Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Coffee Chat Counseling is a Chicago, IL based counseling practice that strives to make therapy approachable by providing a warm, non-judgmental, and supportive environment for our clients. We specialize in services for individuals who are aged 13 and older. Coffee Chat Counseling was developed to provide approachable and sustainable mental health care to its clients, while also advocating for change in the mental health care system. We want to improve access to services, as well as seek to de-stigmatize mental health on a societal level. We recognize the connections between mental health and experiences of systemic oppression and are committed to social justice work, anti-racism, and the decolonization of mental health practices. Our therapists work to ensure that we maintain a safe and affirming space for clients who identify as BIPOC and those who are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Coffee Chat Counseling believes that therapy should not have a one-size-fits-all approach. Our counselors have training in Art Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) modalities to ensure they are able to tailor sessions to their clients' unique needs. We know that taking the first step in your therapy journey can be daunting - our goal is to be here to support you through this process so that we can work together to access your strengths, establish safe boundaries, explore different directions, heal from trauma, and instill confidence in your decision-making.

Like many therapist profiles, this page could list my degrees and credentials, provide a vague description of what clients I work with, and be distant but warm; however, that is not how I work with clients or how I am in the world. I want this page to help you decide if we’ll work well together, not just list the things I’ve done. What you probably want to know is 1) do I know what I’m doing and 2) are we a good fit in working together. I have been working in the mental health field, specifically with eating disorders, since 2014 in a variety of capacities including inpatient, residential, and crisis stabilization programs. I am passionate about eating disorder recovery and collaborating with patients to find balance in their lives. I am body-positive and Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned. I have experience in working with families, couples, and individuals in addition to facilitating group therapy. My primary focus lies in helping to support clients and their loved ones in understanding and moving forward in the path to recovery through individual and family therapy. I have earned the distinction of being a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) by the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, and have been an officeholder for the Heartland chapter of iaedp since 2019 and remained committed to pursuing ongoing education within the field. There are so many people who hesitate to come to therapy or to move forward in eating disorder recovery due to having been previously unsuccessful with a “one size fits all” approach. I work with you to figure it out. I’m not a smile-and-nod, sit in silence type of therapist. I'll call you out on your BS, but I can do that in a way where we can both laugh. I'm not afraid to talk about anything you need to talk about. Intrusive thoughts? Feeling like you’re the only person to feel this way? You’d be surprised to find that you’re not alone. Therapy will provide a safe space to be yourself and a supportive environment to help meet you where you’re at and work towards creating lasting change in your life.

I am a strengths-based, relational therapist who works primarily with trans, queer, and neurodivergent adults. Our sessions will focus on interpersonal growth, rather than finding a cure for symptoms. I want to understand your challenges and celebrate your successes. Together, we will explore the ways in which you are affected by societal systems and help you develop skills to advocate for your wants and needs. I strive to lead by example in showing that it is okay to make mistakes, to always be learning about oneself, and to continue growing and developing your identity as you move through different life experiences. When we are through with our work together, I hope you will have the tools you need to live a sustainable, satisfying, and ever-evolving life.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been helping people experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma and relationship issues for over 7 years. I have developed great skill in balancing a caring therapeutic rapport with direct communication, and I am not afraid to provide challenging feedback at times. I will be openminded and warm as we work through your concerns together.

Hello! I'm Danielle and I work with many university students from the University of Chicago. I assist students to manage stress of the busy college/university lifestyle. Some clients have long standing struggles either diagnosed or not yet diagnosed and I help these clients to discover best ways to cope. Client Types: I work with clients who have or suspect ADHD, ASD, Anxiety, Depression, and adjustment concerns related to family, friends, and academic work. Demographics/Allied: Disability, Men, Women, LGBTQ+, culturally diverse Interest individuals: You may reach out and request a 15+ minute consultation to see if we'd be a good fit. How I work: First, I'm Person-Centered (considering the whole person) and considering your unique needs. Then, I use an action based approach to help client's achieve their goals. What would work best for you is discussed in the first session during assessment. Who works best with me: Those who like an interactive counselor who is empathetic and with validate your feelings while also challenging you to grow and increase positive changes. My goal is to assist you to gain a healthy tool box to manage life's stresses.

My name is Dr. Alejandra Gonzalez, and I’m a Licensed Psychologist. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Therapy can be a space to make sense of life’s challenges, reconnect with what matters to you, and feel more empowered in your life. I bring a warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive approach grounded in evidence-based practices. I specialize in working with adults navigating stress, trauma, life transitions, and identity-related concerns.

I am deeply passionate about helping college students meet their life’s goals. I have vast experience working with students and young adults in overcoming life transitions and managing school stress as well as family and relationship conflict. I utilize mindfulness techniques in combination with a strengths based approach to support you in your healing; however I do not limit myself to one modality and will utilize a variety of approaches that I tailor to each client to ensure their therapeutic needs are met. You are the expert on your story and I’m here to support you in managing your stressors and symptoms. In sessions you will find an approachable, warm and empathetic therapist. My main priority is to ensure you have a safe and comfortable environment to share your experiences. I allow you to set the tone initially, but as we build rapport, we will work collaboratively toward your goals. It gives me great pleasure to watch you through your journey.

Great to meet you! My name is Kyle and I have been in the field of for many years and graduated with my MA degree in 2011. Some of my specializations and interest areas include EMDR, PTSD, social anxiety, career counseling, and couple's counseling (Gottman Method). When I am not counseling, some of my interests include playing guitar, comic book movies,diet/nutrition and exercise. A bit about my approach to therapy: I utilize an integrative approach when working with my clients with a particular emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral and Existential Therapy. While I believe that it is important to help clients alter their perceptions that surround their upsets, I also believe that it is essential to assist clients in finding meaning in life and taking responsibility for one's choices. I believe that these factors together play an integral role in the promotion of mental and emotional well-being. What you can expect from our first session: I try to be as collaborative as possible with clients. I want to work together toward your specific goals instead of telling you what to do. I also try to keep a calm and relaxed environment in session as well as incorporate humor when possible

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.

