Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

I absolutely love working with young folks who feel stuck, anxious, or alone in dealing with the stressors that life brings. I am a relational therapist that holds space for young adults to build connection, develop mindfulness, and explore what values will be motivating for their life choices. This work is rooted in prioritizing self-acceptance: one of the best gifts we can give ourselves in individual talk therapy. In a group therapy setting, I aim to create freedom for individuals to get better at feeling emotions and communicating them to others, as a way to navigate symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma. Let’s talk more about how I can help you explore self-doubt, dysregulated emotions, academic anxiety, peer conflict, grief, apathy, anger, addiction, shame, or sadness. The experience of emerging adults today is not hopeless; there is ample opportunity to build resources for connection. This connection creates confidence in your ability to cope, grow, and heal on the journey towards a meaningful life!

Ellen is a Licensed Professional Counselor and art therapist. She received her Masters degree in Art Therapy & Counseling from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ellen loves working with children and young people. She has experience working with neurodivergent children on issues such as social skills, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Ellen also has experience in providing affirming care to the LGBTQIA+ community. As an art therapist, Ellen utilizes art and art making to facilitate therapeutic discussions and insights with her clients. She utilizes a wide variety of art mediums to explore, create, and investigate within therapy. This practice appeals to a wide variety of populations and experience levels–no prior experience with art is required! Ellen firmly believes in the healing power of art making and sharing that power with others. Ellen’s practice as a therapist is founded on social justice and feminist frameworks, as well as relational-cultural theory. This means she conceives of therapy as a collaborative partnership between therapist and client, one that that relies on respect for each other’s knowledge and perspectives. Ellen holds space for all of a potential client's identities and cultures as you work together in the therapeutic space.

Hi! I’m Will, a trauma-informed and culturally responsive therapist based in Chicago. You may be used to holding it all together, as the responsible one, the high-achiever, the bridge between different worlds. As a student, you might be navigating academic pressure, family expectations, and questions about identity or belonging, all while trying to keep up on the surface. Somewhere along the way, you lost the plot on what you actually want, not what your parents or those around you want. Therapy with me offers a space to slow down and reconnect with yourself. My approach is warm, collaborative, and insight-oriented, grounded in relational-cultural and psychodynamic therapy, with practical tools from ACT and DBT when helpful. Together, we’ll explore what’s underneath the stress or stuckness and work toward a way of living that feels more aligned and sustainable. I’m especially passionate about working with students of color, particularly Asian American and BIPOC students, who may be navigating identity, culture, and intergenerational dynamics. As the child of Taiwanese and Korean immigrants, I’m conversational in Mandarin and Korean, and we can incorporate them in ways that help you feel more at home. I’m a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago. If any of this resonates, feel free to reach out. I’d love to chat.

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

I'm a bilingual therapist offering both in-person and virtual sessions. Whether you're navigating life transitions, pursuing personal growth, or simply in need of support, I commend you for taking this meaningful step. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, uncover your strengths, and develop practical tools to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. I bring a unique perspective to my practice, rooted in connection, trust, and shared understanding. My approach is shaped by my professional experience, education, and personal journey—including my roles as a wife, mother, large family dynamic, and as a Chicago native. I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your path to growth and healing.

With the complexities in the world today, it can be tough to catch a breath, decompress, and process the events in our unique lives. As bandwidths are stretched thin, boundaries infiltrated, and burnout ever present, the pressures of our day-to-day lives can pile on top of each other, making it hard to find balance and reach our goals. These challenges do not need to be faced alone. If you are seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, grief, or addiction, together we will create a safe and collaborative space to face these challenges head-on, guiding you to feel more empowered, centered, and fulfilled. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. The most important aspect of my approach is that it matches a client’s support needs and goals. Using an integrative, trauma-informed and person-centered framework, I aim to follow the client's lead and modify our process based on their unique personality, lived experiences, and interests. I'm so glad you are here. Life is full of ups that deserve to be celebrated and downs that deserve to be acknowledged and processed. Let’s dive into this together and start making your goals a reality. I look forward to hearing from you and getting to know you!

Struggling is a natural part of being human—something everyone faces at different points in life. You might be navigating relationship challenges, managing stress, or dealing with the effects of past traumas. Perhaps you feel lost, want to understand yourself better, or are searching for a way to heal and move forward. You deserve to feel more grounded, build stronger connections, and regain clarity and control. When life feels overwhelming, having a space where you feel safe, supported, and understood can make all the difference. If this resonates, you’re not alone, and I’m here to help.

Ashley (Evans) McTaggart is a Registered Dietitian and a alumna of Northern Illinois University. With over six years of experience in the eating disorder field, Ashley is deeply passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery journey. She began her nutrition career at a residential eating disorder facility in downtown Chicago and later expanded her expertise through roles in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. Ashley’s nutrition philosophy emphasizes building a healthy and positive relationship with food, integrating mental, emotional, physical, and social health.

