Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

You’re thoughtful and self-aware. You can name your patterns and handle daily demands and yet you still feel burnt out, empty, or stuck. Maybe you’ve tried therapy before and learned helpful strategies and yet something deeper still feels unsettled. For many, college brings more than academic pressure. It can intensify questions about identity, belonging, relationships, family expectations, and who you’re becoming. Sometimes what looks like anxiety or procrastination is tied to something more relational — how safe you feel being fully yourself, how you learned to manage closeness, or how you’ve had to adapt in order to be accepted. My work is depth-oriented and relational. That means we pay attention to what unfolds between us, not just the symptoms you want to reduce. I won’t rush to give you techniques or quick fixes. Instead, we slow down enough to understand what’s been shaping your experience and create space for something different to emerge.

I work with college students, emerging adults, and professionals navigating anxiety, identity concerns, workplace stress, career exploration, and life transitions. I see therapy as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself during moments of uncertainty or change. My approach is grounded in authenticity, curiosity, and presence, and I value being sincere and direct while maintaining warmth and thoughtful reflection. I aim to create a supportive, respectful therapeutic space where clients feel understood and empowered. My work integrates psychotherapy with mindfulness-informed and holistic practices that support self-awareness, grounding, and connection. I’m drawn to approaches that invite clients to slow down, tune in, and build a more intentional relationship with themselves, while honoring the whole person beyond symptoms alone. I completed my doctoral internship at Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Headspace Health. I hold a PhD in Psychology from Tennessee State University’s APA-accredited program and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. I am also certified in Mental Health Coaching.

I’m Zitong ZHENG (Denice). I’m a bilingual (English and Chinese) in-training therapist currently providing services in the Chicago area. For now, I'm only accepting refugee patient at Mount Sinai Hospital. We provide free service for both long-term psychotherapy sessions and medication management. Client does not need to have a medical insurance but have to meet refugee status criteria. Therapy may be new for you, may be not. But no matter anytime you choose come to a session, give your own credit for that braveness! Feeling of sad, nervous, stressful, lonely, confuse, anxious, fear, mad, helpless, hopeless, pain, shame, guilty, and fatigue etc.....these feelings are definitely difficult to cope with and get through in life. Hope therapy can be a safe space for you to talk and provide you insight to understand then express your feeling. In the past practice, I worked in different settings such as hospital and private practice, I’ve been working with client who are from young adulthood to late adulthood with various diagnoses/race/sexuality/gender identity/SES status. I'm open to listen your story and thoughts, to do some exploration with you, then find consistent strategies together that can be useful for you and be kept for the rest of your life. My main approaches are person-centered therapy, psychodynamic, existential, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and narrative therapy. I believe the interpersonal process in therapy sessions is really important for therapeutic effectiveness which can bring you new experiences and insights. I would like to openly discuss about what kinds of methods are exactly working for you. Therapy is not only a treatment which is provided by therapist, also a cooperation between both of us. I would also emphasize the equality and genuineness among therapy. I believe every people is expert for their own life, sometimes we will neglect our own potential. I would also appreciate and respect all people's belief, attitude, and identity. I hold non-judgement attitude for client. There's no right and wrong in life. As a past international student, I’m able to validate the feelings of: challenge, hardness, loneliness, stress, and helplessness that every client is going through. I hope I can provide a safe space for you to talk, and offer you support as best as I can. I know life has too many unspoken moments, which does not only happen during language translation. I hope to create a place for you when you are in need. Every feeling is important, you are important.

Dr. Sarah Sanders is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and life transition issues. Dr. Sanders individualizes her treatment approach to the specific needs of each client, often combining dynamic-relational, cognitive-dialectical-behavioral, and systemic-cultural approaches. Her priority is helping you work through your concerns and make changes in your life in a way that feels effective, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. Dr. Sanders completed her predoctoral internship at Northwestern University and her postdoctoral fellowship at Harper College, gaining significant experience working with life-transition issues, identity development, relationship concerns, eating disorders, and student mental health. Areas of interest also include family dynamics, anxiety, and mood disorders. Dr. Sanders' practice location is just east of Michigan Avenue on Wacker Drive. If you're ready to schedule, you are welcome to do so directly by visiting the Allow Wellness website: www.allow-wellness.com.

