Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Our relationships with our bodies and food are complicated and hard to navigate. You are not alone. Wherever you are in your journey - an eating disorder, disordered eating, and/or weight/body image concerns - you deserve support and compassion. As an eating disorder therapist, my work is grounded in a person-centered, Health At Every Size (HAES) approach. I integrate both psychodynamic and behavioral (ACT, DBT, CBT, etc). I have over 7 years of experience in direct client treatment services - spanning residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings—and have worked with clients experiencing a variety of mental health concerns. While I focus my practice on eating disorders, I have a generalist background and am skilled in working with a range of clinical issues. I am committed to providing trauma-informed care rooted in cultural humility. I love working with the LGBTQ+ community to provide a safe, affirming space for clients to explore their identities and experiences. Starting a relationship with a new therapist can feel daunting—it’s a deeply personal and courageous step. By simply being here, you’re already showing strength and a commitment to your well-being. I sincerely hope you will take that next step and reach out. Together, we can work toward peace with your body and food.

Hello! My name is Kalea Abernathy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical and Counseling from Colorado State University and my Master of Arts in Counseling at Northwestern University. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and their families. I believe that the key aspects of counseling are empathy, collaboration, and unconditional positive regard. With these foundational pieces, I work with my clients to create a trusting therapeutic relationship where individuals feel safe to process their past and present and feel empowered to achieve their goals.I have experience helping individuals address complex trauma, post traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and ODD. I integrate multiple lenses such as dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, person-centered, and psychodynamic to better help and understand my clients. Before working at Hartman Counseling and Consulting, I worked with adults at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, helping individuals work through grief and loss and mood disorders, and at The Bridge Youth and Family Services where I worked with children, adolescents, and their families who were experiencing anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, and behavioral difficulties

Are you constantly feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or like you are falling behind no matter how much you achieve? Many of my clients are students and young professionals who appear successful on the outside but are silently struggling with burnout, anxiety, and pressure to be perfect. I help individuals break the cycle of overfunctioning, manage anxiety, and recover from the emotional weight of high expectations; whether academic, cultural, or personal. You don’t have to keep holding everything together alone. Therapy is a space to slow down, understand what is driving these patterns, and learn healthier ways to cope so you can feel more balanced, grounded, and at peace.

I provide psychotherapy to adults of all ages, creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their experiences, gain insights, and develop coping strategies. I specialize in helping clients navigate relationship concerns, life transitions, identity issues, trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and academic challenges. With a genuine and authentic presence, I empower clients to reach their fullest potential. Hailing from the vibrant streets of New York City and raised in a culturally rich Nigerian-American household, I am deeply committed to enhancing mental health care within marginalized communities. A fierce advocate for social justice, I recognize the profound influence of systemic oppression on well-being and strive to address the intersectional nature of social injustices in my work. I believe that therapy is most effective when centering clients' unique cultural backgrounds and values, helping them navigate and resist oppressive structures. Through my experience providing therapy at the Buffalo State University Counseling Center and my ongoing doctoral training in Counseling Psychology at the APA-accredited program at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, I have become attuned to the unique challenges and joys faced by students and early career professionals. - I offer limited evening and weekend availability.

I specialize in working with college and university students struggling with ADHD. Whether it’s trouble starting tasks, managing time, or staying organized, I help clients find practical strategies while also holding space for the emotional toll that struggle can bring. I also work with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, offering support that’s compassionate, nonjudgmental, and rooted in evidence-based care. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and skills training. Together, we’ll identify patterns that aren’t serving you and build tools that support focus, regulation, and self-confidence both in the moment and over time. Therapy with me is collaborative and encouraging. We’ll work side by side to break down what feels impossible and create new pathways forward - grounded in your strengths, values, and capacity for change

Life can be challenging. I believe psychotherapy with a therapist who is a good match can help one more successfully navigate those challenges. I work collaboratively with my clients. I aim to create a nonjudgmental and supportive environment to explore difficult issues together -- to better understand what one is currently facing, to help manage those difficulties, and to ultimately make life more rewarding and meaningful. I have over 30 years of clinical experience and have worked in a variety of settings including university counseling centers (Univ. of Illinois, Univ. of Michigan, Northwestern Univ., The School of the Art Institute of Chicago), and LGBTQ and feminist services (Howard Brown Health Center, Planned Parenthood, Chicago Women's Health Center). I maintain a general practice where I see a wide diversity of men and women for issues including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and identity.