My clients are people who often feel stuck in their thoughts, whether those thoughts are anxious, self-critical, perfectionistic, or filled with doubt. They might be struggling with OCD, social anxiety, phobias, trauma, or just the overwhelming pressure to always get things “right.” My clients come from a variety of background and identities. They want relief, but not just a quick fix. They’re looking to better understand themselves, break free from rigid patterns, and move toward a life that feels more connected, meaningful, and aligned.

Therapeutically, we approach each client differently, and pick our tools according to your needs and preferences. We are looking to help you find acceptance, success, meaning, and/or anything else on your terms, as you define it. We share a commitment to practicing in anti-oppressive, harm reductive, and relational ways, but each clinician has their own eclectic approach. Our clinicians have deep experience working with LGBTQ+ and especially trans/non-binary/gender expansive clients — from childhood through adulthood. As an organization founded by queer folks, we’re here to provide a space where you can feel safe and brave all at once. Our clinicians also focus on chronic illness or disability, and neurodivergence.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi! Whether you just need someone to talk to or are looking for some practical skill building and coping strategies, I am happy to help you! I work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, and stress management, among other concerns. I work to provide a comfortable space that allows clients to feel validated and seen. My hope is that you walk away from our therapy sessions with more insight, self-awareness, and the self-confidence to show up in your life in a healthier, authentic, and empowered way. I support and affirm the LGBTQ+ community as an ally. I received my Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Advertising and my Master's degree in Counseling, both from DePaul University. In my free time, I love spending time with my husband, kids, and dog. I enjoy playing sports and seeking out new experiences around the city.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Brave Talk Therapy is a group practice on the Northwest side of Chicago. We aim to work with those who are struggling with mental health. Brave Talk Therapy is a place that aims for our clients to feel authentic in sessions and ensure that they are meeting with clinicians who are authentically themselves. We specialize in working with those who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, peer issues, family dynamics and much more.

College can be a lot with classes, deadlines, jobs, family stuff, friendships, big decisions about your future. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, unmotivated, or just not like yourself. You might be struggling quietly, or maybe everything feels loud and heavy. Either way, you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Ellie Mental Health – Lincolnwood, we get that life can be messy, especially during college. We offer therapy and psychiatry services for individuals, couples, families, and groups, and we meet you wherever you’re at—with no judgment, no pressure, and no confusing clinical talk. Just real support from people who care. Our therapists are down-to-earth, compassionate, and here to help you work through whatever you're carrying, whether it's stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, identity questions, or just needing a space to talk. We focus on what matters to you and give you tools that actually help, not just homework. Starting therapy can feel awkward or intimidating, but we’ll make it as easy and comfortable as possible. You’re not just another name on a schedule—you’re a real person, and your story matters. When you’re ready, we’re here. Let’s figure it out, together.

Hi! My name is Solo (she/her/hers). I am an experienced social worker who has worked in universities, hospitals, and private practice. Specializing in anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, identity, and executive functioning. I meet people where they are at and make therapy a safe, comfortable place where people feel safe, seen, and heard. I work primarily with people 14 and up, but am open to working with anyone that would love to work with me!. I love coffee, nature, music festivals, spend too much time on tik tok, and enjoy getting to know my clients.

Hi! My name is Mary France Bazan, therapist and founder of MFB_THERAPY. Our office is located in Countryside, IL and offers a warm and nurturing space that empowers clients as they navigate life's challenges. We offer individual therapy that provides guided growth to young adults. We invite you to reach out to us to learn more!

Hi! I’m Becca. I work with children, teens, and young adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, difficulty transitioning to college, and/ or learning more about identity. I use the therapy space to get to know you on a human level, work through unhelpful patterns, and develop new skills and strategies more aligned with where you want to be. Therapy is a place for growth but also plenty of laughter as well. I identify as queer and am dedicated to providing a supportive space to explore your experiences and learn more about yourself. If this sounds like it could be a good fit, I offer 15 minute consultations. Filling out the contact form on my website is the best way to get in touch.

Are you an individual on the autism spectrum and looking to gain skills and independence? Have Dreams' therapists are here to help! We support children, adolescents, and young adults with autism in progressing toward their individual goals, be that working on building social and communication skills, addressing emotion regulation and stress management, preparing for employment, or developing executive functioning skills like staying organized and managing time effectively. We also offer parent education and support around new diagnosis.

At Holding Space our mission is to empathically walk alongside our patients providing a safe and stable “holding space” that promotes acceptance, confidence, healing, and growth. Beyond our training and education, respect and authentic care is at the heart of all our work. The therapeutic journey isn’t always easy, and sometimes it can get messy. Our commitment to our patients is that we are here to help you hold the weight of your pain, and inspire hope in moments that feel hopeless. We’re here to help make sense of the absurd and confusing moments and hopefully make you laugh from time to time. We trust that our patients feel our genuine care as we work together toward the shared goals of living healthier, fuller, more empowered lives.