I have an extensive background guiding youth and young adults toward greater health and fulfillment. Every day I look forward to helping individuals experiencing PTSD, trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, life transitions, social struggles, family conflict, and ADHD reach their full potential for success. I strongly believe that therapy can be a meaningful and transformative space for individuals of all ages to identify patterns and struggles in order to make effective changes. I believe in co-creating a safe, collaborative space for clients to process emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Let's take this journey together.

As a first generation American with a multifaceted cultural background and personal identity, I understand just how unique every individual is. For this reason, I find it important to meet clients where they are at and create a supportive and safe space where they can be their true authentic selves. I use an integrative approach to therapy based in multicultural, person-centered, and psychodynamic frameworks. I enjoy using a narrative approach to empower clients to re-author their life story, make more informed choices, and create positive change that will help them to live in a way that reflects their true goals and values. Together we can explore and process your life experiences, consider the various aspects of your identity (race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc.), and explore your many abilities, skills, values, and beliefs. I may incorporate Motivational Interviewing, CBT, REBT, Relational Therapy as needed to facilitate progress towards your goals. I am experienced in working with clients from diverse backgrounds and ages/ life stages, from adolescents to older adults. I have supported clients through both group and individual therapy to help them overcome a variety of challenges, such as substance use issues, anxiety, depression, relational issues, PTSD, ADHD, and more.

Thousand Branches Wellness – Chicago Loop offers compassionate, structured mental health care for teens and adults in the heart of downtown Chicago. We provide inclusive, evidence‑informed treatment for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, and major life transitions. Our mission is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can heal, grow, and build lasting resilience. Our highly trained clinicians deliver care through adult and adolescent Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and weekly specialty groups. Using evidence‑based approaches such as CBT, ACT, mindfulness, somatic therapy, and schema‑informed process work, we support both high‑functioning individuals who feel “stuck” and those needing more structure than traditional outpatient therapy. Thousand Branches Wellness is known for a responsive intake process, collaborative communication with referring providers, and culturally aware care. We focus on building stability, insight, and sustainable coping skills—helping clients move forward with confidence and connection.

Lincoln Park Psychology was founded by Dr. Kati Wax, with the mission of providing comprehensive, affirming, and ethical clinical services to a variety of populations. Lincoln Park Psychology offers services for adults, children, adolescents, and families, as well as consultation and supervision services to organizations such as schools, classrooms, and mental health programs. We believe that each client is an individual with unique strengths, abilities, and challenges and we work closely with you to assess your specific needs, set attainable goals, and help you reach your potential. Our clinicians are skilled at working with a variety of presenting issues including: mood disturbances, depression, anxiety, fear, trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorder, relationship issues, family conflict, social skill deficits, career stress, young adult transitions, self-image issues, identity building, loss, and many others. As dynamic human beings, no one issue looks the same in every person; therefore, we value each client's history, personality, disposition, and needs.

Our focus is on helping our clients create a life of presence, passion and purpose. We are a practice of 42 diverse, authentic and skilled therapists. Having a large team of therapists allows us to cover many specialties and treat most mental health disorders. We serve over 1000 clients each week, many of whom are students struggling with adjusting to college life, "adulting", anxiety, stress, OCD, trauma, depression, eating disorders, body image and identity development. Our therapists are LGBTQ+ affirming and consistently work on anti-racism. As therapists we are both creative and collaborative in helping you become the best and most authentic version of yourself.

Do you find yourself feeling anxious or overwhelmed, be it in social settings, at school, or navigating through the challenges of everyday life? Are you grappling with the burdens of past or recent relationship breakdowns, losses, or circumstances that seem beyond your control? Are you yearning for change and seeking a path towards peace and stability? Together, we can work towards forging that path. We can aim to transform your life into one marked by tranquility, enriched by meaningful relationships, and underpinned by self-confidence. With the help of therapeutic practices, we can strive to free you from the shackles of anxiety and instill a profound understanding of your inherent worth. By exploring your goals, values, and interests, we can create a vivid picture of the fulfilling life you aspire to lead. In my previous role at a "Big 4" consulting firm, I spent years immersed in the challenges and complexities of working in a male-dominated industry. Despite the relentless grind, I pushed forward until I began to comprehend the significant toll it was exerting on my mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. My journey through personal therapy opened a new realm of possibilities, allowing me to transform my professional life from being a source of constant stress and frustration into an engaging, serene, and rewarding experience. I have successfully transferred these skills to all areas of my life, and I enjoy helping my clients achieve the same balance. If this resonates with you, I offer a free, no-obligation 15-minute phone consultation. Reach out today to start turning the page towards a brighter, more balanced chapter in your life.

