Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL
I am currently accepting new clients both virtually and in-person. Are you experiencing stress, relationship issues, anxiety, insecurity or a life transition? Together, we can work to develop an understanding of life’s circumstances, make positive changes, and find emotional relief. I believe (and have seen!) that healing and joy can come from working through the challenges you are facing. By integrating authenticity, encouragement, and honesty into each session, I provide space for you to process and tools to better manage your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I am especially passionate about incorporating a biblical perspective for those who request Christian counseling. Please let me know when you reach out if this is something you are looking for, as my clients have varying spiritual beliefs and I respect each individual’s values. I currently have weekday and evening availability. I am happy to provide a 20 minute free phone consultation to answer your questions as you consider if this may be a good fit for you!
If you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or just not like yourself lately, I can help you find your way forward. As a compassionate & experienced therapist, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate these challenges in a safe space. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, eating disturbances, work-stress, relationship struggles, trauma, or self-esteem issues, I work collaboratively with clients to create treatment plans that promote healing. I specialize in helping individuals with relationship challenges, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, LGBTQ+ issues, & grief. I provide a non-judgmental space for healing & growth.
As a queer and socially informed therapist, my practice is shaped by lived experience, intuitive connection, and a commitment to integrative healing. At Lucid Flame Body & Mind, I offer somatic, sex, and spiritual therapy that honors the complexity of identity, the wisdom of the body, and the power of relational depth. Clients working with me can expect a space that is attuned, inclusive, and rooted in trauma-informed care—where nervous system safety, emotional nuance, and spiritual connection are prioritized. My areas of focus include sexual wellness, disordered eating, identity exploration, and trauma recovery, alongside holistic modalities such as energy work and intuitive practices such as tarot. These are important to me because they reflect the layered ways we heal—through evidence-based support, embodied presence, and culturally respectful integration of spirit and self. Whether you're seeking clarity, connection, or liberation, I welcome you into a practice that centers authenticity, compassion, and empowerment.
Having worked in college counseling centers for over 15 years in Chicago and New York, and serving as the Associate Director for DePaul University Counseling Center for 8 years, I am deeply committed to and well acquainted with college student mental health. Whether this is your first time seeking therapy or you have a history of treatment and are looking towards a next chapter of work, I am delighted to begin a conversation to see how I might be of help.
Gabi is a board-certified, licensed clinical counselor and a Registered Art Therapist. She holds a masters degree in Counseling & Art Therapy from Adler University. Rooted in a passion for fostering community, connection, understanding, and belonging, Gabi is committed to guiding clients through their unique journeys, holding space for their truths and experiences. Through a blend of talk therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, body-centric work, and play, she fosters trust and belonging. Her art therapy encourages intuitive expression, allowing clients to authentically explore emotions, memories, and body-felt experiences, creating a safer inner space for self-discovery. Outside of private practice, Gabi worked as a therapist and clinical supervisor within community mental health, as well as an art therapist with marginalized Chicago youth. She has experience working with the spectrum of age, from as young as 5 into adulthood, as well as families. Gabi has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns, but specifically has a passion for working with 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, those navigating past and present trauma, those experiencing significant life transitions (transitioning into adulthood, college, becoming a parent) as well as those wanting to further connect with the experiences of their body.
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.
Thousand Branches Wellness – Chicago Loop offers compassionate, structured mental health care for teens and adults in the heart of downtown Chicago. We provide inclusive, evidence‑informed treatment for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, and major life transitions. Our mission is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can heal, grow, and build lasting resilience. Our highly trained clinicians deliver care through adult and adolescent Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and weekly specialty groups. Using evidence‑based approaches such as CBT, ACT, mindfulness, somatic therapy, and schema‑informed process work, we support both high‑functioning individuals who feel “stuck” and those needing more structure than traditional outpatient therapy. Thousand Branches Wellness is known for a responsive intake process, collaborative communication with referring providers, and culturally aware care. We focus on building stability, insight, and sustainable coping skills—helping clients move forward with confidence and connection.
Dr. Jay works with individuals- especially women of color and those with immigrant backgrounds- who: - Struggle to manage the stresses of daily life and experience emotional distress like depression, grief and/or anxiety - Are survivors of complex trauma, inter-personal, generational and/or collective trauma - Experience existential, spiritual, identity-based questions and are yearning to clarify their purpose in life - Seek a space to dream beyond the moment they are in to create new futures for themselves and those they love - Value holistic, compassionate, relational care
I believe that my clients know themselves better than anyone else, so my role is to provide resources and support to help them meet their goals. As a social worker, I also help my clients unpack how larger systems impact their mental health and relationships. I work from a queer-affirming, anti-oppressive, and neurodivergent-affirming approach to therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and the CEO of The Heart Speaks! My private practice aims to aid clients in learning how to get out of their heads and into their heart space, thus encouraging the idea of "feeling your feels" rather than attempting to mask, avoid, or numb your emotions. I have worked with a variety of clients from various backgrounds to address concerns with self-esteem, relationships, family conflict, boundaries, communication, etc. My overall mission is to assist my clients in learning how to become empowered to speak and ultimately live in their truth! I am passionate about creating a safe space for my clients to communicate with me their heart's desires so that we can ensure that their needs get met. Therapy is not a linear process, there will be ebbs and flows but I am here to conquer these obstacles with you...you don't have to do it alone anymore!
