Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Grey Area Therapy is a small, private practice conveniently located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood with easy access to public transportation and an emphasis on building meaningful, authentic connections with clients. As a therapist with Grey Area Therapy, I work with clients on needs related to anxiety, major life transitions, chronic illness, and depression. With individualized approaches to empathetic therapy, we will work to help slow things down, become more intentional, and build awareness of our life experiences. I offer both in-person and virtual appointments. I accept Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna insurance and offer free 15-minute phone consultations to help you find a therapist that works for you!

I offer engaged, purposeful therapy on relationships, work and school-related issues, life transitions, and stress management. I specialize in working with adults as they navigate increasing responsibilities at school and work, while also managing life transitions such as dating, marriage, parenthood, and losses. Many of my clients describe feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed. I integrate current research and traditional approaches: many benefit by learning skills for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness; others explore bigger-picture issues related to values and sense of purpose. I completed my clinical training (Doctoral Internship and Fellowship) at Northwestern University after having graduated with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School. In my previous life, I obtained a Ph.D. in Economics from Princeton University.

Our mission at Center Focused Therapy is to provide the highest level of ethical, competent and intentional treatment to our clients. We appreciate how difficult it can be to start therapy and do not take this decision lightly. Whether you have a clear idea of what you hope to address in therapy or are unsure of where to begin, our therapists are determined to meet you where you are in your own journey of healing and growth. Interested in learning more? Email or call us and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Are you feeling stuck? Does your anxiety, stress, or use of poor coping skills prevent you from reaching your goals? I work with adults looking to develop useful tools to decrease unwanted feelings and increase self-confidence. My overall approach remains solution-focused by encouraging growth and progress over the course of treatment. I can provide the space needed to help navigate life's challenges, while feeling secure about the choices you make! I am a Licensed Clinical Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. My specialities include supporting individuals with anxiety and substance abuse, which can commonly co-occur. Understanding addiction and having the tools to manage emotions can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Let's challenge some of your common unhealthy thoughts together! Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and being active with my dog Auggie. I believe my energy and personality remain calm and balanced, making it easier to open up. I am clear, communicative, and convenient when it comes to therapy, scheduling, and fees so you can focus on progress.

Hello and welcome! I am a therapist at Chicago Counseling Collective. I take a collaborative approach to therapy and want to provide a space that meets your unique needs and goals. Together we can explore relationships, emotions, and identity; process events from the past; and build skills and tools for making meaningful changes in the present. I am intentional about attending to the roles that systems of oppression, power, and privilege play both in and out of the therapy room. I use a relational-cultural and interpersonal approach in therapy meaning that one of my top priorities is getting to know you as a whole person. This includes the many layers of your identity and experiences; and your joys, sorrows, and sense of humor! I love working with young adults, undergraduate and graduate students, international students, non-traditional students, and early career professionals. I am passionate about working with survivors of sexual trauma. Finding a therapist who is a good fit is important. If you think we could make a good team, let's chat!

The Aspen Center is a small group practice providing insight-oriented psychotherapy. We offer a personalized approach that focuses on individualism, partnership, respect, and education, with an emphasis on the mind-body connection. We see you as a “whole person,” recognizing that your symptoms are only a part of the picture. We work with you to understand what might be out of balance in your life, and then develop strategies to restore that balance and promote well-being. At The Aspen Center, you can expect an environment that conveys warmth, comfort, confidentiality, and professionalism. We offer you the flexibility of seeing your therapist in-person or via Zoom for Healthcare, allowing you to meet with your therapist regularly to get the support you need.

At DK Therapy, we work with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma or unpleasant life events, grief/loss and more. We work with a lot of college students regardless of their age and understand that being a college student comes with its own unique stressors. We offer in-person sessions which are great for students who may not have the privacy to meet virtually. We also offer virtual sessions. Please contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists. We are located very close to many college campuses, right next door to Roosevelt University, Columbia College, Depaul loop campus, UIC, and University of Chicago to name a few!

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.

Leslie Alton at Self-Empowerment Counseling provides Evidence Based Treatment via Telehealth for Anxiety, OCD, Eating Disorders, Depression, Trauma, and other mental health struggles. Licensed to practice in FL, IL, IN, and OK. Meeting You Wherever You Are, For Your Counseling Needs.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As therapists, we work to build a genuine relationship with each client, create a safe space for discovery, and aim to understand that individual. This allows clients to safely explore alongside the therapist, and begin to see themselves with greater clarity, depth, and honesty. Good, effective therapy will likely not happen overnight (though exciting and wonderful eureka moments certainly occur along the way), and trust, honesty, and humor are invaluable to a beneficial therapeutic relationship. We believe that laughter and tears are equally powerful but that therapeutic change is measured in neither. We believe the act and effort of genuinely and non-judgmentally understanding each client allows for lasting therapeutic change to take place. While each clinician at Dr. Blehart & Associates has a unique method and skillset, we believe it is the underlying interpersonal style and ability to connect and understand that rests at the heart of our work. Dr. Blehart & Associates offers the highest level of expertise, care, and access for adults and adolescents in Chicago. Services are available in English, Spanish, German, and Somali.

