Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

I welcome all clients in a warm and engaging manner. I respect each as a person with their own unique needs,priorities and perspectives. It is always a professional pleasure of mine to provide insight that assists another's personal growth and self understanding.

Not every storm is visible, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Whether it's the whirlwind of ADHD, the quiet complexities of autism, or the relentless loop of anxious thoughts, I help individuals navigate what others often don’t see. I specialize in supporting neurodivergent clients and those managing anxiety, with a deep commitment to honoring each person’s unique wiring. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based and scientifically proven practices tailored to your lived experience. We work together to customize therapy to meet you where you are—authentically, collaboratively, and with curiosity. In our work together, you’ll find a space that’s safe, curious, and empowering. I aim to guide my clients through the messiness of growth with compassion and clarity—helping them build self-understanding, reduce overwhelm, and rediscover their inner calm. To me, therapy is not about “fixing” but empowering—offering tools, insight, and support I’ve had the honor of walking alongside clients of all backgrounds as they reclaim confidence, build coping skills, and find language for what once felt unspeakable. Healing isn’t linear, but it is possible—and you're not alone in the journey. Together, we’ll make space for growth, resilience, and meaningful change.

I am a Registered Dietitian working to help people improve their relationship with food. I work with people with eating disorders, disordered eating, or chronic dieters lookin to ditch the diet for good. In our work together, I will utilize principles from Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size to help you learn how to let go of food rules and fuel yourself in a way that works for you. I believe all foods fit. I will never tell you that you need to eliminate any foods! I also work with recreational athletes to help them determine fueling plans to perform their best and also feel their best outside of sport. I also use Intuitive Eating and HAES principles in this work as well. I believe fueling for sport can be done while eating intuitively and does not need to have rigid rules. Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, looking to stop dieting and let go of food rules, or looking to dial in your nutrition to improve your sport, I would love to work with you on your journey!

There are times when we may need support to gain insight and find creative solutions to our challenges. I look to meet people wherever they are on their journey and walk for a while, along-side them. As an art therapist, I believe in the power of creative expression and the role that it can play in self-awareness, growth, and healing. Let's Collaborate. I use art making as a mode of expression and fertile space for creative problem-solving. I found this outlet at a young age and went on to study art formally earning a degree in fine arts from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Creative expression of all kinds and across mediums has been a part of my personal self-care practice for most of my life. I believe so deeply in the healing power of art that I went on to obtain a graduate degree in Art Therapy so I could share this therapeutic practice with others. In addition to creative expressive therapy, I often integrate mindfulness and meditation techniques into sessions. I am trained in a variety of theories and modalities that support the deep work of trauma processing, such as EMDR, somatic work, and Internal Family Systems. Like a well-composed song or a pigment-layered canvas, a multi-media approach may be in order to best support the therapeutic process. I invite co-collaborators (that's you!) to roll up their sleeves in order to design creative solutions to their challenges and imagine new landscapes for their futures. Let's see what we can create together. The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. ― Aristotle

As an inclusive therapist and adopted individual, I create a therapeutic space that feels safe, supportive, and honors the intersectionality of your identity. My experience centers around working with children, adolescents, and adults, and I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief, identity exploration, trauma, in addition to obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Wherever you are in your journey, my goal is to meet you with openness and a genuine desire to understand your experience. Through a person-centered approach, I draw from evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Mindful that therapy is as individual as you are, I take time to get to know what matters to you and tailor our work to fit your values and goals. I am committed to therapeutic work where all aspects of you are acknowledged, respected, and valued. At the core of my practice is upholding cultural humility, and I would be honored to walk alongside you and provide a space where you can learn, regulate, and reflect.

"I help adults navigate through their depression and anxiety by using humor and authenticity, so that they can successfully cope with whatever life throws at them." Part of the MQA family since 2020 Presenting Concerns; Categorized under the following core areas of concern and title: – Adults; ADHD, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Depression, Grief/Loss, Life Transitions, OCD, Peer Issues – Social Skills, PTSD/Trauma Presenting Concerns – - Children: Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Depression, Peer Issues, Social Skills I earned my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University in 2018, and completed my clinical practicum and internship at Family Behavioral Health Clinic in Des Plaines, IL. I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents,and adults of all backgrounds, who were coping with a wide range of concerns ranging from depression and anxiety, to trauma and PTSD. I believe that one of the most powerful approaches to overcoming life’s tricky obstacles is resilience, and that working with my clients from a genuine and supportive place of connection is the key to overcoming even the most difficult of times. I gravitate towards a humanistic style of counseling while utilizing cognitive-behavioral tools in order to give clients research-supported, “take-home” coping strategies. I enjoy incorporating aspects of mindfulness, humor and art into my therapeutic work. Outside of work, I enjoy riding roller coasters, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. I also love to travel! I have traveled to over 10 different states and four countries. One of my life goals is to visit all 50 states as well as many more countries that our world has to offer. Culture is a big aspect in the work that we do as counselors, and I strive to experience as much of it as I possibly can. I am fluent in Greek and I enjoy learning new languages whenever I get the chance! Please feel free to contact me via email at dstathopoulos@mqatherapy.com with any questions and inquires for scheduling appointments. Thank you and I look forward to working with you!

