Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Hi, I'm Sierra! I'm a licensed therapist in Chicago offering fully virtual sessions. I have expertise in helping people heal from trauma, anxiety, and depression. As a once first-generation college student, I understand the difficulties of navigating this particularly trying time in life. Working with a new therapist can sometimes feel daunting, so I get to know each person on a human level with a bit of (appropriate) humor. I'm queer, gender-affirming, and like to incorporate skills in sessions to help you develop better coping strategies. I accept all major insurance plans and can work with anyone in Illinois. If you'd like to see if we'd be a good fit, feel free to email me and we can set up a time to chat! Interested in a therapist with a different specialty? I work with Cityscape Counseling, a group practice in Chicago with over 55 licensed therapists offering treatment both in-person and online for eating disorders, substance use, OCD, and more. Connect with us at cityscapecounseling.com!

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 :)

Our mission is to help individuals, couples, and families live authentic, connected, and happy lives.

Charissa Simon-Wright earned her BA in Criminal and Social Justice from the University of Arizona (formerly Ashford University), MS in Psychology with a Specialization in Addictions from Perdue University (formerly Kaplan University). Charissa has received a doctoral degree at Walden University- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Health Psychology. She is a member of Psi Chi, International Honor Society in Psychology, since June of 2019. Charissa has also obtained certifications as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), a Co-Occurring Disorder Professional (CODP-I), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Charissa has worked passionately in the behavioral health field for over fifteen years with children and families in multiple roles such as a case manager, housing specialist, family preservation worker, and counselor. While working at the second largest health department in Illinois, Charissa gained vast knowledge and skills that encompasses group counseling, individual counseling, clinical assessments, crisis counseling, addiction counseling, and trauma counseling. Charissa believes in treating the whole person. This means that she takes into consideration the underlying factors that can inhibit a person’s ability to practice healthy habits, so that she and the client can address the root of the issue and not just the symptoms in a collaborative manner. Charissa believes that the client is in charge of their own treatment which creates a sense of autonomy and empowerment that enables the client to move towards identified goals.

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.

I am passionate about working with young adults who are trying to better understand themselves. My areas of expertise include Anxiety, Depression, Identity development with a special emphasis on Gender and Sexual Orientation, Hispanic clients, TGNC people, and people living with HIV. My therapeutic approach will vary depending on who I'm working with. I will walk you through the process of therapy, as often times it can be seen as intimidating and scary. I tend to work from a collaborative approach where your strengths are recognized, and we try to build upon that foundation. My goal is to understand the lens through which you see the world and share with you how it may or may not be helping you in this moment, while also providing techniques you may incorporate into your repertoire of skills. I bring forth my most authentic self by showing my geekiness and by adding some comedy when appropriate so that you may feel comfortable. My hope is that you feel confident in being unapologetically you in session, and that we may also talk about the things you are passionate about.

If you’re here, chances are you are looking for a change. Maybe you are unhappy in your relationship, or struggling with body image or food, or perhaps you are stuck in what seems like a never ending cycle of depression, anxiety and hopelessness. It might feel like you can’t catch a break, and that life is coming at you too fast. It's okay if you've gotten knocked down- let's get you back on your feet. As a therapist specializing in anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and adolescent/young adult life transitions I can help you reconnect with your true self and lead a life full of value and meaning. I take a non-pathologizing approach to therapy and focus on the therapeutic alliance to help you feel comfortable, capable, and in charge of your own path. If you are ready to create lasting change that helps you build a life worth living, take the first step and visit my website to learn more. I practice many types of therapy, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Let's get honest, let's laugh (or cry), and get going. I think you'll learn you are already on your way!

My therapeutic style is one of flexibility, active engagement, and a commitment to helping my clients cultivate change in areas of their lives in which they feel stuck. Although people come to therapy for countless reasons, common themes that emerge in my work include relationship concerns, life transitions, identity issues, existential distress, and anxiety and depression. I value helping my clients develop self-compassion, interpersonal awareness, intentionality, and balance in their lives. With an appreciation for the many facets of identity that shape each person’s worldview, I offer a holistic and culturally-informed approach to therapy. Genuine curiosity and cultural humility are guiding forces as I prioritize understanding people within their unique contexts. Prior to private practice, my professional life included experience in university counseling centers and community mental health. As a former professional musician, I continue to maintain a passion for creative endeavors, which I integrate in my therapy work, especially with professional and emerging artists.

