Therapists for college students near 60611

I believe that clients are fundamentally trying their best to survive and thrive in the world as they understand it, and may need assistance in gaining new tools, new perspectives, or adapting to a new context. I am a member of and passionate about working with the LGBTQ+, immigrant, disabled, kink/BDSM, and alterhuman & furry communities.

Hello! Many of my clients are young adult and adult students who share life experiences like: being biracial/POC, LGBTQ+, having tough childhoods, having a good sense of humor, and feeling nervous around people. They include first generation college students, and first or second gen to live in the US. I also work with people on topics like depression, anxiety, trauma, behaviors/habits you're concerned about (e.g. self harm, eating disorders), couples, and more. I meet with people individually, and I also have two monthly support groups for people who experience some or all of the factors I listed above: One group is for ages 19-25 and the other is for ages 25-34. Please email, call, or text to ask about joining a group or meeting with me to see if we'd be a good fit for doing therapy together!

Parkside Therapy offers in person and telehealth therapy to people struggling with a variety of issues. We work with those that are coping with academic stress, identity discernment, anxiety, depression, and substance misuse. College is stressful, and you deserve some help! Reach out to us and we'll help you schedule a free phone consultation or an initial appointment.

Our team is composed of clinicians who value diversity and acceptance. We combine education with experience to deliver professional, effective, personalized counseling to our clients. Our goal is for our clients to be seen and heard and feel like their voices matter. In our client relationships, we function as guides to support and coaches to encourage progress and healing. We treat clinical issues (stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, etc.) through a relational lens. We explore how you function in your relationships, how they may be impacting current challenges and how they can be improved to help you move forward. We promise to treat you with respect and integrity. We are affirming and allied with no bias towards race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, religion, or socioeconomic status. We desire to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to create the life you want.

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.

I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems in adolescents and adults (ages 12 and up). In my work, therapy often focuses on dealing with stress related to academic demands, difficulties in peer and romantic relationships, family conflict, low self-esteem, as well as struggles with self-identity. I also work with young adults who feel overwhelmed during the transition to college or entering the work force for the first time. I draw on elements from empirically supported treatments such as CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I strive to offer an emphatic, non-judgmental approach to treatment. As a Latina, it is particularly important to me to serve my community and I welcome Spanish speaking clients.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Lieser Counseling Services assists in discovering your true self, allowing you to live in ways that bring peace, meaning, and deep joy to daily life. Within the space we work to create trust and good rapport which allows for authentic growth and transformation. In this safe space we can tackle and heal wounds from trauma, eradicate unhealthy self talk, improve relationships, as well as re-frame depressive and anxious mindsets that prevent you from flourishing. No matter your gender identity, sexual orientation, or ideology I believe that we can create a healthy connection that will serve you in your day to day interactions.

InTouch and Motion is a creative arts therapies practice that provides psychotherapy and wellness services for children, adults, families, and couples in person in Chicago and throughout Illinois via telehealth. Are you struggling with the many changes that come as you move through school, a new social landscape, and a looming career on the horizon? Do you feel stressed, anxious, depressed, or alone? Know that you are more than your thoughts, more than all these worries. Your emotions, physical body, spiritual connections, purpose, and relationships make you who you are and give you your identity. At InTouch & Motion, we strive to create an open, healing environment for you to explore, grow, and nurture different all parts of yourself to become an integrated whole. Our therapies include counseling and psychotherapy, art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, expressive arts therapy, and dance/movement therapy. Reach out for a free consultation today!

"Growth is never by chance; it is the outcome of people working together." Are you ready to work together in achieving your personal goals? Are your goals to be less anxious and/or depressed and have more meaningful relationships? I understand today's stresses for college students in balancing school/work, challenges with focus, relationships, physical health and future planning beyond college. As a Therapist, my focus in working with my clients is on identifying your personal strengths and helping you to recognize them so you can work to achieve and maintain a healthy physical and mental balance in your life.

Mariya is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and co-founder of Willow Recovery Group. She is passionate about creating safe, affirming spaces for people to process trauma, explore their relationship with food and body, and navigate life’s challenges with compassion. Mariya specializes in trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, multicultural experiences, and life transitions, blending evidence-based approaches with a deeply relational style. Her clients describe her as warm, grounding, and supportive — someone who walks alongside them through both the hard and hopeful parts of recovery. Outside of her clinical work, Mariya enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and being with loved ones (including her pets, who often serve as her best “co-therapists”).

Will is a psychoanalytic candidate with the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis and practices an integrative approach to therapy that is rooted in psychoanalysis, drawing from experiences of working in residential therapy and community mental health. He is also trained in Child and Parent Psychotherapy, an evidence-based practice that works to mitigate the negative effects of trauma by strengthening the parent-child bond for young children aged 0-6 and their caregivers. Will believes we all make sacrifices to try and fit it; he believes this to be the origin of many of our symptoms which he understands to the be the reasons and experiences that bring clients to therapy. We try to be good workers, family members, and citizens, but oftentimes, in our struggles to fit it, belong, or be good human beings, we lose sight of something inherent in ourselves. “Fitting in” has a price. If you’re coming to therapy, the price probably feels too costly. No matter how hard we try, sometimes we don’t fit in or we feel like an outsider or an imposter. We might feel like there’s something we’ve lost or something we’ve never had. People who hear voices, live through anxiety and fear, think or experience the world differently, and are in mourning have a place in my practice. Will offers a place to relationally understand these sacrifices and symptoms; to discover where they come from and make space for something new. Through a therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and collaboration, we’ll work to understand the choices we unknowingly make and look to untangle the knots that oftentimes get in the way of living the life we want.

