Therapists for college students near 60637
You are holding a lot right now... Balancing coursework, expectations, relationships, and the quiet pressure to figure out who you are (and who you are becoming) can feel overwhelming. From the outside, it might look like you are managing, but internally, there may be anxiety, self-doubt, burnout, or a sense of disconnection that is harder to name. I work with college and graduate students who are navigating exactly these kinds of experiences. Many of the people I support are thoughtful, driven, and deeply self-aware, yet find themselves feeling stuck, exhausted, or unsure of how to move forward in a way that actually feels aligned. Therapy becomes a space to slow down. A place where you do not have to perform, keep up, or have everything figured out. Together, we begin to make sense of what is underneath the stress, whether that is long-standing patterns, identity exploration, relationship dynamics, or the impact of academic and societal pressures. My approach is relational, collaborative, and grounded in a sociological lens, meaning we do not just look inward, but also consider the larger systems and expectations shaping your experience. I integrate attachment-based, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed care, while also offering practical tools when helpful. I am especially attuned to: • Academic pressure and burnout • Anxiety and emotional overwhelm • Identity exploration (including cultural, relational, and personal identity) • Life transitions and uncertainty about the future • The pressure to “hold it all together” while feeling unseen or unsupported Our work unfolds in a space that is steady, thoughtful, and deeply human. We move at a pace that honors your capacity, gently creating room for clarity, compassion, self-trust, and more sustainable ways of showing up in your life. You do not have to navigate this chapter alone. I offer tele-health sessions for students located in Illinois, Iowa, and Nevada, and would be honored to support you in this season of your life!
As you navigate your journey through college, I understand that this phase of life brings both stress and excitement. At my therapy practice, I believe in supporting your mental health from a holistic perspective. What does this mean exactly? Mind-Body Connection: Holistic therapy recognizes the intricate link between your mind and body. My approach integrates mental and physical well-being, acknowledging that both aspects are essential for overall health. Emotional and Spiritual Wellness: Beyond addressing immediate concerns, I strive to nurture your emotional and spiritual wellness. This may involve exploring your values, purpose, and inner growth. Lifestyle and Environment: I consider your lifestyle choices and environment as integral parts of your well-being. From sleep habits to social interactions, these factors play a crucial role in your mental health.
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.”
Hello! I am Kelly, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have worked in the social service field for over 30 years and enjoy helping clients with many diverse types of issues including anger management, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and stress, among others. I am committed to my clients' personal growth and change and use several modalities including CBT, Strength Based, Compassion Focused, Mindfulness Based, Solution Focused and Eclectic. When working with me you will find that I am passionate about providing you with a safe, empathetic, non-judgmental space to navigate the life altering issues that can take their toll. As clients progress through treatment, they can expect a decrease in symptomology, an increase in coping skills, and an overall feeling of a better existence. Clients can move towards the best version of themselves and realize that they are not alone in their struggles. Choosing a therapist is a very personal process and a good fit is necessary for growth and change. I would like to get to know more about you, what brought you to therapy, what you expect from therapy and discuss how to best meet your needs. If you feel we might be a good fit to work together, feel free to reach out! I am part of the Path referral network, which means that when you reach out, my team will get back to you quickly to schedule our first session. I am committed to making therapy affordable. Through Path, I am in-network for most commercial insurances, so you're only responsible for your co-pay!
You’ve been carrying a lot for a long time—maybe the impact of childhood trauma, complicated relationships, or anxiety and shame that seem to live in your body as much as your thoughts. On the outside you may appear high-functioning and capable, but inside things can feel overwhelming. Many of my clients grew up navigating emotionally unpredictable families, painful relationships, or environments where they learned to minimize their own needs to keep the peace. They want more than coping—they want to feel safer in their body, understand their patterns, and finally experience relief from the past. I integrate EMDR, art therapy, somatic approaches, and insight-oriented talk therapy to support healing in both mind and nervous system. Drawing from parts work and trauma-informed care, we move at a pace that respects your story while helping you reconnect with emotions, build inner safety, and process experiences that feel stuck. Reaching out for therapy takes courage—especially if you’re used to handling everything on your own. Whether you're processing trauma, navigating anxiety or depression, or trying to feel safer in your own body, you deserve a space where all parts of you are welcome. When you're ready, I’m here.
I’m a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with experience in both inpatient and outpatient care, supporting patients with acute psychiatric needs, substance use disorders, and complex comorbidities. I thrive in team-based environments and focus on whole-person, evidence-based care that empowers patients and improves outcomes. I’m seeking inpatient or outpatient opportunities in the Chicago area where I can bring my skills, clinical insight, and passion for mental health to a dedicated care team.
I specialize in working with adults who struggle with concerns related to mood, anxiety, attachment and relationships, and identity. I enjoy working with clients through an interpersonal, relational lens. This means that I believe the therapeutic relationship can be healing in itself, and in order to aid the healing process I also use components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. I take a collaborative, empowering approach to therapy. You are the expert on your life, and together we’ll explore your experiences to better understand what may be holding you back. My goal is to help you uncover the insight, clarity, and inner strengths you already have to create meaningful change.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I know it can be hard to ask for help, but you are not alone. There is no shame in reaching out for help. I am passionate about supporting clients facing challenges such as, depression, anxiety, life transition, difficulties with work, family conflict, relationship concerns, stress, trauma, loss and grief, domestic violence, and cultural issues. We will work together to achieve your therapy goals. We will work towards you finding self love and inner peace. My approach is mostly a blend of person-centered theory that includes evidence-based practices, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT. My goal is to create an environment that is safe and supportive in order to empower clients and equip them with the tools needed to navigate challenges and promote healthy healing. My belief is that mental health and wellness is an essential component of a life that feels healthy and whole. No matter the reason for seeking therapy, it takes great strength to seek healing, growth, and positive transformation. I would be honored to be alongside you on your journey.
