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Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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Cassie McCarthy, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Somerville, MA
Accepting new clients

Cassie McCarthy's therapy practice is tailored to help individuals, especially college students, navigate and overcome the challenges of anxiety or living through traumatic/painful events in their past. She also has a specialized expertise in helping survivors of sexual trauma overcome the unique effects of sexual & relationship violence. Cassie leverages science-backed approaches, and focuses on teaching practical skills and techniques to effect lasting change. Her approach is results-oriented, utilizing homework, worksheets, and real-time progress tracking to ensure therapy is tailored to each individual's needs. This practice is ideal for college students looking to take control of their mental health and wellbeing, offering tools and support to move beyond their past and thrive in their personal and academic lives. She uses Evidence-Based therapy approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help clients meet their goals. For a free phone consultation, visit www.CassieMcCarthy.com or call 978-403-6400

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Jaime Cox
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bloomington, IL
Accepting new clients

Hi, I’m Jaime! I’m a licensed therapist who creates a supportive, nonjudgmental space for students navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, or big life changes. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered to take steps toward healing and growth—at your pace, and in your way.

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Gabriel Tijerina
Pre-Licensed Professional
Crystal Lake, IL
Accepting new clients

I am a male therapist and I offer services for trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and men's issues. I am trained in EMDR therapy and specialize in treating individuals who have experienced trauma. I provide a listening ear and individualized treatment plans to help you achieve your goals.

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Margarita Kos
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Northfield, IL
Accepting new clients

Margarita Kos is a board-certified Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) and a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in Illinois. She obtained her MSN as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) from Loyola University and post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health certification from Maryville University. She has over 25 years of nursing experience that includes working in the emergency room, family practice, pain management, and psychiatric mental health as a registered nurse (RN) and APN. Margarita is fluent in English and Polish. Margarita is actively practicing in the Chicago-land area with a focus on maintaining mental health wellness, providing psychopharmacologic treatment management, and improving the quality of life of her patients through preventative healthcare. Her areas of special emphasis include mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a variety of mental illnesses amongst the childhood, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. Margarita is dedicated to providing compassionate care to her patients while maintaining a safe environment to promote therapeutic relationships. By actively adapting to the needs of each patient on a personal level, Margarita is able to assist patients in developing treatment plans to meet their goals and desired outcomes. Margarita strives to develop mental health treatment plans through various approaches including psychological or physical well-being, lifestyle changes, and self-care strategies.

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Michelle DeCola, LPC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Boulder, CO
Accepting new clients

Welcome, and thank you for reaching out. Emotional wellness leads to happiness and peace in your life and in your relationships. I'm here to help. Together we'll explore what's happening in your life, and how to live from a place where you can feel your best. I help people get curious about their feelings of depression, anxiety, and relationship issues, and understand how to feel more relaxed, and at ease in their life. My therapy style is relational, where you can feel heard, and seen, and supported. I have over 25 years of experience helping young adults navigate college, work, and all of their important relationships. I'd like to help you.

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More Than Thoughts Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Merrillville, IN
Accepting new clients

First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to stop by and read about me. Great work at seeking help as you progress through this time in your life. A little about me, I am a licensed clinical social worker in Arizona, Indiana, Illinois and New Jersey. I have 10 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with many different people with many different concerns. I have aided in progress with individuals that are depressed, anxious and having a hard time adjusting or have experienced severe trauma. My hope is for every client to feel heard and welcomed. My style is warm and questioning. I tend to help clients connect all of the information themselves and then develop a plan that will prove to be beneficial for their life and situations. My approach is cognitive behavioral with reality and solution focused therapy. I will work with the client so that treatment is individualized and unique.

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Kate Pendleton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Minneapolis, MN
Accepting new clients

Hi there! My name is Kate, and I’m here to help you learn about yourself. My goal is to build a strong therapeutic alliance with you so we can understand your history, patterns, needs, and desires. I practice therapy with a trauma-informed and neurodivergent affirming lens; I believe in the importance of understanding your story and starting wherever you are. I also use a client-centered approach, meaning you get to set the pace and determine what's most important to you. So whether you’re suffering from anxiety or depression, struggling with change, or simply need a safe place to talk it out, I’m happy to be along for the ride.

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Estefania Elias
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wilmette, IL
Accepting new clients

Hi there! My name is Estefi and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, social anxiety, and school issues. I have more than 11 years of experience working as a therapist with clients of varied cultures, ages, and backgrounds. I specialize in working with college students or young adults facing a variety of personal, academic, professional, and psychological challenges. In my practice, I celebrate the uniqueness of every person and believe in the power of the trusting working relationship between client and therapist. I personalize my interventions based on the client’s needs, challenges, and goals. I use different therapeutic models while maintaining a strength-based perspective. Some of the therapeutic methods that I use are psychodynamic theory, systems theory, person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, CBT, and EMDR. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I was born and raised in Argentina, but I've been living in the Chicagoland area for over 20 years.