I am forever amazed by the natural strengths and resiliencies that individual possess. And even with this life is hard. All that we experience and navigate can be overwhelming and can leave us with a jumbled mess of emotions, hurts, and fears that are that can feel daunting and sometimes even debilitating. But you don't need to go through this alone. Together we can begin to better understand your patterns of behavior, thought processes and coping mechanisms, in order to discover and change those that are no longer serving you. We will compassionately face what you have and are experiencing and how those shape you while also moving towards more fullness in yourself and your relationships. I enjoy working with both individuals and couples and take a person-centered, trauma informed approach where holistic care for the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual parts of self are all important. I strive to tailor my approach to meet the client’s needs where they are at and to draw upon the clients’ natural strengths and resiliencies. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD and executive functioning, relationship challenges and spirituality challenges. Additional I spent fair amount of life abroad both as a child and adult and am intimately acquainted with the challenges of transitions, including the losses and grief, as well as struggles with belonging and cultural identity, that can accompany those transitions. I believe this experience positions me to understand and support others with similar experiences and challenges. If you have further questions feel free to email me, or set up a consultation call on our practice website!

Do you feel overwhelmed by the roles you are juggling? Do you feel drained or that you're simply getting by, that life is slipping through your fingers? This time is your life is one where you are existing in multiple roles - student, worker, sibling, friend, roommate, caretaker, and/or more; this can bring up so many different emotions, reactions, and struggles. This may even be a time in your life when you are discovering new parts of yourself. I work to provide a safe, secure environment for you to process, hold, and learn this new version of you, in all our messy imperfections. Hey, my name is Nithya (nith-ya) and I am a cat (and dog) lover, a ttrpg enthusiast, and a licensed therapist who is trauma-informed and queer-affirming. As someone who spent half their life in another country, I've learned a lot about myself over the years and I know the difficulties and stresses that come with it. I bring my authentic self into sessions and work with you on discovering beliefs and habits that no longer work for you and understanding and processing past experiences to foster change and bring clarity to your life. I studied at UIC and NEIU for my Bachelor's and Master's, and worked at NPU as a clinical intern. I have experience working with trauma and complex trauma, identity exploration, anxiety/depression, relationship and friendship concerns, complex family dynamics, assimilating to a new culture, ADHD, and career counseling. Most importantly, I believe in your ability to change your life and move through difficult circumstances and I would be delighted to support you in your growth. Email me at nithya@chicagocounselingservices.com to set up an appointment.

Are you having trouble navigating big questions about who you are? Or where are you going? Are you anxious about where you fit in? Or ask yourself, “do I even belong?” I have a passion for supporting BIPOC individuals, specifically Latiné, Black, first-generation, and LGBTQ+ individuals. My role is to create a safe, nonjudgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. As a Latino and queer therapist, I deeply understand the pressures many students face, whether that is anxiety, depression, financial stress, imposter syndrome, or trauma. Many of us grow up carrying a ton, and college can bring both new opportunities and new challenges. I help individuals explore the root causes of their struggles by tapping into their unique strengths. My approach is collaborative and creates change which helps gain clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of self. If you are figuring out your identity, dealing with stress, or just feeling overwhelmed and unsure then I want to emphasize that you are not alone. I want to create a space where you can show up as your authentic self, be heard without judgment, and start to build the life you want. I believe in walking alongside my clients as they work through what is hard and discover what is possible.

Relationships play a significant role in our emotional well-being, yet they can also be one of life's greatest sources of stress. At Semillas Counseling, we help individuals and couples navigate the challenges that arise in friendships, dating relationships, family dynamics, roommates, and romantic partnerships. Whether you're struggling with communication, conflict, trust, boundaries, loneliness, life transitions, or simply wanting healthier and more fulfilling connections, our therapists provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore what's happening and develop meaningful, lasting change. We believe stronger relationships begin with greater self-awareness, intentional communication, and the confidence to show up authentically with the people who matter most.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As a queer, sex-positive therapist, I specialize in trauma informed care providing support for the LGBTQIA+ community. I work with individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation, depression, complex and religious trauma, grief, neurodiversity, systemic oppression, substance use, HIV/AIDS, GNC, kink, CNM, and identity-based marginalization. Our work together will be a process of learning and unlearning. My approach is relational and strengths-based. We will explore transgenerational patterns and observational behaviors generated from a place of survival. It is my goal to promote the process of healing by creating a safe and affirming space for you to cultivate an understanding within yourself that will unveil the deeper meaning your struggle is pointing towards. I will help you recognize the effects of the larger societal and cultural environment that have shaped how you move through the world. I believe there is no limit to human capacity. There is wisdom and truth to be found within the struggles that we face. You have the ability to develop profound knowledge and acceptance of these conflicts and the strength to move forward in your life. The road ahead is often a vulnerable one, and I am grateful for the trust that you may bring to the process.

