Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

I am a trauma therapist who is passionate about supporting people navigating life’s challenges. My role as a therapist is to support my clients uncover their most loving, powerful, and compassionate self. I like to invite clients to explore and resolve thoughts and behaviors that impact their life experience by acquiring self-leadership skills, new ways of coping and exploring long lasting change. I am passionate about trauma-informed care and particularly find meaning in working with individuals and couples who are experiencing anxiety or depression, life transitions, have complex family dynamics, those balancing multiple roles or adjusting to parenting, complex relationship issues, and those who are in high pressure/stress jobs. I consider my therapeutic style to be conversational, compassionate, and gently challenging.

Hi, I’m Taryn! I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and I provide individual therapy virtually to clients across Illinois. I have experience supporting clients navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, anxiety, depression, burnout, stress, trauma, domestic violence/abuse, grief, and more. I believe that meaningful therapy starts with a strong, trusting relationship. I view the client-therapist connection as a key tool for healing and growth. In our work together, we’ll make space for your full emotional experience — without judgment, without rushing, and with deep respect for whatever you’re carrying. We’ll use curiosity, self-compassion, and even some humor as we celebrate wins, challenge patterns that no longer serve you, and move toward more presence and alignment in your life. My goal is to help you reconnect with your core values, deepen your self-understanding, and feel more grounded in who you are.

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 :)

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.

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.

It's my belief to "Keep life simple." Life is stressful enough. Balancing work, family, social life, friends, and relationships can be overwhelming at times. I practice from a harm reduction holistic theoretical orientation. It combines person-centered (respect for autonomy) with CBT/systemic therapy (a critical look at culture and attachments). By identifying wants and needs, I can assist clients with locating triggers and establishing healthy coping skills to alleviate any mental, emotional, or physical stress. I work particularly with parents and clients dealing with ADHD, Life choices, anxiety, self-esteem and accountability. I assist clients in adjusting to unexpected life transitions by constructing healthier boundaries with themselves and others to balance their lifestyles. I value the importance of creating a supportive, transparent, and collaborative relationship throughout the therapy process. I do this by providing a safe space for clients to embrace their vulnerabilities. Difficult experiences often show up in the body. Accessing embodied experience helps clients evolve. These shifts in the body have a corresponding effect on our actions, routines, and relationships. Through mindful awareness, we discover how the body holds our experiences. We learn to recognize habitual patterns and create new ones. The healing starts now...

We are a group of mental health professionals skilled in the practice of individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy. We specialize in reproductive mental health, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, sexual challenges, and relationships. We are on a mission to build a world where every individual’s worth and dignity is affirmed and celebrated.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Many of the students I work with feel like they’re carrying more than what shows on the outside. Between school, family expectations, friendships, and figuring out who they are, it can feel like there’s never enough space to just breathe. Some describe feeling anxious, weighed down, or stuck between different parts of their life; like they’re trying to hold it all together but don’t always know how. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I work especially well with students who: ◦ Feel pressure to succeed academically while juggling family or cultural expectations ◦ Notice anxiety or low moods making it harder to focus or enjoy daily life ◦ Struggle with relationships, whether that’s family, friends, or dating ◦ Are first-generation, or navigating life between more than one culture ◦ Want a space that feels supportive, flexible, and understanding Therapy with me is about having someone on your side who understands those layers. We’ll take it step by step, focusing on what matters most to you so you can feel steadier, less weighed down, and more like yourself again.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

With three years of experience in the mental health field, my passion is helping individuals overcome challenges, heal from trauma, and work toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. I specialize in trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, crisis intervention, and using a multi-therapeutic approach to ensure that each client receives the personalized care they need. Whether it's dealing with stress, anxiety, family dynamics, or a traumatic event, I strive to provide compassionate, understanding support that respects each person’s unique journey. My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from multiple therapeutic theories to best meet your needs. I believe that healing is a process that takes time, effort, and a safe space to grow. That’s why I work closely with my clients to build trust and a strong rapport, creating a collaborative partnership where your voice is always heard, your concerns are validated, and your growth is the focus. I am deeply motivated by the desire to help people understand that they are not alone in their struggles. I want every client I work with to know that change is possible and that with the right support, they can take the steps needed to build resilience, heal from past experiences, and lead a life of greater fulfillment. Working with me means engaging in a process that is open-minded, flexible, and rooted in respect for your individual experiences and goals. I take the time to understand your needs and adjust my approach to best support your healing and growth. Together, we will focus on developing coping strategies, building self-awareness, and setting achievable goals that empower you to make meaningful changes. If you are ready to begin your journey toward emotional well-being, I am here to support you with compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to your growth. You don’t have to go through this alone—I would be honored to be part of your path to healing.

