Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

College and young adulthood can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between academic pressure, changing relationships, and the constant push to “have it all figured out,” it’s easy to feel anxious, lost, or unsure of who you’re becoming. In therapy, I offer a space where you can slow down, make sense of what you’re feeling, and reconnect with yourself—so you can move through this chapter of life with more balance, clarity, and confidence. I specialize in working with students and emerging adults navigating anxiety, perfectionism, relationship stress, and life transitions. You might be adjusting to college life, struggling to manage expectations, or balancing independence with family or cultural pressures. Maybe you’re exploring your identity, healing from past experiences, or learning how to set boundaries in relationships. Whatever brings you here, you don’t have to face it alone. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in authenticity. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine conversation—open, supportive, and down-to-earth. I draw from evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and attachment-based work to help you manage anxiety, build emotional resilience, and strengthen your connection to yourself and others. My goal is to help you feel grounded and confident as you navigate change and uncertainty. Together, we’ll explore what matters most to you, develop practical tools for managing stress, and create space for self-compassion and growth. Whether you’re adjusting to college life, preparing for graduation, or figuring out who you want to be, therapy can help you reconnect with your values and feel more like yourself again. I offer both telehealth and in-person sessions in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, and I’d be honored to support you as you move through this stage of your journey.

If you’re struggling, you’re not alone—and things can get better. Living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other mental health challenges can feel like you’re constantly trying to stay afloat, unsure of where to turn next. It can be exhausting—and isolating. But the truth is, healing is possible. You deserve to feel supported, understood, and hopeful again. I’m here to help you take that next step. I specialize in working with individuals facing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and related conditions. I know how overwhelming it can be to ask for help, and my goal is to make that process as comfortable and collaborative as possible. Together, we’ll explore what’s been holding you back and find a path forward that truly fits you. Whether through therapy, medication management, or both, I offer personalized care tailored to your unique experiences and goals. You won’t be handed a one-size-fits-all solution—instead, we’ll work side by side to build a plan that supports your mental and emotional well-being in a way that feels right for you. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Let’s talk, and take that first step toward feeling more balanced, connected, and in control of your life. If you’re ready—or even just considering it—I invite you to schedule an appointment today. Let’s start the conversation and see what healing can look like for you.

Belle Counseling and Wellness provides individual therapy for adults 18+. We offer a safe and confidential space to explore yourself, your values, process your past and heal. As a trauma informed practice, we realize the widespread impact of trauma and seek to help our clients and the community find their path to recovery and holistic wellness. We recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in our clients, their families, our staff and our community. Our response to trauma seeks to fully integrate the trauma informed values into our policies, procedures and practices in order to actively resist re-traumatization. Our values include safety, trust, empowerment, collaboration, and acknowledging the historical barriers to wellness for women, communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups. All services are currently being offered online for the health and safety of our staff and clients. We utilize a secure HIPAA compliant video platform – just click the link in your appointment confirmation text message or email to connect with us from any device.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

As a trauma-informed & versatile therapist, I use evidence-based interventions specialized for anxiety, depression, and relationship issues such as Mindfulness, Solution-focused, Relational, & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. We will identify stressors that may impact thoughts, feelings, & behaviors and apply skills to improve your quality of life. All of the systems around us (work, school, family, social, etc) often can contribute to chronic stress, pain, anxiety, and depression, thus directly impacting the way we connect with others, make daily decisions, or how we coexist. Whether you are new to therapy, going through major (or minor) life transitions, having existential fears, or stresses like a move, job change, breakup, or a loss, I am here to help you navigate through seasons of change.

Beginning therapy can often seem daunting. It can be the first time you are admitting something isn’t working, or you aren’t feeling okay. I want to provide the space and time for you to sit with that possibility, work together to understand those thoughts and feelings, and use your experiences to guide you toward new, affirming spaces and connections. Together, we can support you in navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, ADHD, neurodivergence, identity and LGBTQ+ related concerns, as well as relationship challenges, family dynamics, and major life transitions. Whether you’re beginning therapy or returning to it, I look forward to connecting and working together.