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Ann Marie Berg
Licensed Professional Counselor
Inverness, IL
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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DMI Counseling PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Park Ridge, IL
Accepting new clients

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the crux of change. Through this lens, I offer a safe and empathic space for clients to explore their inner world. Counseling is not just for those experiencing a life crisis or a current difficulty— it is an opportunity to learn new skills, gain new insights, and position oneself for increased health and wellness. Every client is unique and needs something different from the therapeutic process. Pulling from a variety of modalities, I tailor techniques in a creative way to fit those needs. Through working together, I believe that I can help you find your way to the path for growth. I have experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship problems, work-life balance concerns, familial troubles, grief and loss, life transitions and trauma. I'm particularly passionate about working with college students and emerging adults. This time of life can be fraught with anxiety related to academic performance and career choices, making this life stage feel quite unpredictable and isolating, which is why I believe therapy is so important during this time. My goal is to help you gain useful tools to not only help you navigate this life stage, but also to carry with you in the future. I earned my M.A. in Counseling from Northwestern University and my B.A. in Psychology and Communications from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I have previously worked in various community mental health and private practice settings.

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Alyssa Burtner
Psychologist
Hoffman Estates, IL
Accepting new clients

I am a licensed psychologist dedicated to supporting college-aged individuals as they navigate one of the most transformative and challenging periods of life. Whether you’re adjusting to a new environment, managing academic pressures, exploring your identity, or coping with stress, anxiety, or relationships, I provide a safe, confidential space where you can feel heard and understood. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each person’s unique needs. I draw from evidence-based practices to help you build practical skills, deepen self-awareness, and develop resilience. Together, we can work toward managing overwhelming emotions, improving focus and motivation, strengthening relationships, and fostering a greater sense of balance and well-being. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to navigate this stage alone. I welcome new college-aged clients and strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you can grow and thrive.

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Wholehearted Therapy PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Palatine, IL
Accepting new clients

Many of the clients I support are college or graduate students and athletes, who are overwhelmed and struggling to create balance and peace of mind throughout the various obstacles and pressures they face. They’re dealing with anxiety, stress, burnout, low self-confidence, relationship challenges, school or sports performance issues, injuries, life transitions, and more. As a former high school social worker, women's basketball coach, and student-athlete, I have a deep understanding of the numerous challenges that go along with academics and sports. By using a collaborative, holistic, and strengths-based approach, I will tailor your therapy sessions to fit your own unique values, needs, and goals. I provide sports psychology tools for athletes and both in-person and online therapy, so you can conveniently access support amidst your busy schedule. Reach out to schedule a 15-minute complimentary consultation call. I can't wait to help you reach your goals!

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Emily Millman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Royal Oak, MI
Accepting new clients

I work with college students and adults who are navigating stress, anxiety, academic pressures, relationships, and life transitions. I take a collaborative and supportive approach, tailoring therapy to each person’s unique needs and goals. Some clients choose to explore EMDR, and I’m trained to use it when it fits, but many find our sessions helpful through conversation, reflection, and practical coping strategies. I aim to create a space where students feel understood and empowered, whether you’re struggling with burnout, uncertainty about the future, or past experiences that continue to affect your life. I accept BCBS of Michigan and BCN and offer telehealth sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays to make therapy accessible and easy to fit into a busy schedule.

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Megan Little
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Downers Grove, IL
Accepting new clients

Hello! My name is Megan Little, I am a passionate individual who enjoys building a connection with those I work with. I am a licensed social worker who has experience working with adolescents, young adults, and older adults who face a variety of struggles throughout their lifetime. My areas of specialization include anxiety reduction, grief counseling, relationship issues, occupational issues, Christian counseling, learning disabilities, parenting issues, and woman’s issues. I began my career working at a behavioral hospital and as a school social worker. Through many different focuses throughout my career, I truly fell in love with one-on-one based therapy. I truly believe that every person has a story and deserves to be heard. Life can be difficult, but with a helping hand, nothing is impossible to achieve. As a therapist, I feel very passionate empowering my clients to gain control of their lives back and the goals that they once wanted to pursue. Throughout therapy, I may utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) focuses along with holistic and existential therapy approaches to help my clients further explore their goals, beliefs, and their own personal values. I am a strong advocate that everyone brings their own unique life experiences and strengths to the table, and that there is no true exact replica approach to therapy. My goal and purpose is to individually invest in each person who I meet with and to utilize my strengths, expertise and approach to each individualistic client’s needs. Languages Spoken: English Professional Photo:

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Shannon Shahinian
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
South Barrington, IL
Accepting new clients

I've spent years helping kids and families navigate life's challenges, and I love supporting college and graduate students because I know growing up doesn't stop after high school. School brings new pressures, relationships, and responsibilities. It's normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes. I strive to create a space where you can be yourself, talk openly about what's on your mind, and build the confidence and skills to handle whatever comes next. No one has it all figured out. We can work through it together.