I have been in practice as a therapist for over 10 years and have worked in a variety of treatment settings over the course my my career. As a queer therapist, I enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and the issues we face, and welcome clients of all races, sizes, genders, cultures, abilities and orientations. I specialize in working with clients with depression and anxiety, binge eating and body image distress, Borderline Personality Disorder, and other struggles in regulating emotions and managing relationships.

I am a young adult therapist who helps clients control their behavioral response to challenging emotions, effectively adjust to change, and live a life that makes them proud. I have experience with young adults with anxiety, depression, self-injurious behavior, ADHD, and life transitions. I create a safe space and act as a guide, assisting the client as they explore past and current issues, unhealthy patterns, and identify overall goals. I utilize evidence-based strategies and techniques from an integrated cognitive-behavioral, individual psychology approach. Additionally, I incorporate aspects of mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. I am accepting new clients and would love to be apart of your journey to overall wellness and success.

I enjoy supporting and empowering women who struggle with a variety of challenges. At times we can find ourselves feeling lost, out of control or unable to manage life’s difficult and unexpected roadblocks. I believe that the path towards health and wellness is a lifelong journey that takes place each day, one step at a time. Therapy is a courageous first step in the process of healing, and it is my privilege to walk alongside you in your therapeutic journey towards growth and transformation. I use a collaborative and humanistic approach to psychotherapy. I strongly value the relationship that is built between us and recognize the safety and trust needed in order to foster change. Together we will reflect on your personal history and deepen your understanding of your emotions, relationships, and what motivates you so that you can develop a stronger sense of self and establish greater meaning in your life. We will also identify ways to navigate and embrace life’s detours so you can feel empowered to manage the ongoing stressors that arise in our world today. I believe in the importance of exploring your lived experience within a multicultural context in order to discover the ways your social and cultural identities coexist together that may impact how you move through the world. I have worked extensively with individuals who experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, those who wish to discuss grief and loss issues, explore difficult relationships, process trauma, and help those develop a sense of identity and self-esteem. I integrate many evidenced-based therapeutic techniques such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical and Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness approaches to help you take back control so that you can reach your goals and live a more purposeful life. Teens I am extremely passionate about working with adolescent girls. I understand that the idea of going to see a total stranger isn’t ideal for some and that oftentimes teens feel forced to come by their parents. Whatever the case may be, it is obvious that teenagers today are inundated with many academic, familial, peer, and societal pressures that can leave teens feeling incredibly overwhelmed. What I can offer is a safe place during your week or month to talk about these things. I have a breadth and depth of experience working with adolescents that struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, identity issues, low self-esteem, school anxiety and perfectionistic tendencies, difficulty managing relationships, and teens that have experienced trauma. I aim to help teens find their voice, figure out how to cope with life challenges, and better understand themselves along the way. Experience I am grateful to have a diverse training background which has afforded me the opportunity to learn from a wide range of humans in need within a variety of treatment settings providing individual, group, and couples therapy. My previous training within a therapeutic day school, community mental health center, and partial hospitalization program provide me with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of adolescent development, adult needs, and implementation of successful intervention approaches. My clinical and research interests are situated in supporting individuals impacted by grief and loss in many forms. I am particularly passionate about the disenfranchised grief experience, which occurs when losses are unacknowledged by individuals and society. For this reason, I take great responsibility in advocating for those who are unseen and unheard.

From the outside, it may look like you're managing everything. You're balancing classes, work, internships, relationships, and family expectations, but underneath it all you're anxious, overwhelmed, or constantly questioning whether you're doing enough. If you're tired of carrying that pressure on your own, therapy can help you make sense of what's beneath it. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating anxiety, burnout, academic stress, ADHD, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Together, we'll explore what's keeping you stuck and build practical skills to help you manage stress, set healthier boundaries, and feel more grounded in your daily life. As a bilingual therapist, I'm especially passionate about supporting Latina and Spanish-speaking women. Whether you're balancing different cultures, navigating family expectations, or figuring out who you want to be, you deserve a space where your experiences are understood without having to explain every part of your identity. My approach is strengths-based, culturally responsive, and practical. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Positive Psychology, and Emotional Intelligence to help you build resilience, strengthen self-awareness, and make choices that align with your values. My hope is that you'll leave therapy feeling more confident, connected to yourself, and equipped to navigate college and life with greater clarity and purpose.

As a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), I am dedicated to providing holistic care that addresses both the physical and mental well-being of my patients. In my role as a PMHNP, I strive to offer compassionate support and evidence-based treatments to individuals facing mental health challenges. Through therapeutic interventions and medication management, I aim to empower my patients to navigate their emotions, overcome obstacles, and achieve optimal mental wellness. Simultaneously, as an FNP, I am committed to promoting overall health.

