Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Don't just survive. Thrive. Ellie Mental Health in Aurora, Illinois isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs. We provide support for a wide range of mental disorders and common mental health issues at our Ellie Mental Health Clinic in Aurora. No matter your concerns, your compassionate Ellie therapist will provide you with the non-judgmental care you deserve.

My goal is to create a safe relationship where you can process all the pieces of your experience. We’ll look together at how your cultural identities and family context have shaped how you experience the world, and how your past impacts your present. We’ll approach your relational patterns with a sense of curiosity and compassion. We'll explore, “How did I get here, what does it mean to be here, and where do I want to go?". Whatever is bringing you to therapy, I hope to provide a space where you can face your difficulties in order to restore connection, both to yourself and to the most important people in your life. My approach is warm and direct, and I'm informed by training in attachment, trauma, grief & loss, perinatal mental health, infertility, emotional agility, embodiment, religious deconstruction, brain science, cultural influences, privilege & oppression, HAES, and couple/family systems. I am accepting new clients and I'd love to meet you! For CO: in-network with Aetna and Cigna. For IL: in-network with BCBS. I also partner with a company called Mentaya that helps clients access their out-of-network benefits. You may be eligible to receive partial reimbursements for your sessions. Contact me for more info. If you have any questions about anything on my profile, feel free to reach out!

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

Hello! Making the decision to begin therapy is an important investment in your quality of life. I can help you understand and transform painful and confusing experiences. I specialize in treating relationship distress, emotional abuse, narcissistic abuse and gaslighting, depression and anxiety, and trauma recovery. It is my passion to support clients toward feeling freer, happier and more at peace. I am licensed in both MO and IL. I accept Anthem/BCBS, United Healthcare, Aetna and Cigna, as well as UMR and out-of pocket. ALL SERVICES ARE TELEHEALTH.

My name is Katherine, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with almost four years of experience in the mental health field. After earning my Masters in Social Work in 2023 from Boston College, I moved back to the Chicagoland area and have been working in community mental health ever since. I am excited to begin offering individual therapy as an independent provider! I offer a person-centered, trauma-informed, holistic approach to therapy. I have a passion for humanity and enjoy finding commonalities with those I interact with. While I may direct the therapeutic process, you are the driver. I work to offer a safe, non-judgmental space, and all are welcome in session with me. I want my clients to get the most out of their time in therapy. I am committed to be intentional with all of my clients and am merely a passenger on your journey if you will allow me.

Hi there! My name is Cory Bedtke, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I received a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2015, and started my career as a school social worker prior to switching over to clinical work with adults. While this may seem like a big transition, it's funny how similar our problems are at the different stages of life. Currently, I enjoy working with clients in young and middle adulthood who would like to feel less stressed and anxious, improve their mood, work on communication, and feel more secure in their relationships. I also work with folks who want to process and find ways to cope with traumatic experiences. College can be an amazingly wonderful but also daunting time, so I am here to help you navigate the challenges that you face.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi! I’m Mixi, a bilingual licensed therapist. I understand the impact intrusive thoughts, constant worry and repetitive behaviors have on your well-being and daily life. I have had the opportunity to provide care in private practice, school, and medical settings. This array of experiences has fostered my ability to understand clients through a multi-disciplinary lens. My clinical approach to therapy is grounded in ERP, PE, ACT and CBT. Most of the clients that I work with are navigating OCD, anxiety, trauma, stress, and/or depression. I am a trained OCD specialist and a member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). I am dedicated to welcoming adults of all identities. I prioritize learning about my clients to create an inclusive environment that best supports them. My goal is to teach you the skills and tools to make you your own therapist over time. I am licensed to provide Telehealth therapy services to clients in Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, District of Columbia, and Virginia. (Please visit my website embracelifetherapy.com for more information)

Thrive for Life Counseling – Helping College Students Navigate Life’s Challenges College is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—times of your life. Between classes, jobs, relationships, and figuring out who you are and where you’re headed, it’s easy to feel stressed, anxious, or unsure. That’s where Thrive for Life Counseling comes in. Our team of compassionate, experienced therapists understands the unique challenges that come with being a college student. We know that success in college isn’t just about grades—it’s about managing stress, building confidence, coping with change, and finding balance in every area of life. At Thrive for Life, we meet you right where you are. Whether you’re feeling anxious about academics, struggling with motivation, facing relationship challenges, or just needing a safe space to talk, we’re here to help. We offer a supportive, judgment-free environment where you can sort through your thoughts, learn practical coping tools, and gain clarity about your next steps. What sets us apart? Specialized support for college students – We “get” the unique stressors of campus life. Therapists you can connect with – Our team is down-to-earth, approachable, and genuinely invested in your well-being. Convenient virtual sessions – You can meet with us from your dorm, apartment, or wherever you feel comfortable. Multi-state access – We can work with college students located in Indiana, Illinois, Florida, Missouri, and New Jersey. We help students: Manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm Build self-confidence and motivation Navigate changes in friendships, dating, and family life Cope with homesickness or transitions Find balance between academics, work, and personal well-being You don’t need to wait until things feel “bad enough” to reach out. Whether you need short-term guidance or ongoing support, Thrive for Life Counseling is here to walk alongside you. Therapy is a powerful step toward building the life you want—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Your mental health matters. Your story matters. And we’re here to help you thrive—right now, in college, and in life beyond. If you’ve been thinking about talking to someone, this is your sign. Let’s get started.

I am a graduate of the Wayne State University/DMC General Adult Psychiatry Residency Program and am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. My practice centers on providing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and personalized treatment for a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. I take a holistic and collaborative approach to care, integrating various treatment modalities such as psychotherapy, behavioral modification techniques, medication management, and lifestyle changes. My goal is to support each patient in achieving lasting wellness by addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of mental health. All sessions are conducted via secure video visits for your convenience. I strive to make scheduling seamless and flexible, so appointments can easily fit into your routine. If you feel this may be a good fit for your needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to working with you.