Dr. Carrera is a licensed clinical psychologist. She works with adults and adolescents to help them understand the impact of their thoughts, feelings, and actions on their wellbeing. She offers an active and empowering space to navigate issues such as anxiety, low mood, family of origin concerns, identity confusion, and cultural adjustment and transitions. She also provides therapy and coaching for work and school-related struggles, including low motivation, attention difficulties, and time management concerns. Clients working with her will strengthen their awareness of ways that their life experiences may affect their ability to cope with challenges effectively. Dr. Carrera provided psychotherapy to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at Northwestern University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, where she completed her clinical training (Postdoctoral Fellowship). She completed her Doctoral Internship at the University of California, Berkeley. She graduated with her doctorate in Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.) from Iowa State University, a program accredited by the American Psychological Association. She is an active member of the National Latinx Psychological Association and the Society of Counseling Psychology. Born and raised in an Ecuadorian-American home, Dr. Carrera is bilingual and bicultural. Clients can speak English, Spanish, and Spanglish in their work with her. She lived and studied for several years in England and Italy; these life experiences, as well as her identity as a woman of color working in several professional settings, fuel her empathy for clients navigating various cultural messages and social pressures at home, work, and school. She is committed to fusing clinical work with social justice advocacy alongside clients who may feel silenced, marginalized, and disempowered.

For Real Therapy is rooted in the belief that therapy is a political act -- where resilience and rest are supported simultaneously. It is a practice for people who recognize the ripple effect of their impact on the world at large, and why it is integral to commit to the work of intentional self-healing to relate to yourself so you can best relate to others.

Wellington Counseling Group is the trusted resource for adults, children, families, and couples looking for professional emotional and psychological support. Our diverse team specializes in anxiety, depression, life transitions, behavioral issues, trauma recovery, family dynamics, couples, and so much more. Each of our therapists offers a unique perspective that helps their patients find relief from symptoms, transcend the boundaries of mental health conditions, and craft a life they are proud to lead.

Do you find yourself caught in a cycle of self-criticism, leading to persistent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness? Do your emotions sometimes overwhelm you, resulting in reactions that feel disproportionate to the situation? Navigating relationships can become even more challenging when affected by family dynamics. Maybe you have been having concerns with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/ loss, life transitions, career/school stress, self-harm, and relationship challenges. Perhaps you’ve become discouraged by your attempts to help yourself. That’s what I’m here for. Imagine acquiring skills to navigate your inner critic and reduce feelings of hopelessness when triggered. Imagine understanding the reasons behind your actions which can provide motivation to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors. Let's build the courage to confront and overcome fears and self-perceptions that may be holding you back. I prioritize cultural sensitivity, emphasizing resilience, perseverance, and compassion. My trauma-informed approach fosters a nurturing space for exploring emotions, confronting challenges, and pursuing aspirations. Additionally, I speak conversational Cantonese, basic Korean, and basic Japanese. Schedule a free consultation today.

Meridian Psychiatric Partners provides best-in-class mental health services to children, adolescents, emerging-adults, and adults with an expert team of psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists. Specialists cover many areas, including mood and anxiety disorders, women's mental health, child and adolescent mental health, addictions, eating disorders, ADHD and personality disorders. Let’s work together to achieve your goals of symptom remission, better functioning and improved well being.