Sometimes it feels like everyone else got a manual for life that you somehow missed. Maybe you're questioning a relationship, feeling disconnected from yourself, struggling with anxiety, exploring your sexuality or identity, or wondering why the version of you that's holding everything together also feels completely exhausted. You don't have to figure it all out on your own. Therapy is a space to get curious about your experiences without judgment, reconnect with your strengths, and create a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling. As an art therapist with specialized training in sex therapy, I bring creativity, curiosity, humor, and authenticity into every session. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. Together, we'll explore what's getting in your way, strengthen your coping skills, and help you move forward with greater confidence and self-compassion. I especially enjoy working with students and young adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationships, self-esteem, trauma, and identity exploration. I provide affirming care for clients exploring sexuality, kink, polyamory, and diverse relationship structures, and I'm passionate about supporting women and women-identified individuals through reproductive, prenatal, and postpartum mental health experiences. Art therapy is at the heart of my work, offering a creative way to express emotions and experiences that can be difficult to put into words. No artistic experience is needed. I also draw from person-centered therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and Imago Relationship Therapy to tailor our work to your unique needs and goals. Whether you're seeking support as an individual or with a partner, my hope is that you'll leave therapy feeling more connected to yourself, more confident in your relationships, and empowered to move through life with authenticity, creativity, and compassion.

Everyone tells you that college is the best time in your life and to enjoy it because it flies by. But what people don’t tell you is all the challenges that it can bring. Maybe it’s the first time you are away from your family and friends from home. It can also bring many challenges with pressure to drink or use drugs, navigating friendships and dating in a more complicated way, and figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life. You might be in a position where in order to afford school you need to work on top of doing well in all your classes. I know personally how challenging, yet exciting, this time can be, and I am here to tell you that you don’t need to figure it all out on your own or even right now. Are you ready to enjoy your college experience, be fully present in the great moments without feeling stresses weighing you down everyday? It’s time to feel a sense of relief, confidence in who you are, and in your decisions. Together, we can make your life feel lighter and free up space for everything else you have going on! My Approach: I am a strong believer in the power of relationships. Having someone to talk to can increase our sense of happiness and positivity, and most importantly let us know that we are not alone. Life has many ups and downs, but it's what you do with them that matters. I am here to help you transform the tough moments into growth. Therapy with me looks like an open dialogue, where we both respect each other's point of view and collaborate to find solutions that help you overcome what’s been holding you back. We can talk about anything, no matter how hard it is to share. Whether it’s the good things or the bad, I am ready to hold space for even the strongest emotions that come up, because I know we can work through it together. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy that not only looks at your thoughts and feelings, but also how your environment, your cultural experiences, close relationships, and health, affect your mental wellbeing. We’ll use a variety of therapeutic techniques to best fit what you need, because therapy is not a one size fits all approach. We’ll make sure that those techniques are really working for you. It might be practicing mindfulness or trying out different coping skills to help things feel less overwhelming. Our approach will continue to grow as our therapeutic relationship develops. I know that therapy is not always easy, but I am here to support you each step of the way and I will always accept you for how you are in that moment, even the hard ones. A Little About Me: I went into undergrad undecided and had a hard time knowing what I wanted to do. I knew that I wanted to do something to help people and I wanted a career that I would enjoy. I always felt behind in some way because I didn’t know what I wanted to do right away. I have learned that a lot of people have a unique path to get to where they are. I worked as a school social worker for 8 years before private practice and that is when I really knew I loved counseling and wanted to continue on this path. I have lived in the Chicago area for most of my life and love the city! You can find me by the lake or exploring all the city has to offer. My hobbies are all over the place and include a mixture of baking, triathlons, knitting, going on long walks and finding the best matcha. I also love traveling (but hate flying) and have an ever growing list of places I want to visit.

I work with people from diverse backgrounds, including racial, cultural, sexual and gender minorities, graduate and professional students, professionals rethinking their careers and work/life balance, people with intersecting identities navigating multiple cultural spaces, and universities seeking consultation. A common thread among my clients is that their wishes for a better life, fulfillment, and meaningful connections all benefit from self-understanding, action, and professional support. I provide culturally responsive individual psychotherapy to adults of all ages. I work collaboratively with clients from a relational/psychodynamic framework, but I am also skilled working in a more structured way to address specific and short-term goals. Above all, I believe the relationship between client and therapist is the central element in treatment. The relationship is the medium by which therapy helps clients foster a strong sense of self-worth and identity, increase happiness and life satisfaction, improve the quality of their relationships, and understand their feelings, motives, and behavior. Before private practice, I held clinical and administrative roles at university counseling centers for over a decade—where I trained and supervised future psychologists, provided mental health consultation for the community, and led a team of remarkable clinicians, in addition to providing direct psychotherapy, clinical assessment, and crisis intervention to students.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.