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McKenna Messling
Pre-Licensed Professional
Milwaukee, WI
Accepting new clients

Reaching out for help is often the hardest part and each client is different in their own ways. My therapeutic approach is a collaborative process in which the client takes the driver's seat, as they know their life better than anyone else. Our own minds can sometimes be our worst enemies and add daily life stressors into the mix..life isn't always simple and easy. I want to help clients sort through the messiness of life and help them get back on track to their goals and dreams while encouraging positive self-growth, self-image, and self-esteem. I like to take a person-centered, humanistic approach to help clients reach their goals and fullest potential. I work with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults as well. I work with many different presenting concerns, including anxiety, stress, depression, everyday stressors, trauma, and domestic/sexual violence. I earned my master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. I offer day and evening hours. I like to offer a welcoming, non-judgmental, and safe space that changes with each client to ensure the client's needs are being met.

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Emily Buckelew-Wieringa
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Lombard, IL
Accepting new clients

My name is Buck, I am relatable, empathic, and easy to talk to. I love working with teenagers and adults of all ages, including athletes. My clinical specialties include working with athletes struggling with performance anxiety, depression, burnout, difficult life transitions, occupational stress, low self-esteem and self-confidence, stress management. Clients who have made the most progress working with me have been those who identify as athletes or other performers, teenagers and adults of any gender. Regardless of athletic ability, I am always happy to be someone's teammate in their therapy process. Obtaining my dual master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Sport and Human Performance was just the start of my ongoing learning. Interventions I commonly focus on most include values identification, reframing thinking patterns, boundary setting, mindfulness, motivation exploration, and emotional regulation. As an athlete myself, I have experienced performance anxiety that led to difficult athletic transitions as well as the struggle of what my identity entailed beyond college. A combination of personal experience and supporting clients has allowed me to fully understand the grueling nature of attempting to juggle many obligations and roles in life that can create the feeling of being “spread too thin” and leading to potential burnout. My hope is to create a strong sense of rapport from our first session, creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere, where we can collaborate to help you identify and reach your therapy goals to promote an enhanced quality of life.

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Parkside Psychological Services
Group practice
Lake Forest, IL
Accepting new clients

Parkside Psychological Services is dedicated to serving people of all ages and needs. Our team of diverse, talented providers is committed to understanding the root of client’s concerns and working with them to bring about effective changes for recovery. Different providers are available 7-days/wk including daytime, evening, and weekends to suite your needs. We are currently accepting patients with a wide spectrum of symptoms. Able to connect in-person (Lake Forest, IL) or virtually (PsyPact membership connecting to 42 states nationwide!). We are in-network with BCBS PPO and Medicare. Out-of-network rates can be discussed as needed with option of superbills to support your request for reimbursement. Please reach out to Dr. Smiley directly to discuss your needs and preferences, and get started right away! Ideally an initial appointment will be scheduled within a week.

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Melissa Zielinski
Licensed Professional Counselor
Hanover Park, IL
Accepting new clients

🫶🌿🌹 Welcome!! Are you ready to feel different? The RIGHT therapist can change your life! I can provide a safe place to explore your innermost thoughts and help you cope with the emotions that can feel overwhelming. I provide insight oriented talk therapy with a focus on nervous system regulation. What does that mean? It means I strive to help you heal through insights that we learn TOGETHER, and I teach you about your nervous system and how to regain control of the emotions that threaten to take over. Most of my practice is young adult/college age individuals and I help people with depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief/loss, relationship difficulties, skill building, assertiveness, improving communication and emotional intelligence. I've spent many years working with crisis clients in an emergency department setting and have experience with clients in crisis, self injury, bipolar disorder and suicidal thoughts. Today CAN be better than yesterday but the first step is to GET CONNECTED!

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Hannah Olson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Grand Rapids, MI
Accepting new clients

Keeping it all together in college can be exhausting. When things like anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, panic, and stress get in the way, it can be incredibly overwhelming. Whether you struggled with these things before coming to college, or the transition to college has brought on new stress or anxiety - you're not alone and you deserve therapy that works. I specialize in compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals with anxiety, OCD, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, phobias, and related challenges. I'm passionate about helping college students to cope effectively with these challenges so that you can make the most of your college experience and feel like yourself again on campus. My style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth, while staying anchored in truly effective, research-back principles. Finding the right therapist can be a deeply personal process. Taking that next step to put yourself first is so worthwhile. If you'd like to learn more, feel free to reach out and let's chat. I look forward to learning your story, understanding your goals, and getting started.

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