Welcome! I specialize in working with young adults facing challenges like anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and depression. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to provide a tailored, effective treatment experience. More importantly, I focus on building a positive, trusting relationship with each client. I believe therapy works best when you feel truly understood and supported. In our sessions, you’ll find a warm, non-judgmental space where you can openly explore your thoughts and feelings. I love incorporating art, creativity, even dogs into the treatment space to help you reach your goals. Together, we’ll work on practical tools to help you manage overwhelming emotions, break free from unwanted patterns, and feel more in control. My goal is to empower you with the skills and confidence to navigate life’s challenges while fostering a stronger sense of self.

We look at individuals as part of a bigger family system, offering support to folks experiencing low motivation and school refusal, social anxiety, performance anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, depression, and cultural identity.

Our practice specializes in helping you find fulfillment within your relationships and sex life. Our team of highly trained, expert sex and relationship therapists are sex positive, pleasure centered and non-judgmental. While our main areas of focus are helping clients with their sex lives and relationships, we also work with clients who are navigating modern dating, those with anxiety and depression, and life transitions and stressors. We believe the quality of your life is determined by the quality of your relationships, and we're ready to support you in cultivating the highest quality of life possible.

You are the expert of your own life, and sometimes we need some support along the way. My main areas of focus include work with neurodivergent disabled queer and gender expansive clients at various intersections of identity, complex trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (e.g. medical and religious trauma, trauma navigating systemic oppression). I also work with folks often othered in the mental health and medical fields, sociocultural identity development, and plurality across the lifespan. I seek to co-create a meaningful, collaborative culturally responsive relationship centering a trauma-focused and healing-centered lens. I incorporate an integrative, relational, strengths-based approach incorporating Dialectical Behavior Therapy, somatic therapies, humor (and puns), narrative therapies, and challenge by consent. I seek to provide an affirming and empowering space, especially for folks at various intersections of identity, who have experienced oppression, trauma, and severe mental health diagnoses across the lifespan. It is important to build a mutually collaborative relationship that provides space for self-reflection and growth. I look forward to connecting!

You are so much bigger than the things that have bogged you down in your past, the things that trouble you in the present, and the things that scare you about the future. Therapy isn't about fixing something broken; it's about helping you recognize, hone, and use the strength you already possess to create lasting change. You don't have to be trapped by old stories or limiting beliefs, you can rewrite your own narrative. As a therapist, I believe my first and foremost responsibility is to create a safe space for you - space for you to heal, laugh, cry, celebrate, and even make mistakes. I want you to feel cozy bringing your entire self into the therapeutic space, and I promise I’ll do the same. I’m always on your side; while I may question or challenge you, at the end of the day I fundamentally believe we are all doing our best—you included. I specialize in working with queer adults, adolescents, and couples navigating life transitions, anxiety, family-of-origin issues, identity development, and body image concerns in an easy-going, shame-free space. I am a member of the queer community, and am committed to a practice that is accessible, antiracist, LGBTQIA+-affirming, poly-allied, body-neutral, and welcoming toward clients of all walks of life. I draw on diverse experiences in the arts, corporate settings, education, and in clinical mental health to bring an integrative and eclectic approach to therapy. As a continually developing and evolving clinician, I draw from narrative, existential, and person-centered approaches, and am supervised by Angela Scalisi, LCPC. If you are here and are already considering starting or continuing therapy, you’re already taking such a meaningful step in prioritizing yourself and your wellbeing. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just want someone to chat with, there’s a spot on my couch for you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Maybe you’ve been telling yourself you should be able to handle this by now. But lately, everything feels heavier. Your energy is low, motivation is hard to find, and even small tasks can feel overwhelming. You may notice yourself pulling away from people, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to break. At times, you might find yourself reaching for something—whether it’s substances, distractions, or numbing behaviors—to get through the moment, even when it doesn’t bring lasting relief. For some, this shows up as persistent sadness, emptiness, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others. For others, it may look like anxiety, burnout, or being caught in cycles of overthinking and self-criticism. These experiences can also show up in relationships pulling away, avoiding hard conversations, or finding yourself in the same painful dynamics again and again. You may notice that your inner voice is harsh or unforgiving, making it even harder to find a way forward. Together, we will gently identify and address these patterns while building more compassion, stability, and connection—both within yourself and in your relationships I work with teens and adults navigating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, traumatic experiences, and life transitions. I provide LGBTQAI+-affirming therapy grounded in cultural humility, creating a safe and validating space to explore identity, relationships, and lived experiences. I also support individuals who are exploring their relationship with substances, whether that means reducing use, understanding patterns, or working toward recovery. I have completed training toward my Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential and am CADC-eligible, which allows me to integrate evidence-based approaches for substance use into our work. My practice is trauma-informed and guided by phase-oriented treatment approaches. In our early work, we focus on safety, stabilization, and building self-regulation skills to help you feel more grounded—even when things feel heavy or overwhelming. As you begin to feel more supported and resourced, we may shift toward processing more difficult experiences and understanding the roots of depressive patterns or substance use. Therapy is always paced according to your readiness. I prioritize transparency throughout therapy, ensuring you understand each step of the process and why certain approaches are used. My goal is to create a space that feels collaborative, supportive, and grounded—so you can move from feeling stuck and depleted toward feeling more engaged, connected, and able to experience meaning in your life again.