Have you ever felt like you don't quite fit into the boxes other people expect of you? Maybe you're exploring your identity, questioning family expectations, discovering you're neurodivergent, or trying to understand parts of yourself that haven't always felt accepted. Therapy can be a place to get curious about who you are, without feeling like you have to hide, explain, or change yourself to belong. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating ADHD, AuDHD, depression, relationship and family challenges, identity exploration, and life transitions. I'm especially passionate about supporting neurodivergent students, LGBTQIA+ students, and those exploring racial, cultural, disability, or biracial and mixed-race identities. My approach is collaborative, creative, and affirming. Together, we'll explore the experiences that have shaped you, build on your strengths, and develop practical ways to navigate relationships, emotions, and everyday challenges with greater confidence and self-compassion. I draw from Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gestalt Therapy, and queer feminist perspectives while honoring your lived experiences, culture, and personal interests. Therapy doesn't have to look the same for everyone. Alongside conversation, we might incorporate art, music, movement, games, or other creative approaches that help you express yourself in ways that feel natural and meaningful. I also support clients navigating family-of-origin concerns, racial, historical, and intergenerational trauma, sexual exploration, and kink in an affirming, nonjudgmental space. My hope is that therapy helps you feel more connected to yourself, more confident in your identity, and more at home in who you are.

Change can feel intimidating and overwhelming, but it can also be a chance to grow, learn, and build resilience. As college students, you’re in a unique time of transition—navigating new responsibilities, relationships, routines, and decisions about your future. It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty as you let go of familiar comforts and take on new challenges. Giving yourself the space to process these changes, reflect on your experiences, and prepare for what’s next is an important part of your journey. One of the most empowering steps you can take is to explore and understand your own story. I offer a supportive and nonjudgmental perspective to help you uncover your strengths, tackle challenges, and celebrate your growth. Together, we can work toward helping you feel confident as you take healthy risks, build meaningful connections, and embrace the opportunities ahead in college and beyond. I have experience working with individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and the impacts of past traumas, as well as navigating major life transitions. I’m especially interested in helping you identify what brings purpose and joy to your life, so you can create a future that feels authentic and fulfilling. Above all, I want to get to know you—your experiences, your goals, and how I can support you along the way. Wherever you’re at right now, you don’t have to face it alone. Let’s work together to help you feel more grounded, self-assured, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

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Sometimes the struggles that bring us to therapy aren't obvious from the outside. You may be the person others see as happy and confident, navigating life’s challenges with a smile while quietly wrestling with anxiety, self-doubt, and perfectionism. Perhaps you're feeling stuck in familiar patterns, questioning long-held beliefs, or longing for a deeper understanding of yourself. Therapy can be a safe space to begin processing your lived experience. As a relational therapist, it is my hope to help support you in reclaiming your narrative and reconnecting with parts of yourself that may feel burdened or unseen. I enjoy working with individuals who find themselves caught in patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism, anxiety, or self-criticism. I also support clients navigating OCD, religious trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I use integrative, evidence based frameworks including CBT, ACT, and parts work. My approach is rooted in the belief that you are more than your thoughts. Together, we can explore what has shaped you, identify patterns that keep you stuck, and build on your existing strengths to help you feel more aligned in your purpose. Beginning therapy is the first step in that process, and I am honored to accompany you on this healing journey.

Past experiences continue to impact us throughout life in ways that we do not always fully understand. Family relationships, environmental stressors, social norms and cultural expectations can also place enormous weight on our shoulders to carry around. As my clients work through grief, sadness, and anger, I am deeply committed to their process. I welcome clients from various backgrounds, and, in addition, I have an ongoing commitment to working with first and second generation immigrants and their families. By allowing space for unprocessed feelings and experiences, my goal is to help my clients find a path to alleviating the intensity of those feelings, leading to improved relationships – with themselves and with the people in their lives. Please reach out over email or phone to schedule an initial consultation call and an in person or virtual meeting.

When looking for a therapist, it can often be a challenge to figure out who will be a good fit based on a bio and a picture. Sometimes there is something very specific that we know we need from therapy, sometimes we are just going in with a vague sense, and it can often feel vulnerable. There is a quote that I often return to in my work: “healing happens at the speed of trust”. When we start our work together, we will be figuring out how to build that trust and communication so that you can do the work and exploration that you need to do to get the most out of therapy. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating addiction and substance use. I also enjoy working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, and effects of trauma. My work is grounded in a harm reduction philosophy that aims to meet people exactly where they are and recognizes that we are all experts in our own lives. I won’t have all of the answers, but hope to work alongside you. I approach therapy with deep curiosity and a relational lens, believing that meaningful change grows from genuine connection and collaboration. I like getting to know people and find one of the most profound things to come from therapy is a feeling of being understood.

I've worked with children, teenagers, and adults struggling with significant emotional and behavioral challenges for 16 years and have found that no matter the difficulty things can improve with hard work. Whether one's goal is emotion regulation, behavior change, or the exploration and cultivation of identity and meaning, the use of a therapeutic relationship based on honesty, authenticity, and mutual respect can have a profound impact on one's life course. While this work is challenging it can be life changing, allowing a person to develop their talents and gifts in ways that enrich their lives and the lives of others. My clinical specialty is work with young people who are struggling significantly with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, including those who have not found therapeutic success elsewhere. I also tend to work well with kids and young adults who are undecided as to their interest in psychotherapy, and who have strong personalities. I have extensive experience with complex psychological difficulties and believe that successful therapy requires dedication and hard work on the part of both participants. I also believe it's important that this work includes a search for meaning and understanding on the one hand and the development of practical, useful life skills on the other.

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.