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.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about your next steps, you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. College can bring a lot of pressure, transitions, and uncertainty, which can leave you feeling anxious, burned out, or disconnected. Therapy offers a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and start making changes that feel meaningful and manageable. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience in hospitals, residential programs, private practice, and working with college students. I work with individuals navigating stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and challenges related to body image, disordered eating, and overall wellbeing. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and focused on helping you build practical tools while better understanding yourself.

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....

I offer a warm, flexible, and low-pressure space where clients can show up exactly as they are. I honor sensory needs and nervous system responses, incorporating mindfulness practices to bring gentle awareness to our experiences. I often use somatic strategies to support connection and foster a sense of safety that is essential for growth. My background includes training in a wide range of approaches from traditional talk therapy to play-based modalities. I’m especially passionate about working with clients who may feel misunderstood or overwhelmed by conventional models of therapy. Clients can expect to feel supported and encouraged without pressure or judgment. I aim to co-create a space that feels steady and grounded. Whether we’re working through emotional regulation, identity, relationships, or everyday overwhelm, therapy can be a space for you. It can feel overwhelming to know where to start, but reaching out is the first step.

Welcome to my practice! I am a licensed psychologist located in Chicago, IL. I have an office at 155 N. Michigan Ave and also see clients online. I am certified through Psypact, and therefore I can meet with clients located in other states. I have been in private practice for over 15 years and I am also faculty member in the Counseling Program at DePaul University. I work with young adults who are collage age and getting started with their careers. I am very familiar helping individuals navigate the stressors of college life as well as the transition to the workforce. I have experience in treating mood and anxiety disorders, relationship issues, and work/school related difficulties. I help clients understand, manage, and reduce their symptoms so that they can feel satisfied and productive in their everyday lives. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, and I also use integrative and insight oriented therapy modalities.

Therapy with me is a space to slow down, feel supported, and reconnect with your natural capacity for healing. Together, we’ll work toward greater self-trust and a life that feels more grounded, embodied, and true to who you are. With 6 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I work with adults navigating complex trauma and PTSD, eating disorders, self-harm, and intense or overwhelming emotional patterns. I’m especially passionate about supporting those who feel stuck in people-pleasing, disempowerment, perfectionism, and toxic or traumatic relationships. My work is intuitive, integrative, and grounded in depth and compassion. I draw from approaches such as Internal Family Systems, attachment theory, psychodynamic therapy, DBT, and Jungian therapy/Shadow Work. I weave these with somatic practices, feminist and anti-colonial perspectives, and an openness to spiritual and non-traditional belief systems. I strive to offer a therapeutic space that feels safe, affirming, and non-pathologizing. My work is grounded in feminist, anti-racist, and sex-positive values. I am LGBTQ-affirming, HAES-informed, and knowledgeable about sex work, polyamory, and kink. Every part of you is welcome here - you are allowed to take up space.

I help adults, adolescents, and couples. I am deeply committed to my clients' well-being and dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful space where compassionate dialogue shapes our work together. Therapy, in my view, is a place where you can express yourself freely—giving voice to your innermost thoughts, emotions, and desires. It’s also an opportunity to uncover how long-standing patterns in your life influence your present experiences. By bringing these aspects of yourself into conversation, we can remove obstacles to your growth and help you find greater self-acceptance, personal empowerment, and creative resilience in navigating life’s challenges. If you would like to see if we’re a good fit or if you have any questions I might be able to answer, please reach out by phone, email, or through my website linked below.

Increment Therapy provides mental health services for individuals facing obstacles that have been difficult to process and get through on their own. With the world full of challenges that are difficult to navigate, Increment Therapy is the compass that helps guide you to find the courage and strength to help you process and continue moving forward into a life you want to lead. Throughout the process of therapy, I provide a safe and non-judgmental space to share your story. In our sessions, I will help guide you through taking back your narrative and finding your core self. With an incremental approach, I meet you where you are and cultivate a real and strong relationship so that we take on this journey together. You are in the drivers seat and I will help you along the way. Through every hardship, challenge, or obstacle I will support you and provide a space where you can feel understood with unconditional acceptance, affirmation, and positive reflection.

