Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Have you recently started to understand yourself in a new way—maybe through a neuropsychological evaluation, a late diagnosis, or content you’ve encountered online during college? Are you finding that the strategies that seem to work for others don’t quite fit your brain? I specialize in working with college students and young adults who discover later that they are neurodivergent. Together, we explore what this identity means for you in the context of academics, relationships, independence, and future goals. My approach supports you in building systems that actually work for your brain, while creating a life that feels authentic, sustainable, and aligned with your values.

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.

At Tailwinds, we believe mental healthcare should be accessible, transparent, and deeply human. Too often, people seeking support encounter long waitlists, confusing costs, or clinicians stretched thin by systems that don’t support them. Our vision is to remove those barriers, creating a practice where clients and clinicians alike feel valued, supported, and equipped to thrive. We see mental healthcare not just as a service, but as a partnership that helps individuals, families, and communities move forward with strength, sureness, and compassion.

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

I’m Mercedes Yates-Jones, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and Virginia. I am also the founder of Safe to Say Therapy located in Winfield, IL. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and have spent over a decade helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. Before starting my private practice, I worked with the Department of Veteran Affairs and in several private practice settings, supporting clients with a wide range of needs. I also have experience in inpatient psychiatric care, which has shaped my calm and steady presence when clients are feeling overwhelmed or facing difficult moments. I work with children ages 10 and up, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, academic stress, relationship concerns, life transitions, or periods of feeling stuck. I also have a heart for supporting students, veterans, parents, caregivers, and individuals from underserved communities. I created Safe to Say Therapy because I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and truly supported. My goal is to meet you with warmth and authenticity and walk alongside you as you move toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful change, at a pace that feels right for you.

I am committed to fostering a compassionate, empathetic, collaborative therapeutic environment. I’m particularly interested in understanding your unique experience of yourself, others, and the world. People often seek help to expand their self-development and personal growth in addition to feeling better. I strive to help people by widening self-awareness through a balance of emotional experience and insight. I believe people should feel heard and understood, and I do my best to understand what it’s like for you in your unique subjective experience. Having a secure, stable place will allow you to freely explore your internal world and take risks in the outside world. Part of the process includes finding integration between emotions and thoughts, memory, consciousness, narrative, attachment relationships, and identity. I aim to help you deal with difficult thoughts and feelings so you can move towards what you care about in life, live more fully with greater passion and vitality, increase your curiosity, and be more present.

One of the most important parts of therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. I value bringing trust, progressive expertise, and authenticity to the experience of each of my clients. You will not get a stoic therapist, but rather one with a real personality that enjoys cracking jokes! Don't get me wrong, I will take your needs and concerns very seriously, but I will also ensure that you feel comfortable and feel that you are connecting with another human. Carla Laury holds experience working in a non-profit setting and in private practice. Carla works really well with young people, and finds her young adult clients appreciate her progressive approach to therapy. She holds decades of experience providing therapy, mentorship, and leadership work with adolescent individuals and groups. Since internship practice, Carla has learned the careful work of providing therapy for young children and working with their parents toward a positive growth. She holds a master's level degree in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University (2015) and a bachelor's level degree in Psychology from The University of Texas - Pan American (2012). She is a member of the American Counseling Association.

I have worked in crisis intervention with survivors of trauma, military families, children, teens, and adults for over 25 years. I am here to support individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions. I can help clients develop a solution-focused approach to solving problems. I am a compassionate and caring therapist who works with where you are at. I am a trauma-certified therapist who believes in working with a client-centered approach. If you need emotional support and someone open-minded, supportive, and understanding, then I welcome the opportunity to work with you.

We are excited about the opportunity to work with you as you journey through a major part of your life. You are an emerging adult and that comes with a lot of life transitions. Let us support you as you navigate change, disappointment, hurt, and pain, but let us also celebrate you when you achieve a goal or new milestone in life. At Of Vineyards and Canopies Therapy Services, we want to be one of your supports, so that you do not feel alone. Do not be afraid to reach out to us, so that we can get you scheduled as soon as we can. You will be met with kind and compassionate therapists, who want to provide a safe space for you to process through whatever may be bothering you or stressing you out.

College can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming seasons of your life. You may be adjusting to being away from home, navigating new relationships, questioning your major, managing academic pressure, or quietly carrying anxiety, depression, or past trauma that hasn’t had space to heal. On the outside, it can look like everyone else is handling it just fine — but inside, you might feel stuck, exhausted, unmotivated, or unsure of who you’re becoming. If you’re in that space, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to work through it by yourself. I work with college students who are in the middle of real life transitions — identity shifts, relationship changes, academic stress, family expectations, grief, trauma, and the quiet weight of self-doubt. Depression during college often doesn’t look like “sad all the time.” It can show up as procrastination, isolation, low motivation, difficulty focusing, or feeling disconnected from the person you used to be. Trauma can show up in relationships, in trust, in sleep, or in how hard you are on yourself. Together, we slow things down. We make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface. We identify patterns that are keeping you stuck and build practical tools that help you feel more steady, confident, and grounded. My approach is collaborative and straightforward. I don’t believe in sitting back silently while you struggle to find words. We talk. We process. We challenge unhelpful thoughts. We work through emotional blocks. I integrate approaches such as CBT, trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based strategies to help you build resilience while honoring your story. My goal is not just symptom relief — it’s helping you understand yourself better so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. College is a time of growth — but growth can feel uncomfortable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, numb, stuck, or unsure about your direction, therapy can be a space to reset and regain momentum. You deserve support as you figure out who you are and who you want to become. If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to Request an Initial Appointment and begin therapy. You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Let’s work together to help you regain balance, rebuild confidence, and move through this season with strength.

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.

Are you ready to talk about the stress that has been building up? Therapy is such a great virtual tool to access anywhere these days! If you’re trying to juggle college life while learning to adult, it can be overwhelming. We can work on stress reduction, time management and self care to improve functioning. We can identify parts that struggle to feel joy or peace. We can get you on track to finally starting to understand, love and accept yourself. Email me and let’s get started!

I specialize in ADHD therapy for teens and adults who struggle with executive functioning, overwhelm, procrastination, and follow-through. You may be intelligent, motivated, and capable,but still find yourself feeling scattered, burnt out, or frustrated by difficulty starting or finishing tasks. Many people describe long-term patterns of underachievement, forgetfulness, emotional overwhelm, or feeling like they are constantly “behind,” even when they are trying their best. As an ADHD therapist, I help clients understand how their brain works and develop practical, sustainable strategies for focus, organization, emotional regulation. I help clients with ADHD, anxiety, burnout, relationship stress, and low self-esteem linked to feeling overwhelmed or “not enough.” My approach is structured, practical, and compassionate, focusing on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and real-life skills. Virtual therapy in VA, IL, MD. In-network with BCBS, Cigna, and United Healthcare. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated managing ADHD, you don’t have to figure it out alone. ADHD therapy can help you understand how your mind works and build practical tools that fit your life. When you’re ready, I invite you to reach out to explore whether working together feels like a good fit and supportive for you.