At our best we are well connected, there is congruence. I believe that we experience the deepest sorrows and difficulties when there is disconnection, incongruence. By identifying salient disconnections and working towards reconnection you can get on the path to healing. As a therapist, it is my aim to respectfully and gently sweep that path and guide the way towards meaningful reconnection, healing, and hope. I look forward to collaborating with you in that effort. Here's to meaningful connections!
Hi, I’m Danielle, and I help people who are struggling with depression and anxiety find their way back to feeling like themselves again. Life can get heavy sometimes—maybe you’re feeling constantly overwhelmed, stuck in negative thoughts, or just tired of pretending you’re okay when you’re not. I get how exhausting that can be. In our work together, my goal is to create a space where you can be real—no pressure, no judgment. We’ll talk through what’s weighing on you, explore where those feelings come from, and find tools that actually work for you. Whether it’s learning how to quiet that inner critic, manage anxiety in the moment, or just start feeling more like you again. We’ll take it one step at a time, together. You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here to support you in a way that feels honest, empowering, and genuinely helpful.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Just because you are pursuing therapy doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you. It doesn’t mean that you are not strong. And it definitely doesn’t matter if you think other people have it worse than you. This is about your life and how we can help to make it better.
I am passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families looking to strengthen relationships with themselves and each other. My approach is guided by systems thinking which places clients in a context acknowledging and exploring the myriad of factors that shape who we are as people and how we experience the world. I have experience working with diverse populations with a variety of concerns including relational conflict, identity exploration, trauma, grief, and sexuality. My wish is to walk with clients in identifying strengths and gaining insight while looking for patterns that no longer serve them to make room for new experiences. As an integrative therapist, I draw upon a variety of models while always maintaining a social justice lens. Trained as a relational therapist, I see connection to ourselves and each other as paramount to the human experience and have a particular passion in working with young adults in fostering healthy relationships. I have also completed a certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan's School of Social Work which has deepened my knowledge of working with people struggling with issues related to sexuality including functioning concerns. I am a curious, compassionate, and direct clinician who places emphasis on feedback and collaboration to ensure clients get their needs met throughout treatment. My hope is for clients to leave our sessions feeling more empowered and self-aware. The therapeutic relationship is a key factor in determining the success of therapy. Please contact me if you have any questions about how I practice to determine if I would be a good fit for you. I would love the opportunity to connect with you!
Great to meet you! Hi, I’m Melissa. I work with curious, thoughtful people who are ready to show up for themselves — even when growth feels uncomfortable. Many of the clients I connect with are navigating big life transitions, like adjusting to college or next steps after college, navigating adulthood, or realizing the old path no longer fits. If you’re someone who’s willing to stay with the process and understands that meaningful change takes work, we’ll likely be a good fit. A bit about my approach to therapy I believe the relationship we build together matters more than any single approach or technique. Feeling safe, understood, and respected is where real change begins. Clients describe me as steady, thoughtful, and encouraging — someone who can sit with you when things feel messy and help you think outside the box when the usual answers don’t work. I focus on everyday, “garden-variety” struggles that still have a big impact on quality of life, especially during periods of transition. What you can expect from our first session Our first session is a chance to slow down, get to know each other, and talk about what brought you in and where you hope to go. We’ll explore what’s working, what feels stuck, and what kind of support actually feels helpful to you. Over time, many clients walk away with more clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense that they can create a path forward — even if it looks different than they originally imagined. Growth isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.
The distressing problems that bring you to therapy will later be revealed as the unlikely pathways towards a well-lived life. Pervasive sadness, suicidal thoughts, the heaviness on your shoulders are your psyche’s misunderstood messengers to summon you on a healing journey. Your symptoms have meaning and we will work together to understand them. In therapy, we will first work together to establish a sense of stability: from the first session, we’ll build a trusting relationship that offers a much-needed space for your concerns. You may benefit at this initial stage by simply having a trustworthy ear to hear. As a psychotherapist, I hold the tension of psychotherapy as a mysticism and a science. But it is no snake oil: community, storytelling, and self-exploration are the elixirs which lead to healing. If you would like to learn more about my approach, see if we may be a good fit, or schedule a session, please contact me today by call, text message, or email.
I specialize in treating young adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, low self-esteem, and OCD. I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs, utilizing evidence based practices such as CBT, ACT, and ERP.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.