We all experience moments where life feels overwhelming, sometimes accompanied by worry about what comes next or how to change patterns we find ourselves repeating again. While some relationships may be sources of stress and pain, relationships where you are able to be your true self can allow for healing and transformation. It is my belief that the more we experience our authentic self, the easier it becomes to remain in connection to others and the world around us. Therapy is a space where you can begin to explore yourself, while doing so within a relationship that is validating, supportive, and centers your goals and needs. I believe that healing in the context of an attuned relationship is important, and work to create a therapy space that is safe and welcomes authenticity. Psychotherapy works best when it’s collaborative and strength-based, incorporating your personal culture and working towards goals that move beyond symptom reduction, resulting in more lasting changes in all areas of life. My approach to therapy is relationally based, incorporating attachment theory, CBT, and systems perspectives. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have experience working with a range of presenting concerns, with a special focus working with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and trauma-related disorders. I have experience providing individual, couple, and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I also provide psychological assessment services and can provide support related to receiving academic accommodations. Please feel free to contact me for a brief consultation or to schedule your first appointment.

MARRA is a trauma based practice located near West Loop Chicago. We work with adult clients that are ready to dive into self-exploration and acknowledgement of how present and past experiences impact their current life experience. When working with clients, we take into consideration how race, class, gender, sexuality, and other social systems intersect to shape people’s experiences. As a result, we practice psychotherapy, consultation, and training that affirms the value of difference. We strive to work from an anti-oppressive + anti-racist lens. LGBTQ+ - Sex positive- BIPOC inclusive

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As a previous university counseling center therapist, I work well with students who feel stuck and unhappy, and who are looking to make some sort of change in their lives, whether it is related to mood, purpose, addictions/habits, and/or relationships. I also work well with student who are experiencing nervousness about their academic and/or personal lives, and who are feeling overwhelmed with stress. I help students figure out how to be successful as they transition into young adulthood.

Are you looking for support in order to achieve the kind of life you envision? Maybe you are struggling to succeed in one of life's domains including socially, work, school, or family relationships. I would be honored to have an opportunity to work with you. The warm and supportive environment in my office helps clients feel comfortable working through personal challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family conflict, ADHD (adult and children), trauma, job stress and other life stressors. I have worked extensively helping adults, adolescents, couples, and families. I employ a human-centered cognitive behavioral approach with a solution-focused emphasis. Often the first step is the hardest. The voice you will hear on the other end of the phone will be sincerely interested in helping you.

Students who come to work with me often share some things in common: -They're high-achievers. Driven, capable, and holding it together on the outside, but quietly exhausted, burned out, or feeling like something's missing on the inside. -They might be navigating anxiety or OCD, going through a major life transition, or questioning their purpose and what comes next. They may be working through shifts in their relationships, with a partner, with their parents, or with themselves. -Many have never asked for help before. They're used to being the one who has it together, and reaching out takes real courage for them. If any of that sounds familiar, reach out for a free 20-minute consultation and let's get started together :)

The process of starting therapy can be awkward and scary but life-changing. It is a relief to speak with someone who doesn’t know you to form judgments. This environment is understood as a safe space that you will be provided with. A place where you can feel heard, express your emotions, and receive psycho-education. We all have the ability to change with the right tools. My goal is to meet you where you’re at and grow from there. At Hope and Prosper, I tend to utilize an integrative approach with cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy for an effective, personalized treatment. Clients often describe me as insightful, humorous, enthusiastic, and caring. These natural characteristics that I exhibit embrace my personality as a clinician. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with experience therapizing children, adolescents, teens, and adults. I obtained my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I graduated with my M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in trauma. Currently, I am pursuing my doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) to further my career.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I offer therapy in an affirming environment where individuals share concerns about their current and past challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to help them gain insight into their lives, manage distress, and develop tools to create meaningful and sustainable relationships. With the support of therapy, you can move towards a healthier, more balanced life. I have specialized training and experience working with LGBTQ adults in different life phases, as well as artists who see creativity as a part of their life and a source of their growth. I have over a decade of experience helping folks find healing from anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, unhealthy relationship patterns and addiction.