Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

JD Peters (he/him), is Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). He earned his master’s degree in Addiction Studies: Advanced Practice from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, and spent his career walking alongside individuals and families navigating the challenges of addiction to alcohol and other substances, as well as the broader journey of healing and recovery. He works with people facing a wide range of concerns—from anxiety and depression to grief and trauma—and offers both abstinence-based and harm-reduction approaches depending on what feels most supportive for each person. He believes healing is deeply personal, and that change is hard to do alone. His role is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and empowered to explore what works best for you. JD has experience working with LGBTQIA+ individuals as they navigate identity, relationships, internalized stigma, and family or societal stressors. He strives to offer affirming care that honors each person’s truth and lived experience. He draws from evidence-based practices like DBT, CBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing, blending these approaches into conversations that support growth, healing, and hope. Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your understanding of yourself, JD is here to support you with compassion and curiosity.

Colleen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with three years of experience providing therapy in private practice. She received her Master's in Social Work from Dominican University, with a focus on health and well-being. She supports children, adolescents, and young adults by providing a safe, open, and nonjudgmental space to explore challenges, embrace strengths, and feel empowered. Before private practice, Colleen worked in community settings as an advocate for those impacted by domestic violence. These experiences shaped her passion as a therapist and her commitment to social justice. She values understanding how exposure to trauma, oppression, marginalization, and grief/loss can influence one’s experience of the world and contribute to challenges like anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relational conflicts. Her approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, neurodivergent-affirming, and play-based. By prioritizing these lenses, Colleen helps clients feel engaged, authentic, and supported in their therapeutic growth.

Vicky is a licensed clinical social worker who earned her Masters degree in social work at Loyola University Chicago. Vicky has experience working with young adults, children, adolescents and their parents on a variety of different issues including social skills, self-compassion, emotional regulation, anxiety, life transitions and grief. Vicky has worked in a variety of settings including schools, summer camps and private practice. In her work, Vicky understands the importance of experiences and how they can greatly influence one's perspective in how they relate to themselves and others. She believes it is important to process significant events, in order to gain a better understanding of one’s needs and potential. Vicky uses a relational and strengths-based approach to allow for her clients to feel supported along every step of the therapeutic process. She also uses elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy to support clients in their therapeutic journey. Vicky aims to provide a warm, welcoming and safe space for her clients and feels honored to walk alongside each individual’s unique path.

Hi! My name is Destinee Wells (she/hers). I enjoy getting to know new clients and look forward to our potential work together! I believe that we all go through times in life when we encounter challenges that are rooted in our past and affect our present. Therapy can be a great place to make these connections and gain insight and power over our present-day experiences. As a therapist, I am focused on how our past experiences can form who we are and how we interact with others in the present. I am curious about your early relationships, the relationships you have today, and the relationship we will build together. As we look at patterns in your life, we can work together to make sense of present day experiences. I have worked with a variety of identities including different cultural and racial backgrounds, religions, and sexual orientations. I have worked with differing levels of needs from depression and anxiety to substance use, complex trauma and dissociation to name a few. I approach each client with their unique needs and with a trauma-informed lens.

From the earliest moments of our lives, we are searching for and are in need of relationships and connection – it is in our early life where we begin to understand who we are, who others are, and what kind of world we live in. It is through this quest for connections outside of us that shades of Meaning, Purpose, and Creativity emerge within us. The quality of these aspects of life produces in us both wounds and liberties. Fortunately, therapy can be a place for us to gently and intentionally tease these qualities out toward a life and sense of self in line with your goals. In my practice, I work with adults of all ages. I have concentrated experience engaging with those who come from and/or are currently engaged in religious communities and the concerns that emerge from religious ideologies. I utilize a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and relational approach to our work together to cultivate curiosity, connection, and care. I believe that people are in a constant flux of Becoming – who we are, how we understand ourselves, others, and the world around us is changing all the time. Ultimately, I am not the arbiter of your life, you are. Intentional and sometimes difficult self-reflection can bring about amazing shifts in our approach to life.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and I also have my MBA. My goal is to create a safe, empathetic, and trusting space for clients to feel comfortable in their therapy journey. In working together, you can expect the beginning of the therapeutic process to include space for utilizing curiosity and empathy to strengthen the therapeutic relationship in order to begin creating meaningful change. The therapy journey is unique for each client and with that, my approach is not a one size fits all.