Throughout my practice, I have worked with clients facing a wide range of mental health concerns. From stress and anxiety to family conflicts, trauma, and abuse, I am well-versed in addressing the complex emotional and psychological issues that individuals face in their lives. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, identify patterns, and develop effective coping strategies. In my therapeutic approach, I draw from evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapy. I tailor my treatment plans to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, utilizing a collaborative and client-centered approach that promotes growth and positive change.

Viva is a multi-state mental health practice with a focus on holistic treatment. We believe health looks different on everyone and work closely with clients to develop therapy sessions that work for them and their individual needs. We take a social justice and culturally competent approach to therapy and provide inclusive, accessible sessions with affordable fees.

Stephanie Kilper is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT). With several years of experience in a variety of mental health settings and a large spectrum of care, Stephanie has worked with children, teens and adults on issues related to disordered eating, body image, emotional regulation, and mood disorders. Stephanie’s approach to treatment includes supporting individuals with increasing their mind-body connection and reconnecting to their bodies in a safe, gentle manner through integrated movement and mindfulness experiences. Stephanie utilizes present-moment connection and curiosity to inform her work with individuals, navigating the inner self with a practice of kindness and openness. As a member of the LGBTQ community, Stephanie also supports individuals in identity exploration and self-discovery as clients deepen their understanding of all aspects of who they are.

Are you searching for a nurturing space to heal and break free from intergenerational patterns affecting your relationships? At HealingWorks, we excel in offering compassionate counseling to couples and individuals. Our mission is to empower you to shatter generational chains and nurture relationships founded on understanding, connection, and love. Whether you're single, married, or in a committed relationship, HealingWorks equips you with the necessary tools to pursue a purposeful, soulful life. In our work together, you will feel seen, heard, and held as we embark on this exciting therapeutic journey. Our therapists act as a guide, helping you confidently navigate through challenges to attain the love you deserve. At HealingWorks, we provide a collaborative healing space where your voice is heard. You are worthy of connection. When you begin to heal yourself and connect more deeply to others, you develop resilient love that extends to everyone around you. Together, we will get you on a path to a life full of love. Join us at HealingWorks and let's embark on a journey of healing to break generational patterns and flourish!

I am Dr. Lara Jakobsons + I enjoy working with college and grad students! As a therapist, I strive to provide compassionate care to help achieve your goals and lead a healthy life while in college. My collaborative style infuses empathy, warmth, nonjudgment and humor while drawing on your strengths and values. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals!

Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Are you snapping at others and struggling to find space to breathe? It’s normal to feel like you’re drowning when you have so many moving pieces in life. Life is constantly throwing stressors at us and maybe you find yourself seeking a new approach. Many of my clients are people struggling with stress and anxiety resulting from never-ending changes. I have extensive experience working with young adults and people who are seeking therapy for the first time. As a therapist, I am straight forward in my approach; I will stay with you on your journey toward the answers by creating a safe, non-judgmental space. I’ve been described by former clients as “genuine, decisive, and easy to connect with.” I will help you find peace amongst the chaos, prioritize your wellness, and grow closer to your full potential. Reaching out for help is the first, and often the most difficult part of your path toward healing. Only you can do inner work, but there’s absolutely no reason you should do it alone. Together, we will figure out your next steps. Contact me for a consultation. I'm ready when you are!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Trauma-informed counseling for women and mothers. Specialize in using mindfulness based techniques to reduce stress and embrace imperfections. EMDR Certified

Sara Pelaez is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Professional practicing in Georgia, Illinois, and Florida. She works with individuals and couples with a focus on students. Many of her clients have found great success in their personal and college lives, but struggle to feel connected in their relationships or at peace in their daily lives. Sara is particularly sensitive to clients facing present-past trauma, moments of transition, relationship or emotional issues when the delicate balance can seem to tremble, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt can emerge. Sara’s approach is rooted in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Emotional Focus Therapy. These are evidence-based approaches that focus on helping clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected so that they can begin to make a targeted change. It is a bottom-up/top-down approach that provides a 360 view of the client's inner world. She works to help clients understand their physical response to external stressors, and begin to problem-solve ways to introduce moments of calm, to choose to respond rather than react in the face of change. Sara is focused on ensuring that her clients see real progress: her style is interactive, non-judgmental, and positions clients as the experts on where they are now, and where they want to go. A trauma-informed therapist, Sara is sensitive to the influence of past experiences on present challenges and works closely with clients to reframe the narrative of their life in a way that increases self-confidence and compassion. Sara’s first priority in starting with a new client is ensuring that they feel safe, heard, and like an equal partner in the therapeutic process. As a seasoned telehealth provider, she offers the convenience of remote sessions to help make therapy a core component of your self-care calendar.

Ever feel like life's throwing you some curveballs, and you're ready to break free to become the best version of yourself? As your compassionate therapist, I offer a safe, judgment-free space to explore your emotions and thoughts. In our sessions, we're not just talking; we're digging deep to reveal the amazing person you are. This journey of self-discovery isn't just about finding yourself; it's about unlocking those hidden potentials and creating a life that's genuinely fulfilling and authentic. Along the way, we're not just tackling life's twists and turns; we're building a toolkit of savvy coping strategies, so you can navigate it all with grace. Together, we'll boost your self-confidence, cultivating a strong belief in your worth and capabilities. Ready to kick off your personalized therapeutic journey? Let's tackle those goals, and set you on a path of growth. Choosing a therapist who gets you is key, so why not take that step today? Looking forward to this journey with you!