Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Catherine is a therapist with over a decade of experience, and has a trauma-informed, relational approach to recovery. She works with clients to address wounds, both conscious and unconscious, in ways that empower and prioritize client voices. Catherine actively fights against injustices and oppression, both individual and systemic.

College can be a doozy, and it can be hard to find a therapist who just "Gets It". You might have moved to a new city which means new people, new experiences, new, well, everything. Couple that with academic expectations, trying to find yourself in this new world and it can become overwhelming. I've been there. As a "90's baby" I pride myself in creating a safe and inclusive environment for all of my clients regardless of age, race, religion, identity, sexual orientation, or beliefs. Clients who benefit from counseling with me are those who may be experiencing Life Transitions, moving through Greif/Loss, wanting to explore their Identity, struggling with creating that all too important Work or School /Life Balance, battling Anxiety, and maybe dealing with family of origin challenges. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Certified Clinical Anxiety Professional who uses evidenced-based interventions tailored to the unique individual that is YOU. Let's work together to create a space for your well-being! Still Counseling & Wellness, LLC accept BCBS PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Self-Pay.

With 14 years of experience in the mental health field, I am deeply committed to helping individuals, couples, families, and groups navigate the challenges they face. My approach is rooted in a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapy, tailored to meet each client exactly where they are. I believe that healing begins with trust, and I strive to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard, understood, and empowered. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in various settings—community mental health, non-profit organizations, government, and residential facilities—which has shaped my ability to adapt and effectively address a wide range of concerns. Whether it's career difficulties, relationship issues, or struggles with mental health, I work closely with clients to help them identify their strengths and develop practical strategies for moving forward. I encourage active participation, including assignments outside of sessions, to ensure that growth continues beyond our time together. My core values—competence, self-determination, and respect for diversity—guide every interaction I have with clients. I am passionate about empowering those I work with to take charge of their own journey toward healing and success. I find great fulfillment in being a change agent, walking alongside individuals as they work through their challenges, build resilience, and ultimately achieve the personal transformation they seek. If you are looking for a therapist who is compassionate, punctual, and dedicated to your well-being, I am here to support you on your path toward positive change. Together, we can work toward your goals in a collaborative and meaningful way.

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.

Tonya Vander, LCSW, understands what trauma and grief look like when life is severely altered, and she offers a strong, empathic ear and tools to guide clients through healing. She creates safe spaces for individuals to feel heard, encouraged, and accepted. She supports clients age six and up struggling with depression, family conflict, mood disorders, stress, and is especially skilled at treating: Trauma/PTSD: Tonya is highly skilled at treating trauma and supporting clients through the tremendous repair work needed to heal. She helps clients focus on hope and resiliency no matter what barriers they're facing. Tonya understands change takes time, but there's possibility to overcome anything and move forward.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a therapist who is looking to provide clients with a safe non-judgemental space. No matter your background, similarities, or differences, the ultimate goal is to ensure that you, the client, feel safe and supported. Whether you are currently experiencing a crisis, seeking to manage ongoing concerns, or looking for a space to space to check-in, I am here to support you. Reach out to schedule a free consultation. Let's see if I would be a good fit for you.

Who I am as a psychologist is deeply tied to who I am as a person. I am a cis Black man. I am heterosexual. I am from rural Arkansas. I was raised in low-income family. I’m first generation. My background taught me the value of community and resourcefulness. These are the things that shape how I see the world and how I serve in this role. I help my clients create sustainable change by working with them to combine knowledge and skills into purposeful action. A cornerstone of my approach involves "me-search". I believe self-knowledge is essential to insight (our ability to identify, understand, and take steps toward our goals). My goal is offering a brave and empowering space to facilitate that transformation. I look forward to helping you explore how your concerns relate to you, your body, social world, and worldview. My ideal clients are folks who are curious, open to ask themselves really hard questions, and have a willingness to approach change in an honest way. I ideally like to work with clients navigating a life transition (academic, work, identity or relationship based), anxiety, and/or healing from traumatic experience. Overall, I enjoy work that’s depth-based and clients who are interested in therapy that focuses the source and solutions. I draw on my clinical-research expertise exploring meaning in life and liberation to approach healing as an integrative process. I believe there is great value in establishing a brave and affirming therapeutic relationship and space to identify, make sense of, and take action to work toward my client’s goals. Overall, I consider myself a “fellow traveler” and practice from a strength-based approach where I invite collaboration, courage, and trust in the process from those with whom I work.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and over 8 years of emergency department experience. Skilled in psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based interventions for diverse populations. Experienced in both telehealth and in-person care, with a focus on patient-centered, holistic treatment. Passionate about improving mental health outcomes through collaboration, education, and individualized treatment planning. Committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care while staying current with best practices in psychiatry.