Many young professionals come to therapy feeling torn between who they are and who they think they should be. You might feel anxious, burned out, or uncertain about how to balance your needs with others’ expectations. Perhaps you’re navigating relationship challenges, loss, or identity shifts that leave you feeling unmoored. However, as a therapist in Chicago, I offer a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming space where you can pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself—so you can move toward clarity, confidence, and belonging in both work and life. In my clinical approach, I combine trauma-informed and solution-focused therapy to help clients manage anxiety, workplace stress, and relationship issues. Additionally, I specialize in working with young professionals, first-generation individuals, and LGBTQIA+ clients who want to cultivate balance, purpose, and self-acceptance. I also provide couples therapy to strengthen communication and foster understanding, helping individuals and partners deepen connection and growth both within and beyond their relationships. Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially when you’re used to managing everything on your own. Nevertheless, you don’t need to have all the answers before beginning. Whether you’re exploring identity, searching for balance, or healing after change, I’ll meet you with warmth, curiosity, and care. If you’re ready to feel supported and understood, I’d be honored to walk beside you on your path toward healing and growth. Finally, learn more about our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy and how it can support your well-being.

Hello, and welcome! I am a board-certified psychiatrist who values building meaningful connections with my patients. I attended medical school at Touro University College of Medicine in California, then completed a 4 year residency in psychiatry at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia, totaling over 17,000 hours of clinical training before practicing independently. As a proud U.S Navy veteran with 9 years of active-duty service, I bring a deep understanding of resilience, attention to detail, and compassion to my work. Before joining Skylark, I worked as a psychiatrist at Naval Station Great Lakes and the VA hospital in North Chicago. My clinical interests include ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, autism, and personality disorders. I am known for my direct, yet gentle, style and my collaborative, down-to-earth approach. I believe therapy is the cornerstone of psychiatric care and integrate it into each session, ensuring my patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their treatment. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring Illinois with my husband and 3 children. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to helping you meet your goals!

Dr. Aubrye Brower, Psy.D. is a licensed neuropsychologist who earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Adler University and her undergraduate degree from DePaul University. She completed her APA-accredited predoctoral internship at the Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she obtained advanced training in inpatient psychiatric services, Community Living Center (CLC) care, and neuropsychology. Dr. Brower went on to complete a two year APA-accredited postdoctoral fellowship at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which included an additional rotation at the Medical College of Wisconsin with a focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodegenerative disorders, and deep brain stimulation (DBS) evaluations. Throughout these clinical settings, she collaborated on interdisciplinary teams addressing the care and symptom management of individuals with stroke, TBI, multiple sclerosis, and geropsychiatric conditions. She also developed extensive experience conducting inpatient evaluations related to decision-making capacity, DBS candidacy, and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). In her current practice, Dr. Brower provides comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluations for adults 18 years and older. Her areas of expertise include assessments related to normal aging, dementia and memory concerns, mood disorders, ADHD, TBI, strokes, and medically complex patients. In addition to diagnostic evaluations, she provides psychotherapy and capacity evaluations for adults in assisted living facilities, supporting individuals as they navigate cognitive, emotional, and functional changes. Dr. Brower is passionate about working with patients during times of uncertainty—when there are often more questions than answers. Her goal is to provide clarity, understanding, and compassionate guidance to patients and their families as they explore concerns related to cognition or emotional functioning. Believing that aging and illness can be times of great adjustment, Dr. Brower strives to accompany patients through the beginning phases of their journey—from diagnosis to aftercare—with empathy, education, and evidence-based care.

Ziyi approaches therapy through an integrative clinical framework grounded in client-centered principles and cognitive-behavioral theory. She prioritizes the therapeutic alliances as the core foundation for effective work and collaborates closely with clients to deepen insight into the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns. Guided by a trauma-informed perspective, Ziyi maintains a warm and steady process. She invites clients to explore their inner experiences with curiosity and compassion while honoring their unique histories and capacities.

College and young adulthood can be an incredible time of growth, discovery, and new possibilities—and, let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming at times. You may be trying to balance school, relationships, family expectations, your future, and figuring out who you are, all while wondering if you’re somehow supposed to have it all figured out. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate it all by yourself. I’m deeply passionate about supporting college students and young adults through this unique chapter of life. I understand the pressures, transitions, and questions that can come with becoming more independent and building the life you want. Whether you’re adjusting to college, entering the workforce, navigating relationships, or simply trying to understand yourself better, therapy can offer you a space to slow down, breathe, and feel supported. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, overwhelming stress, and difficulty adjusting to major life changes. I also have a special interest in supporting individuals as they explore cultural identity, acculturation, family expectations, and the impact of systemic stress on their emotional well-being. My approach is warm, collaborative, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed. Most importantly, I want therapy to feel like a space where you can be yourself without judgment. Your story, identity, culture, and experiences matter. Together, we can explore how your past may be influencing your present while building practical tools to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself. Taking care of your mental health during this stage of life can be one of the most meaningful investments you make in yourself. You deserve the opportunity to feel better—not simply to get through the next semester, transition, or challenge, but to build the confidence and resilience to create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. I would be truly honored to walk alongside you as you navigate the challenges, celebrate the wins, and grow into the person you’re becoming. You deserve support. You deserve to thrive.