We live in a complex world, presenting unique struggles for individuals and couples moving through varying stages of life. In session, we will work to explore your challenges and process past influential experiences in a safe, supportive and open environment. Unlike big agencies or online therapy platforms, we have the time and emotional energy to treat each client as an individual. We don't believe in using a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we tailor your treatment plan to you using evidence-directed methods. Our clinicians are also committed to pursuing specialized training and continued education to stay up-to-date on the latest research and advances in the field.

Providing culturally sensitive and inclusive therapy services to adults, including college students. "To care for another individual means to know and to experience the other as fully as possible." - Irvin D. Yalom, M.D. As a South Asian therapist, I understand the deep value of family and the intricate meanings tied to being an immigrant and a woman of color. I believe that every person's lived experiences uniquely shape their life and perceptions, which is why finding congruence and meaning in one’s life is important. This helps align one's actions with their true values, reducing internal conflict and enhancing overall well-being. As a therapist, I understand that building trust and rapport are critical for effective progress and meaningful change. To do so, I provide my clients with a safe and supportive environment for them to explore their inner thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, to foster personal growth and healing. In my practice, I utilize an integrative approach that blends systems, humanistic, and multicultural frameworks. My goal is to empower you to achieve your personal and psychological goals while providing a safe, non-judgmental, and culturally sensitive space where you can explore your inner self. I am committed to creating an environment where you can feel at ease, be your authentic self, and build a trusting relationship with me. Together, we'll work collaboratively to build insight, draw on your strengths, process difficult emotions and experiences, and form a meaningful narrative for your life. With a kind, empathetic, and compassionate approach, I strive to create a therapeutic environment where you feel supported and empowered to achieve your goals. I look forward to accompanying you on your path to well-being and self-discovery.

I am forever amazed by the natural strengths and resiliencies that individual possess. And even with this life is hard. All that we experience and navigate can be overwhelming and can leave us with a jumbled mess of emotions, hurts, and fears that are that can feel daunting and sometimes even debilitating. But you don't need to go through this alone. Together we can begin to better understand your patterns of behavior, thought processes and coping mechanisms, in order to discover and change those that are no longer serving you. We will compassionately face what you have and are experiencing and how those shape you while also moving towards more fullness in yourself and your relationships. I enjoy working with both individuals and couples and take a person-centered, trauma informed approach where holistic care for the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual parts of self are all important. I strive to tailor my approach to meet the client’s needs where they are at and to draw upon the clients’ natural strengths and resiliencies. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD and executive functioning, relationship challenges and spirituality challenges. Additional I spent fair amount of life abroad both as a child and adult and am intimately acquainted with the challenges of transitions, including the losses and grief, as well as struggles with belonging and cultural identity, that can accompany those transitions. I believe this experience positions me to understand and support others with similar experiences and challenges. If you have further questions feel free to email me, or set up a consultation call on our practice website!

Through creativity and warmth, we work with clients to facilitate personal growth to help navigate an often confusing world. Together we will increase your self awareness, support you in finding the best answers to life- changing questions, and guide you to a more enjoyable life. ‍ We specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Relationships & Couples Counseling, Quarter Life Crisis, Life Transitions, Trauma, & PTSD and more.

I enjoy working with college students and young adults seeking balance in work, personal life, and social relationships, including friendships, boundaries, and family dynamics. I specialize in anxiety/social anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, and identity issues. I support clients in exploring their childhood experiences, attachment patterns, and the balance between self and others. With a gentle and encouraging presence, I help clients reconnect with their authentic selves, cultivate inner growth, and define personal meaning as they move forward in therapy. As a Registered Art Therapist as well, I also welcome you to work with me through art. By using art as a second tool, I support clients in finding their voices and meanings. I’m now accepting virtual, in-person, and mixed sessions. There’s no pressure to know exactly what to say or do in our session. You might begin by sharing what you’re curious or concerned about, or you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute consultation call with me. Whenever you’re ready, I’m here to support you.

