship driven person who brings a mix of compassion, curiosity, and a sense of humor to my sessions. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to determine if we feel like we would be a good fit to work together. I would love to hear from you and be a support for you!

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!

My approach is gentle, grounded, and trauma-informed. I meet you where you are with compassion, curiosity, and no pressure to rush the process. I believe real healing happens when you feel safe, understood, and supported in exploring what's beneath the surface. Together, we will explore the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that are keeping you stuck. We'll work to build insight, process unresolved trauma, and strengthen your connection to yourself. Using EMDR, parts work, and other interventions, we'll move at a pace that feels safe, towards clarity, healing, and lasting change. I specialize in working with people who feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, low self-worth, or trauma, especially those navigating dissociation, generational trauma, or postpartum challenges. Many of my clients are insightful and motivated for change, but need support reconnecting with themselves and healing what's underneath. I became a therapist because I believe in the power of healing through connection. My own inner work, including doing EMDR as a client, showed me how transformative therapy can be. I wanted to offer others the same kind of support: a safe, attuned space to be seen, understood, and truly heal. *Current availability is Mondays at 12pm, Tuesday at 5pm, Wednesdays at 11am, 12pm, and 3pm, and Fridays at 11am.

Sondering Counseling and Wellness is a modern mental health counseling practice centered around providing accessible, high-quality, and compassionate care for all. Every clinician possesses competence, confidence, and an affirming attitude towards individuals of diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship orientations.

Navigating college life brings its own set of challenges, and it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed or stuck at times. As a therapist specializing in supporting college students, my mission is to help you recognize that even in the midst of academic pressures, relationship complexities, or personal uncertainties, there is always a way forward. I adhere to the belief that "There is Always a Way," and I'm here to guide you through your unique journey. Whether you're grappling with the demands of college, experiencing self-doubt, managing complex relationships, or trying to find a balance between academics and personal life, we can work together to uncover possibilities for growth and create lasting positive changes. My expertise lies in assisting college students dealing with issues like stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and the challenges of transitions. By exploring your thoughts and behaviors, we can gain valuable insights that will empower you to overcome obstacles and thrive during this transformative period. Embarking on a therapy journey during your college years may seem daunting, but I'm dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where you can openly share your thoughts and concerns. My goal is to make you feel seen, heard, and empowered throughout this process. When you're ready, I'm here to collaborate with you on your journey, helping you navigate through the uncertainties and discover the path forward to a more fulfilling college experience. Delve is a depth-oriented practice with multiple clinicians dedicated to thinking deeply and flexibly about the therapeutic process and your growth experience. Our clinicians work diligently to build a trusting therapeutic relationship that serves as the foundation for clinical work. Read more about our approach at https://delvepsych.com/Theory/

Welcome! My name is "Dr. Ed." I'm a Ph.D.-Diplomate in Clinical Social Work from the University of Houston and Governors State. In our multicultural world, therapy is a safe place to respect your values and honor your strengths! √ I'm 4.6 rated with 60+ reviews on HealthGrades, United Health, Aetna and Cigna. My treatment philosophy is built on respect and appreciation of the dignity for each person I work with. Let me emphasize this one more time, YOU don't have to settle for a poor self-image from negative experiences nor settle with poor relationships with your family, spouse, kids and yourself. Let's figure it out..together.. My therapy specialty is working with adults, couples, families, and pre-teens who are dealing with feelings of rejection, grief, and situation anxiousness-including balancing family and work-life stressors. I greatly appreciate listening to the adult male voice in relationships and families. Learning ways to bridge the gap in communication styles between men and women, parents and children, is important work! Prior to becoming a therapist, I was a core faculty member for nine years at Capella University-graduate and doctoral programs in Social Work and Public Service Leadership. Outside of work, Dr. Ed enjoys traveling to Barbados, Cancun, Houston Rodeo, is active in the KAY fraternity, and is an Astros and Cubs fan. "If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me"- Maya Angelou

At The Juniper Center, we understand that it takes courage to ask for help. But we also understand asking for help can be hard. It can feel daunting to share your life with someone you don’t know. If you’re considering therapy – whether to improve your mental health, restore a relationship, adjust to a life transition, or to recover from a trauma – finding the right therapist is the first step on your path to achieving your goals. We’re here to help make this process as safe and comfortable as possible for you.

We provide individual, couples, and family therapy and will co-create therapy goals with you. In addition to understanding your experiences from your cultural lens, we are also conscious of the impact of sociocultural dynamics, historical trauma as well as current and past political systems on your life. ​ We recognize that it is not uncommon to be trapped in narratives and roles from your past. If this is the case, we will help you identify contributors to the “stuckness”, and guide you in recreating your narrative, keeping in mind your values and aspirations, to help you feel the authentic version of yourself. ​ ​During the course of therapy, in addition to exploring and helping you recreate your story on your terms, we will also assist you in identifying a repertoire of skills and tools that make you feel more connected and make daily life more meaningful. ​ We specialize in serving immigrants, South Asian, and Middle Eastern communities. Please see our specialization page for more information.

Hannah Conner is currently offering virtual/telehealth sessions to assist clients during this time of uncertainty and help them cultivate a safe space to flourish. Hannah received her Masters of Arts in Counseling with a Sport and Health Psychology specialty from Adler University here in Chicago, Illinois. She has worked with groups and individuals from diverse populations with various backgrounds. Her approach is a blend of person-centered theory that includes evidenced-based practices such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness. Hannah has worked with clients who have experienced a wide range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. She also has worked with athletes on mental performance specific concerns such as performance anxiety and mental skills training. Hannah believes that the most important part of a therapeutic relationship is creating a safe space for you to grow and cultivate the changes you would like to make in your life through a collaborative process. ​ Hannah is currently offering solely virtual appointments and is in-network with Cigna, United, BCBS PPO and Aetna insurance companies.

Many of the students I work best with seem like they have it together on the outside, but feel anxious, overwhelmed, and never quite good enough on the inside. You may be driven and high achieving, yet constantly worried about falling behind or letting other people down. I specialize in anxiety and trauma, especially when anxiety is tied to perfectionism, pressure to perform, and people pleasing. Together, we look at how your experiences and current pressures influence the way you think about yourself and connect with others. You will also learn practical skills that help you feel steadier, more self assured, and more at ease in your day to day life.

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.

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.