Many people come in feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure why certain patterns keep repeating. As a therapist, I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, and LGBTQ+-related concerns. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in meeting you where you are. I approach therapy as a collaborative, trauma-informed process rooted in curiosity and radical honesty. My work is neurodivergent-affirming and attentive to how different ways of thinking, processing, and experiencing the world shape mental health. I integrate CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy, tailoring our work to your goals and lived experience. My work is informed by anti-racist and anti-oppressive perspectives, with particular attention to how identity, power, and lived experience affect mental health. I am especially mindful of the ways weight stigma and body-based shame can impact self-worth and emotional well-being. I strive to offer a space that affirms body diversity and supports clients in showing up fully as they are. If you’re looking for a therapist who values honesty, agency, and inclusive care, I welcome you to reach out.

Shu Hudson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She received her Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from North Park University. Shu thrives in providing a compassionate, client-centered space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported in their healing journey. Her approach integrates evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a deep focus on uncovering and understanding core emotions—those powerful, often hidden feelings that drive our thoughts, behaviors, and relational patterns. Shu has specialized training in yoga and mindfulness, that enables her to bring a somatic awareness to therapy, helping clients reconnect with their bodies as a source of wisdom, grounding, and emotional regulation. Shu focuses on navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or life transitions, working collaboratively to explore underlying emotional truths, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, and fostering meaningful, sustainable change. Shu’s goal is to guide each client toward greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a more empowered relationship with themselves and others.

Hi, I’m Chelsey Daval (she/they), LCSW. Life brings moments of joy, connection, and excitement, but it can also bring seasons where the emotional weight of everyday responsibilities feels overwhelming. Many people, regardless of age, find themselves stuck in patterns they do not want to be in. Struggling with the same issues again and again, unsure of how to name what they are feeling, or unable to imagine a way forward. This may look like ongoing anxiety, low mood, obsessive or rigid thinking patterns, or difficulties in relationships that begin to feel confusing or distressing. I believe that change is possible when you are supported in an environment that encourages reflection, honesty, and self-compassion. We, as humans, are social beings, and healing does not happen alone. Therapy offers a space to slow down, feel supported, make sense of your experiences, and reconnect with yourself in a way that helps you move towards a more authentic and balanced life. I strive to create a therapeutic space together that is grounded in safety, respect, understanding, and empowerment. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and emerging adults in both individual and group therapy. Much of my work focuses on supporting identity development, emotional regulation, anxiety reduction, and building self-esteem and healthy relationships. I also support individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive patterns that impact their sense of safety, confidence, and daily functioning. In my work, I have had the privilege of watching many clients begin therapy feeling unsure or stuck in patterns that once helped them survive, and gradually grow into individuals who trust themselves more, reach out for support when they feel overwhelmed, and move forward with greater confidence and hope. In addition to individual and child therapy, I offer couples and family therapy for those navigating persistent relationship challenges or significant life transitions together. I work with families experiencing high-conflict dynamics, divorce, or blended family changes, as well as couples who find themselves having the same arguments over and over, struggling to feel understood, or longing for greater emotional closeness. In this work, we look beyond blame and focus on the patterns, stressors, and unmet needs that shape how people relate to one another. Family and couples therapy creates a space to slow down, feel heard, and reconnect. Family and couples therapy creates a space to slow down, feel heard, and reconnect by providing support for healthier communication, deeper understanding, and a sense that you do not have to carry the weight alone. In our work together, I draw from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, strengths-based and systems approaches, psychodynamic therapy, and the Gottman Method. This work often includes building emotional regulation skills, identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, practicing new ways of relating to others, and reshaping the stories you tell about yourself. These approaches allow us to understand you as a whole person, not just the current concern that brought you to therapy. My approach is relational, person-centered, and trauma-informed. This includes supporting people who are working through the impact of past or ongoing trauma and how these experiences continue to shape emotions, relationships, and ways of coping. Together, we focus on creating insight, strengthening internal resources, and supporting meaningful, lasting change. I know that seeking support can feel intimidating, no matter your age. I see the courage, strength, and self-awareness that it took for you to be here. I will approach your story with care, curiosity, and compassion. My goal is to help you reconnect with your sense of inner strength and clarity. You deserve a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. I would be honored to walk alongside you in that process.