There are many ways we learn to cope with hurt, stress, and loss and, given our past experiences and upbringing, these ways can often involve avoidance – wanting to escape or numb the pain. This may look like excessive screen use, emotional eating, self-medicating, isolating, self-harm, etc. If you’re noticing that what helped you get by until now no longer works, if it’s impacting your ability to show up in your life and engage with the things you care about most, then I want to be your ally and support you through the process of change. My approach is collaborative, non-judgmental, and warm. In each session I prioritize creating a safe space for you to explore what brings you into therapy while providing a constructive environment, utilizing evidence-based approaches, to help you learn healthier coping strategies and facilitate the change you want to make. I want you to know that you are not alone and asking for help is an act of courage. I want to hear your story and have the privilege to accompany you on your journey of self-exploration, healing, and growth. To quote Brené Brown, “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”

I work with clients who experience anxiety, depression, body image issues, disordered eating, and struggles with life transitions. I am passionate about creating an empathetic, nonjudgmental space where you can be fully yourself! I strive to cultivate a therapeutic bond based on trust and authenticity. I want therapy  to be collaborative, because I truly believe you are the expert on your own life. Therapy sessions  should be unique to you and your goals, and I want to ensure that you feel heard. I take a systemic approach that prioritizes the impacts that culture, power imbalances, and larger societal systems can have on your life, while also attending to your personal narratives. I aim to facilitate healing by offering compassionate perspectives and attentive listening.

Hey there!! My name is Kim Koehler and I am the founder and lead therapist at Afterglow Counseling. I am accepting new clients in Indiana and Illinois! I have several years of experience in counseling and therapy with individuals of diverse backgrounds. I specialize in treating individuals who are survivors of various forms of trauma, and those struggling with body image issues/changes, low self-esteem, life transitions, women’s issues, depression, OCD, and anxiety disorders. My approach is to meet you with patience, understanding, and empathy as you share your vulnerable moments with me. I believe that everyone has the power to make changes to parts of their lives that no longer feel aligned with themselves, and am here to offer you encouragement to do so. I have extensive training in trauma and crisis intervention, as well as several years in the private practice setting working with clients of various backgrounds and presentations. I value collaborative relationships, and believe that creation of your own goals for your journey in therapy is the first positive step towards regaining control and autonomy. I believe in empowering individuals to reflect on barriers in their lives, and the strengths they currently possess and skills they can add to overcome these barriers. I believe in practicing self-compassion during difficult periods of our lives, and am committed to working with you to improve your sense of self in the hopes of leading a life you love.

Ace Counseling Group is a Chicagoland & Illinois practice that strives to help aid clients in their journey for self-reflection, self-improvement and growth. We provide Mental Health Therapy through Telehealth for those with a limited schedule, the inability to meet face-to-face, or if you might just feel more comfortable seeing a therapist via a video platform. Our mission is to make sure each client feels the utmost comfort in their counseling journey and is able to feel heard and understood by their counselor.

As a therapist, I strive to co-create a space of curiosity and self-compassion with my clients. I believe that healing and growth are best supported when individuals feel safe, seen, and empowered to explore their inner experiences. This collaborative environment allows for a deeper connection with oneself and the development of meaningful insight. My approach is grounded in two years of post-master’s training in Somatic Experiencing, a body-oriented modality that helps regulate the nervous system and process trauma. I also draw from polyvagal theory, psychodynamic principles, and attachment theory to inform my work.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

You’ve taken a brave step in inviting someone into your most personal space to partner in your healing. In our time together you will find a safe, non-judgmental environment to work through difficult experiences. I will support you to find resolution to your struggles, while helping you identify your inner strengths to reveal a healthier version of you. You are respected and valued, and this will be shown via honesty and empathy. I thrive in walking alongside you in your journey healing from toxic, antagonistic and/or difficult relationships. I have been providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples, adolescents, and families for over 15 years. I look forward to joining you in your wellness journey.

Woven Wellness is a virtual mental health practice providing care in both Illinois and Vermont. The practice specializes in perinatal mental health and addictions. Shaina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois and Vermont. Her therapeutic lens is rooted in attachment theory and is neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed, harm-reductionist, sex-positive, HAES-aligned, and anti-oppressive. She utilizes an interactive and collaborative approach that draws from multiple therapy modalities, with a focus on the relationships that we have with others and with ourselves. She is also a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) in Illinois and has advanced training with the treatment of chemical and process addictions. Additionally, Shaina has completed Postpartum Support Internationals’ training for perinatal mental health. Shaina has worked in various settings in the mental health field for ten years in both inpatient and outpatient settings and currently also works as a consultant and School Social Worker. “I believe in a collaborative, supportive, and interactive approach that focuses on your strengths and the relationships you have with others and with yourself. Together, in a judgement free and safe space, we can explore the places where you’re feeling stuck and work together to discover new perspectives, make meaningful changes, and find new ways to move forward. It is possible to build an authentic and affirming life rather than feeling forced to fit into societal standards and expectations. This is a comprehensive approach to treatment, which goes beyond merely treating symptoms. I approach my work with genuine humility and sincerity to create a space that is inclusive and affirming to all. I believe in the importance of holding space for all of the parts of you, acknowledging the ways that they impact and guide our lived experiences.“

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!