Thank you for honoring the voice inside that has led you here. While it may feel small, searching for this resource was your first step towards healing and growth. I welcome the opportunity to walk with you in your next steps. As an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) practitioner, I will focus our work on identifying your core values in order to shape a life path that is meaningful to you. We begin by identifying the motivators in your life. We will spend time learning how to engage with your inner critic in more helpful ways. We can work to differentiate who you are at your core from the things you are struggling to change. We can work to accept your life experiences, rather than avoiding them, by using tools to reduce the impact of the emotions that come with them. My therapeutic approach honors the power and freedom of setting healthy boundaries, confronting harmful past narratives, releasing habits and behaviors that do not serve you, clarifying the values you hold, and rediscovering what nourishes you. My approach incorporates evidence-based ACT practices including psychoeducation, mindfulness, and somatic activities. In addition to ACT, I utilize the Person-In-Environment framework to understand my clients’ stories as a whole. Women and Girls: Anxiety, Pressure, and Executive Function: We receive messages everywhere we turn - media, religion, family, friends - about what we should do, think, value, feel, and be. The volume of these external forces amplify each other, and can drown out the more quiet internal voice. You may lose track of that voice, of YOU. It can be transformational to identify these influences, separate them out, and see them more clearly. In therapy, we can work together to name these systems and understand how they’ve been impacting you. We will turn down the volume on the external, and create a safe and quiet atmosphere for your internal voice to be heard. When you can hear your internal voice, you can begin to understand what choices and values align with your true self. There is a path forward that is guided by your voice. I enjoy working with clients who are looking to change their anxiety symptoms. This often includes neurodivergent clients working to adapt to their life and environment, as well as improving their environment to meet their needs. I love incorporating practical tasks that can alleviate daily overwhelm, challenge with transitions, and perfectionism. Queer/LGBTQIA+ Individuals and Couples: Queer people experience the full spectrum of human emotions, while existing under homophobic and transphobic systems. This intersection can land us in emotionally intense and vulnerable places, at times without confidence in the support systems around us. Our search for emotional safety can at times be isolating, frustrating, and painful. Queerness is a personal identity, a culture, and an unchangeable way of existing. It is a crucial thread in the fabric of who you are. I know firsthand the importance of a therapist who understands this positionality. I am passionate about working with queer/LGBTQIA+ clients who are at any stage in their journey of self discovery, acceptance, and love. I bring a queer perspective, and will quickly understand the complexities of navigating a heteronormative world as a queer person, couple, and family. In my work with queer couples, I use an Imago therapeutic approach for better communication and understanding that can lead to a stronger relationship. I enjoy working with queer couples to find peace and support in their relationships.

Our experienced therapists have various specializations in addition to being trauma informed and fully competent in treating anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. We offer a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic space for you to share your unique story.

Hello there, I’m Elisabeth and I have spent my career working with adults across the life span; much of my experience lies in working with folks experiencing challenges within the developmental transitions of adulthood, such as parenting, midlife, and aging. As a therapist I value and aim for a collaborative, warm, and active approach to your concerns. Perhaps you are coming to a crossroads in your life – a challenging life transition, a shift in roles, relationships, or your identity. You may be experiencing increased stress, grief or loss, or physical or mental health challenges. Perhaps you are rethinking what is truly important to you in your “one wild and precious life” (Mary Oliver, The Summer Day). It may be time to find an experienced professional to walk with you as you figure out what’s next, make a change, or how to cope better. My belief is that therapy starts simply with a conversation. Over time and with “a good fit” in the therapeutic relationship, these conversations can lead to a deep, trusting partnership with the capacity to promote self-awareness, growth and healing. My approach is client-centered; you are the expert of your own life, and my role as a therapist is to listen empathically, respond authentically, and use my skills and training to walk alongside you as a compassionate facilitator of your own unique experience. Like many therapists, my way of working is eclectic, yet also “evidence-guided”; this means I tailor my approach to each client informed by my areas of clinical expertise and experience, client preferences and needs, and what clinical research recommends. My work as an adjunct professor for graduate students at UIC, also informs my practice. As a social worker, I approach my work through an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and culturally sensitive lens. This lens requires continual refocusing, awareness of my positionality and privilege, and is constantly evolving. Taking the first steps to finding a therapist can be overwhelming, but if this profile has caught your attention, please get in touch with me to set up a free consultation. I am in-network with all BCBS PPO plans (including ACA plans), United Healthcare/ Optum, and Cigna/Evernorth.