I hold a deep belief in each person’s ability to heal and grow — no matter where they’re starting from. With several years of experience in mental health practice, I’ve supported people through a wide range of life challenges, always with compassion, radical acceptance, curiosity, and respect. I aim to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can show up as your full self — messy parts and all. My approach is trauma-informed, rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS), psychodynamic theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and somatic and mindfulness-based practices. That might sound like a lot — but at its heart, it means I listen closely, pay attention to what’s happening inside your body and nervous system, and help you get to know the deeper patterns shaping your thoughts, feelings, and relationships. I have a deep commitment to working with individuals from immigrant and bicultural backgrounds. I understand the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities, generational expectations, and the emotional weight that can come with migration. Therapy with me is a space where all of that — your story, your resilience, and your pain — is honored and held with care. In our work together, you can expect a collaborative and depth-oriented process.I create a space where you can feel deeply seen and safely challenged. I don’t shy away from the harder, deeper layers of healing — and I will support you with gentleness, skill, and curiosity as you move through them. Whether you're facing anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, intergenerational trauma, or simply seeking more clarity and connection in your life, I’m here to walk alongside you.

Whether it’s your first time starting therapy or you’re returning after some time, I am genuinely glad you’re here, and I’m excited to support you on your journey. In a world where hustle culture often pushes mental health aside, there is so much power and courage in choosing to prioritize your well-being. Even during the most difficult seasons of life, there is beauty in the process—sometimes, we just need that reminder and support. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, attachment-based therapy, and specialized support for medical trauma to best serve my clients. I believe in the power of human connection, and with the right tools and support, everyone has the capacity to heal and thrive. I strive to offer a supportive environment where you can better understand your emotional world, gain insight into yourself, and build practical skills to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.

Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in curiosity. As a relational therapist, I believe that healing happens in connection with ourselves and with others. Our therapeutic relationship is a central part of the work we do together, offering a safe and supportive space to explore patterns, build insight, and foster growth. I work with individuals navigating a range of challenges, including eating disorders, body image concerns, and self-esteem issues. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore your relationship with food, your body, and your sense of self. I also offer trauma-informed care, integrating Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and mindfulness-based approaches to support those healing from trauma and navigating sexual dysfunction. Together, we can gently explore the ways your past experiences may be impacting your present life and relationships. Whether you're processing the past or trying to make sense of your present, I’m here to sit with you as you move toward healing and self-understanding. I recognize that healing is not linear, and therapy is never one-size-fits-all. It’s an honor to meet you wherever you are on your journey. Together, we’ll uncover resilience, deepen self-awareness, and work toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

William is a trauma-informed therapist who values building a lasting connection with clients. Through his work with homeless and his experience in the entertainment industry, William utilizes tactful listening and an inviting aperture in order to build trust and comradery amongst clients. He uses a strength-based approach to empower clients and help them realize their strengths in the systems they reside.

Colette, "Coco" is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two years clinical experience providing therapy in private practice. She earned her Master's of Social Work from the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before working in private practice, Coco worked in the Madison, WI school district as an inclusion specialist and assistant director, working to integrate children with Individualized Education Plans into all aspects of the school experience. Her experience in the school system solidified her desire to become an effective and compassionate child and adolescent therapist. Coco is a therapist driven to work with children and adolescents so that they can thrive in their environment. She is passionate about neurodiversity-affirming practice and takes an individualized approach to each session with her clients. Coco recognizes the value of understanding each person's unique experience, and is passionate about creating a safe and trusting relationship with her clients. She understands that every child’s environment is complex and unique, which is reflected in her flexible approach to therapy. She is committed to taking a strengths-based approach to her therapy practice, and aims to empower each and every child and family that she works with. Coco focuses on navigating a variety of diagnoses such as OCD, Anxiety, ADHD, DMDD, Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and certain genetic disorders. She focuses on supporting her clients with the skills to live as comfortably in their lives as possible, such as emotional expression and regulation, executive function, self-esteem, and social skills.

I have a holistic approach to therapy that invites us to slow down, be curious and turn inward to notice what is happening both in our bodies and minds. We live in a culture that privileges the cognitive over the felt sense. By exploring our emotions rather than judging them or trying to get rid them, we can grow our ability to be with and tend to those feelings and see the wisdom within. "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." --Carl Rogers