Hello! I am a trauma therapist who works with people who want to feel safer and more connected to themselves, in their relationships and their world. In response to painful, overwhelming experience, our systems learn show to brilliantly manage, perform, and hold it together. The patterns that helped you survive may now be happening automatically. We will explore how your system has adapted and apply that awareness in practical ways. Meaningful shifts can happen in connection. Active, intentional living offers a full life you honor the past and stay in the present. Life is sometimes absurd. Humor helps too! As a therapist of nearly 20 years, I work with those who want to feel safer and more connected. Certified in EMDR and IFS-Informed EMDR. AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. Polyvagal Certificate. EMDR Intensives available for deeper work. Level 3 Gottman. Internal Tracks Offering-Hip Hop Therapy + Parts Work + Polyvagal. I'm licensed in IL, NY and PSYPACT states.

I’m here to support college students and young adults as they figure out who they are and where they’re going. My approach is all about creating a space where you feel genuinely safe, heard, and never judged. With a background in schools and working with families, I’ve spent years helping teens and young adults navigate the tough stuff—like transitioning into adulthood, managing ADHD and executive functioning challenges, or understanding learning differences. I love helping people build confidence, work through relationship challenges, and grow into themselves with curiosity and self-compassion. I’m LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex-positive, and support body liberation. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure, therapy can be a great place to start finding your way.

Much of the hurt and pain people experience is shaped in relationship with oneself or others, and yet healing can also occur through safe, supportive, and attuned connection. For this reason, I place a strong emphasis on building a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship over time. I approach mental wellness from a non-pathologizing lens and view therapy as a meaningful opportunity to deepen self-understanding. I am passionate about helping people process their lived experience, supporting them in reclaiming their narrative and reconnecting with parts of themselves that may feel burdened or unseen. My work is grounded in attachment-based theories and draws from Internal Family Systems (IFS), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and strengths-based frameworks. I specialize in treatment of OCD, depression, interpersonal relationships, religious trauma, and women’s health. I am passionate about social justice and how social context impacts mental wellness. Coming from a large, multicultural family, I bring a deep respect for cultural diversity into my work and aim to help clients feel fully seen and valued in their identities. Through thoughtful exploration and warm collaboration, I am honored to accompany clients on their journey towards healing, growth, and reconnection with themselves.

Jenna is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and the owner of Daylily Counseling. She graduated from Boston University's School of Social Work and has been privileged to work with clients as a therapist since 2015. Prior to starting Daylily Counseling, Jenna worked in community mental health settings in Boston and Chicago, working across the life span with children, adolescents, and adults. She has significant experience working with college and graduate students and is passionate about supporting them through the unique transitions of being a student such as navigating first jobs, moving away from home, new relationships and friendships, and adjusting to a new country for international students Jenna is also passionate about working with individuals who have experienced trauma and is a nationally certified provider of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy. She also has specialized experience providing services to immigrant and refugee youth and young adults who have experienced trauma in their home countries or along their migration journeys. Her experiences with clients from around the world have informed her approach to cultural humility in the therapy space as well as her unwavering belief in every individual's capacity to heal and to grow. Jenna’s approach combines strengths-based, client-centered, and cognitive-behavioral strategies. She believes every individual is the expert in their own life and in meeting individuals where they are. She works together with her clients to collaboratively develop a treatment plan and she hopes to create a therapeutic space where there is warmth and safety so that she can best support clients to build insight, problem solve, and take steps to heal and create change in their lives.

Our mission is to make mental health care accessible, collaborative, and culturally responsive. Through evidence-based care and a holistic perspective, we help clients create sustainable change and cultivate a life that aligns with their values. We strive to strengthen our community by supporting individuals and families in developing tools for healing, connection, and growth. We deliver high-quality, client-centered therapy that honors the uniqueness of every individual.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.