KB & Associates is a multicultural practice with clinicians that look like you. We work with you in exploring your identity, growing your self esteem, and finding healing. We welcome you free of judgement, providing helpful tools for you to use to process your feelings and connect the dots. We are client focused and aim to provide you with what you need to move forward. Personal Introduction: The pain that currently exists in your life may feel like a weighted blanket, but it’s vital to remind yourself that the pain will not last forever. My name is Naseem and I’m a clinical mental health therapist based in Chicago, IL with about 2 years of therapy experience. I am a first generation Palestinian-American with parents born and raised in Palestine. Growing up, my parents never spoke about the importance of mental health, only physical health. Looking back on my childhood and the knowledge I gained over time, I learned that one can affect the other; both of them are equally important and are important for improving overall health. I identify as a queer Palestinian woman. In my culture, discussing mental health-related topics is foreign. One of the main reasons why I chose to pursue therapy as a career path is to be that first step in normalizing conversations on mental health in cultures that don’t discuss it enough like my own. It wasn’t until my adult years that I learned keeping my thoughts to myself 24/7 is doing more harm than good. My parents always told me to “get over it” and I found that wasn’t working for me anymore as I got older. My parents did not have the same opportunities as I do today when they were living in Palestine; they are another main reason why I chose this path. I received my bachelor’s from University of Illinois at Chicago (or UIC) in Psychology and my master’s from Adler University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I also hold a certificate in sex therapy from Adler University as well. In my past and most recent clinical experiences, I had the privilege and pleasure of working with individuals from the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disability community dealing with difficult life transitions, relationship problems (including infidelity), gender identity exploration/issues, grief/loss, and trauma (including racial and generational trauma). As your therapist, I will help you tap into your inner resources and power so you are able to create and experience a much more fulfilling relationship with the people around you, your life, and, most importantly, yourself. Within my work, I mainly utilize a narrative and person-centered approach. In our therapy space, your safety and comfortability is a top priority. Our space is highly collaborative as well; I want to know how I can best support you as you learn how to support yourself. Lastly, one of my favorite poets, Yung Pueblo, once said “I cannot make you happy, but I can commit to support you in the creation of your own happiness.” Together, we will do exactly that. A little about me (because I am human after all): Outside of work, I enjoy playing with my pup, meeting up with friends and family, reading, painting, playing wordle, and watching 90 day fiancé every Sunday (can’t miss it!).

Are you facing anxiety, depression, navigating significant life changes, or grappling with LGBTQ-related challenges? If so, I'm here to help. I'm an empathetic student therapist with a year of experience, working under the supervision of a licensed clinician. My ideal client is someone looking to address these issues and seeking a safe, supportive space for personal growth. My approach to therapy is integrative, drawing from person-centered, psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, and feminist theories. I tailor my methods to your unique needs, ensuring that each session is a personalized journey towards healing and self-discovery. You're not alone in your journey. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, facing life's transitions, or navigating the complexities of LGBTQ-related issues, I'm here to walk alongside you. If you're ready to embark on this path of self-discovery and growth, I invite you to reach out to me and I'm here to answer any questions you might have.

Grey Area Therapy is a small, private practice conveniently located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood with easy access to public transportation and an emphasis on building meaningful, authentic connections with clients. As a therapist with Grey Area Therapy, I work with clients on needs related to anxiety, depression, OCD, vocational stress, and life transitions. I have a special interest in working with individuals who identify in the LGBTQ+ community. I offer both in-person and virtual appointments. I accept Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna insurance and offer free 15-minute phone consultations to help you find a therapist that works for you!

Mindful Care is a one-stop-shop mental health practice specializing in urgent/same day psychiatry, individual and group therapy sessions, substance abuse recovery counseling, and medication management services that promote mental strengthening. Our typical client is struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, life adjustment concerns, and are seeking interventions that support long-lasting lifetime changes. We are in-network with major insurance providers and offer affordable self-pay options.

At times it may feel as though our power in our lives has been taken from us. Stress, life transitions, family issues, relationships, and many other factors can play a large role in making us feel anxious, depressed, and not living to our fullest potential. If you relate to this, therapy can help you find your power again. I have experience working with adolescents and adults who have experienced a myriad of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, and anger. My passion is helping girls and women reach their fullest potential and overcome challenges through empowerment.