I specialize in assisting adults with relationship and family concerns, depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, and identity exploration and development. I also have a passion for working with young adults, university students, and developing professionals as they navigate life transitions. I provide individualized, collaborative, evidence-based treatment. Body-image concerns and sports performance are also areas I am well-versed within.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As a therapist and pleasure activist I strive to create a safe, accessible environment for you to connect with and express your most authentic self. During sessions, your trust and safety are priorities for me. I practice from a relational and client-centered framework, understanding that you are the expert in your own experience. With my warm and direct approach, I seek to ask the right questions to help you make new connections and provide a fresh perspective. I have experience supporting clients through gender-identity development, C-PTSD, Dissociative Identity Disorder, gender dysphoria, anxiety and depression. As a therapist, researcher, and pleasure activist I strive to create a safe, accessible environment for you to connect with and express your most authentic self. During sessions, your trust and safety are priorities for me. I practice from a relational and client-centered framework, understanding that you are the expert in your own experience. With my warm and direct approach, I seek to ask the right questions to help you make new connections and provide a fresh perspective. I have experience supporting clients through gender-identity development, C-PTSD, Dissociative Identity Disorder, gender dysphoria, anxiety and depression. With my lived experience as a transgender woman, I bring a compassionate and affirming approach to my therapeutic practice. I am passionate about working with transgender/gender diverse, Autistic, and Disabled clients, and pride myself as a kink/BDSM, polyamory/ENM, and sex-worker allied therapist.

Coral Heart Counseling provides therapy to those who want to live their best life, but find it hard to do so because of the various life stressors that have gotten in the way. These individuals usually feel like aspects of their life are too much and that their mind, body, and spirit are out of sync; they’re overwhelmed. Our clientele are young adults who are tired of struggling with life events such as relationships, transitions, racial and cultural identity, adulting, imposter syndrome, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, academics and success, perfectionism, and past traumatic moments. We want to help our clients move beyond what’s holding them back. We assist in our clients’ growth by utilizing various modalities that are meant to bring out a person’s strengths, show them their power, and allow them to see how much they matter in this world. We also provide guidance on difficult issues that individuals may be faced with so that they can decide what is best for them. We believe in providing a safe space and necessary skills for our clients to achieve their goals. Our aim is that our clients encounter enhanced emotional intelligence, relational/relationship advancement, and peace. We hope that you will take a step towards freedom of the mind, feeling at ease, and self-love by reaching out to us.

Thirty years ago, I made one of the most important decisions of my life by leaving another career to become a psychotherapist. Mental health care is my life’s calling, and I love it. I have served hundreds of clients, and many say that I helped them. I’ve also been a professor, researcher, leader, and author at two great universities, training hundreds of students to become therapist themselves. Academic work gives me deep scientific knowledge of mental health care, how to forge deep relationships with clients, how to support clients to understand thoughts and emotions in tough seasons, and to take steps to improve their lives. I offer restorative counseling for HEARTS, MINDS and SOULS of clients. HEART- the center of human emotions, desires, and connections, can be downcast or broken. MIND- the control tower of daily living, can be strangled by mindsets of powerlessness and victimhood. SOUL- source of individuality, purpose, and identity, can be wounded or troubled but restored. I begin with clarity that mental health care can positively influence everyday decisions. I try to contribute something useful to address clients' suffering and despair. With compassion and respect for their backgrounds and worldviews, I encourage clients to take courageous actions to change. Clients have appreciated my work, which makes me want to do more.

We specialize in working with clients who are struggling with transitions, like new living situations, shifting relationships, job changes, and striking out on a new path. We especially love supporting recent college and graduate school graduates in figuring out their next steps to create a life they love. Please check out our website to learn more about our team! We'd love to meet you.

Light On Anxiety offers evidence-based, efficient, effective and action-oriented treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychiatric medication management and neuropsychological testing are our core services offered to children, adolescents and adults, both in-person and via telehealth. We utilize empirically-supported practices and always incorporate the latest advancements in the treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Light On Anxiety treats the whole person, with deep respect for the human spirit and the challenges we all face on our journey through life. We strive to make treatment as short-term as possible, and to inject compassion, joy and your values into the anxiety treatment process.

CORE - Center Of Relational Empowerment, PC helps individuals, couples and families strengthen their core selves, and in doing so, empowers them to strengthen their relationships with others. CORE provides psychological therapy, workshops, groups and psychoeducational seminars for people from all walks of life. At the heart of CORE is our belief that everyone has leadership and healing qualities - perspective, confidence, compassion, and acceptance - crucial to our highest, most harmonious functioning. Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Therapy and counseling can help uncover long-standing patterns and behaviors that can get in the way of feeling fulfilled in our relationships with ourselves and others. We believe that no family or cultural system operates the same way and that there is no "right" way to live life. Therefore, it is our goal to understand the problems you are facing through your own context in order to find the meanings and solutions that work best for you. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, we look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

Chicago Clinical Associates is an outpatient psychotherapy practice committed to improving the social and emotional well-being of individuals in the Chicagoland area. Our experienced psychotherapists offer individual, couples, and family therapy services tailored towards each party’s unique needs. Conveniently located near Millennium Park in the heart of the Chicago metropolitan area, our offices are easily accessible by public transit or private transportation.