I believe the human experience is beautifully complex, with our emotions serving as both a compass and catalyst for growth and healing. When those feelings become overwhelming, it’s easy to feel isolated or stuck in cycles of anxiety, self-doubt, or hopelessness—but you don’t have to navigate this alone. My passion is creating a space of warmth, understanding, and compassionate curiosity where we can explore what’s happening beneath the surface, make room for your full emotional experience, and discover new ways of thinking, relating, and healing. Gender Identity & Sexuality: Exploring your gender identity or sexuality can be deeply personal and, at times, isolating. Whether you're early in your journey or further along, I provide affirming, compassionate support in a space where you can be fully and authentically yourself—without judgment. You deserve to be seen, understood, and empowered as you embrace who you are. Relationship Challenges: Relationships can be both life-giving and deeply challenging. If you’re feeling stuck in painful cycles, navigating conflict, or longing for deeper connection, I’ll work with you to untangle patterns and build stronger, healthier relationships—rooted in mutual respect, communication, and emotional safety. Family Dynamics: Family systems often shape how we see ourselves and relate to others. I help clients unpack generational patterns, unspoken expectations, and relational roles that may no longer serve them. Together, we’ll work to foster clarity, establish healthy boundaries, and nurture meaningful, sustainable relationships. Anxiety: Anxiety can feel all-consuming, quietly infiltrating every area of life. I offer both practical strategies and gentle exploration to help you better understand your anxiety, manage its impact, and regain a sense of calm, confidence, and agency—especially when life feels out of control. Do I work with struggles not on this list? Maybe what you’re going through doesn’t fall neatly into one of these categories, or perhaps you’re looking to approach it from a different angle. If my approach resonates with you, I’d love to talk more. Together, we can create a path forward that honors your story and supports your unique process of healing and growth.!

Meredith Starr is a Registered Dietitian and Director of Nutrition Services at Allow Wellness in Chicago. She is an alumna of the University of Illinois at Chicago Coordinated Nutrition Program and began her nutrition career at UI Health general inpatient services while working part-time at a residential treatment facility for eating disorders. Meredith is deeply passionate about the treatment of eating disorders and has been practicing in this field for the past nine years. Meredith's personal nutrition philosophy centers on building a healthy relationship with food and is inclusive of mental, emotional, physical and social health. Meredith aligns herself with size-inclusive and non-diet nutrition approaches. She is passionate about empowering others in their relationship with food and their bodies. Allow Wellness is currently offering outpatient group nutrition sessions and profession presentations. Meredith welcomes all stages of readiness with regard to your relationship with food and your body shape and weight. If ready to schedule, please contact her today.

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.

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

Main character energy is something that you deserve to give off. Why? Because this is your life and everyone deserves to live the life that they want to live (yes, including you), and I deeply believe this. Since this is something I am passionate about, I will work with you to help make sure that you are able to live life fully and happily. I do this through active listening, patience, open mindedness, kindness, and support. I ensure that you will have a space that is welcoming to be who you are, as you are, safe and judgment free. I know that college is a whole new world, with new fun experiences and stress. I will partner with you to navigate the unique challenges of adjusting to school, friends, independence, and this stage of life. Whether you are experiencing; stress, anxiety, depression, or any unpleasant emotion. You are not alone, and together we will make sure that you are living a life aligned with your goals! Together, we will identify strategies to help you achieve those goals. As the expert of your own experiences, feel free to provide feedback and actively participate in the therapeutic process. It's a team effort, and my goal is to ensure that you get the most out of our sessions, so you can live a life aligned with your goals. Remember, you are not alone, and together we will navigate and overcome any challenges you may face. As an African American woman living in Chicago, I understand the pressure to ‘have it together’ or the need to be emotionally and mentally strong at all times. Life is extreme and when you add in the pressures to conform to the way of the world, life can be unbearable. Growing up on the west side of Chicago, I was able to see the inequities faced by brown and black people. I was able to see the negative impact of the injustices placed on the brown and black people. I was able to see the clear segregation of people, resources, and support and I am able to understand the pain the world has caused. My goal is to remind people of color that they are powerful, that their voices should be loud and clear, and that their presence is necessary. My passion is to be and create a safe space for those who struggle with just being. I enjoy working with the LGBTQIA+ community, the houseless community, and with Black Lives Matter to create a movement for equity, not just equality.

I’m a Clinical Psychologist who works with a large number of students and early career professionals navigating a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. I offer both in-person and telehealth sessions for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship and family concerns, and identity-related questions. I believe that therapy is a collaborative and creative process that unfolds through developing a strong alliance with a therapist. I strive to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgemental space for people to name, feel, and share their unique experiences. Although it can be difficult to put your emotional life into words, the decision to do so has the power to open up new ways of knowing and understanding yourself. It can also reveal patterns in your life that you might wish to explore in order to create space for more meaningful and satisfying possibilities. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation, please feel free to reach out.

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

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.

I've been a psychotherapist for over ten years skilled in treating mental health disorders or distress. I use cognitive behavioral therapy to support students with academic challenges, peer and relationship struggles, life transitions, trauma, and more. I provide individual psychotherapy services (virtually or in person) at Pure Health Center in Lincoln Park walking distance from your campus. Currently, I offer flexible evening and weekend appointments to accommodate students' busy schedules. You can search my name "Megan O'Brien- Chicago IL" on Psychology Today to learn more about my practice or find me on Pure Health Center's website. You may also send an email to schedule a FREE 15-minute consult to get started. I look forward to working with you. Warmly, Megan O'Brien