The past few years have been incredibly difficult for everyone, regardless of background or finances. In my practice I strive to create a warm and welcoming space where we can curiously and compassionately explore your concerns. I genuinely believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my goal is to assist you with discovering and deciding how to live your best life. Throughout the pandemic I was specializing in working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, isolation, interpersonal conflict, and grief. I have extensive history working with the college-aged population from my doctoral internship at Illinois State University and Spalding University’s counseling centers. I also have experience working in higher levels of care with non-college aged adults at outpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and inpatient levels of care. While working together we’ll collaboratively explore areas where you may feel stuck and discuss the use of new, more adaptive coping skills to help you move in the direction of your goals. I have many years of experience teaching classes focusing on evidence-based treatments, such as: DBT, ACT, and CBT. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Empowering Options is one of the most effective counseling approaches because our philosophy is to be uniquely on the side of the client. We concentrate on helping you learn, explore, and create your options. Options are in the perspective – the beliefs that you view yourself and the world through. As children, we believe what the adults in our lives told about the world and especially about ourselves. This profoundly affects us as adults. The way we view ourselves, our level of self-acceptance, self-esteem, and how we act in our lives and in our intimate relationships. The view we are given of ourselves determines our levels of self-esteem, and self–acceptance, and is one of the main reasons for problems in our relationships, with our partners, and in our parenting. Most of us were unintentionally taught, from a very young age, to think and feel against ourselves. So we do not have an objective view of ourselves and little compassion for how we handle the challenges we face. No charge for the first session to make sure it's a good fit. See the website for all other info.
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.“
Hello! My name is Dr. Ashly Lawrence. I have been working with college students and young adults for almost twenty years. College is a time of self-exploration, transition, and identity development. It can also bring great stress, existential questions, and family of origin issues. I am here to support it all. I practice from a relational feminist lens and am best suited to support clients struggling with stress, anxiety, identity development, trauma, family of origin issues, relationship stressors, and life transitions. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and often work with folx with one or more marginalized identities.
I have been working as a licensed clinical psychologist for over 20 years, serving adults in both individual and couples’ therapy. My style is supportive and non-judgmental in order to create a safe and trusting atmosphere. As a Humanist, I believe that people are always striving to succeed, but at times are blocked by fears, doubts and loss of clear identity. I see my clients as collaborators in the therapeutic process, and together we create a personal path for growth and change.
Things may feel heavy right now, and as a younger person trying to make sense of it all, it is no surprise you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Between social expectations and constant news cycles, you may be unsure of your next step. We specialize in supporting teens and twenty-somethings who are navigating anxiety, depression, school stress, relationship challenges, and the “What am I doing?” moments that show up during significant transitions. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I also work closely with clients exploring their identities, including the overarching systems and pressures we navigate. Our experience as high school social workers informs my work with neurodivergent clients, making the complex feel practical by incorporating evidence and body-based practices. With humor, honesty, and a touch of sarcasm, we will identify patterns, strengths, and values to create tools that complement your life. Your story is worth telling, and so is the chance to reconnect with yourself through thoughtful reflection and action. Whether you are seeking support for the first time or have experience doing this work, you will be met with a down-to-earth and warm space where you can show up exactly as, and who, you are.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I specialize in working with young adults who feel unsettled, stuck, or uncertain about aspects of their lives. These challenges often affect academic performance, relationships—whether with friends, family, or significant others—and overall well-being. Together, we explore how these feelings show up in daily life, identify recurring themes, and uncover behavioral patterns. By working together, I view my role as a clinician to be very similar to a consultant : you are the subject matter expert on your relationships, emotions, and experiences and together we can develop a plan that aligns with your core values.
Hi, my name is Sandy! I am a Master’s level therapist with a special interest in working with adolescents and immigrant populations. I am bilingual in English and Burmese and am open to taking patients in both languages. I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and my Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Roosevelt University. I am a part of the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA). I have experience working with children and adolescents in an inpatient psychiatric hospital and working with older adults and veterans on an online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program. I mainly work from a trauma informed cognitive behavioral framework, while incorporating techniques from psychodynamic and ACT practices. As a therapist, I enjoy creating a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions without judgment or biases. I am particularly drawn to working with immigrants on their mental health as I believe they are often underserved and as an immigrant myself, I am very familiar with the stressors of immigrating and the cultural factors that come with it.
Navigating life’s pressures often means juggling responsibilities, deadlines, and personal aspirations. My therapy is tailored to understand and work with your unique pressures, providing a place for clarity and focused action. Whether it’s the weight of exams or the pace of the corporate ladder, I'm here to help you find your footing. My virtual sessions are designed to fit within your busy schedule and give you access to the support you need to maintain balance and foster resilience.