I understand that seeking change or trying something different can be difficult. I enjoy working alongside my clients to help each individual achieve their therapy goals in a way that feels comfortable for them. By using an empathetic and client centered approach, I support and encourage my clients to focus on their strengths to overcome life’s challenges. I strive to create a safe and empowering space where clients can be vulnerable, explore new perspectives, and speak openly in an environment where they feel accepted rather than judged. I believe the relationship between client and therapist is essential in the helping process.

I am passionate about providing evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for older adolescents, young adults and adults with OCD, depression, anxiety and related disorders. Over the past 5+ years, I have deepened my commitment to providing effective therapy through a personalized and strengths-based approach. I work collaboratively and flexibly with my clients to help develop goals in line with living a more meaningful and values-driven life. I strive to form a supportive therapeutic bond through compassion, warmth, empathy and humor. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, one of the top training institutions in the field of social work. Prior to that, I graduated cum laude from Northwestern University, with a double major in Psychology and Science in Human Culture. I have provided individualized treatment across outpatient and school settings, serving patients of all ages. Additionally, I gained extensive training and experience providing evidence-based treatment across outpatient clinics specializing in OCD, anxiety and related disorders. I enjoy traveling and trying new restaurants as well as spending quality time with my family, friends, and Sylvester (my toothless, senior rescue dog).

Hello! my name Renee Smith, I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist specializing in working with children/adolescents, and young adults. With a deep understanding of the challenges that young people face, I provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. My approach is emphasizing empathy, patience, and trust as we work together to navigate life’s challenges. I have experience helping children, teens, and young adults, with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral difficulties, peer relationships, and family dynamics. I draw from evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I understand that this stage of life can be complex. My goal is to empower young people to thrive and build a strong foundation for the future. If you're looking for a caring and skilled therapist to support your endeavors, I’m here to help guide you through the journey to emotional well-being and success! Virtual Only....

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As a queer and socially informed therapist, my practice is shaped by lived experience, intuitive connection, and a commitment to integrative healing. At Lucid Flame Body & Mind, I offer somatic, sex, and spiritual therapy that honors the complexity of identity, the wisdom of the body, and the power of relational depth. Clients working with me can expect a space that is attuned, inclusive, and rooted in trauma-informed care—where nervous system safety, emotional nuance, and spiritual connection are prioritized. My areas of focus include sexual wellness, disordered eating, identity exploration, and trauma recovery, alongside holistic modalities such as energy work and intuitive practices such as tarot. These are important to me because they reflect the layered ways we heal—through evidence-based support, embodied presence, and culturally respectful integration of spirit and self. Whether you're seeking clarity, connection, or liberation, I welcome you into a practice that centers authenticity, compassion, and empowerment.

Welcome to Reparo Health. I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals seeking support in understanding themselves, managing emotional challenges, and building healthier patterns in daily life. I support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, identity-related challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is integrative and collaborative, drawing from CBT, ACT, mindfulness-based strategies, and trauma-informed care to help clients gain insight and develop practical coping tools. My work is culturally responsive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and grounded in warmth, empathy, and curiosity. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, navigating a significant change, or exploring personal growth, my goal is to offer a supportive space where you feel understood, empowered, and equipped to move toward meaningful and lasting change.

As a queer therapist, I believe there is no one “right way” to live our lives. This is the same for therapy, there is no “right way.” I believe we all have the power to harness our strengths and find the path that gives us the most meaning and purpose. Clients are the experts in their own lives – each person has the tools and skills to solve their problems, though sometimes may need some outside help to find those tools and learn those skills. Together we can create a therapeutic alliance that is conducive towards self-discovery, growth, and fulfilling your potential while honoring your history, resiliency, values, and beliefs. I completed my Masters in Social Work at Loyola University Chicago. I am working towards being a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community, gender diverse, the consensual non-monogamy (CNM) community, and I am kink/BDSM-affirming.

At Relational Insight we empower clients to increase life fulfillment through growth, acceptance, and healthy relationships. Our therapists help clients who are struggling and curious about observed patterns of behavior (such as perfectionism, isolation, avoidance or procrastination, substance use, conflict and relationship dynamics) or patterns of emotions (such as fear/anxiety, sadness, overwhelm, identify confusion, anger/irritability, and self-criticism). We also help clients interested in making connections between their past and present such as better understanding and healing past traumas or abuse. Therapy helps clients capitalize on their strengths and self-knowledge to make changes and live with intention.

Welcome! I offer a warm, strengths‑based space for college students navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, self‑esteem, academic stress, perfectionism, and life transitions. I specialize in supporting neurodiverse students and young women, and I bring personal understanding of neurodivergent experiences to my work. My approach is person‑centered, collaborative, and grounded in helping you feel seen, understood, and empowered.

Welcome! Are you one of those students who struggles with keeping things organized or gets stuck and shuts down when you have a lot going on? Do you get overwhelmed easily? Are you just having some trouble adjusting to being at school? Imagine feeling at ease when you have big assignments coming up, or having the coping skills to work through anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed! Life would be easier and you would be more more in control. If that’s you, you have come to the right place! I focus on helping college students work through their anxiety and challenges with planning ahead, time management, and social skills. I also work with students struggling to adjust to the transition and those just “needing someone to talk to while they are at school” for whatever reason! I look forward to hearing from you! Please reach out via my website: www.rachelkalinalcsw.com and schedule your FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION and we can discuss your needs! Have more questions? Email me at: rachel@rachelkalinalcsw.com

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