Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

My practice provides trauma-informed, compassionate mental health care for college students navigating stress, anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of past experiences. I specialize in working with students who feel overwhelmed, disconnected from their bodies, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. My approach is grounded in somatic and relational therapies, which means we pay attention not only to thoughts and emotions, but also to how experiences live in the body. Sessions are collaborative, nonjudgmental, and paced to support safety, choice, and self-trust. I strive to create an affirming space for students of diverse identities and backgrounds, including first-generation students and those balancing multiple cultural expectations. Whether a student is seeking support for trauma, burnout, academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, or personal growth, my goal is to help them build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and feel more grounded and empowered in their daily lives.

I am passionate about working with young adults who are trying to better understand themselves. My areas of expertise include Anxiety, Depression, Identity development with a special emphasis on Gender and Sexual Orientation, Hispanic clients, TGNC people, and people living with HIV. My therapeutic approach will vary depending on who I'm working with. I will walk you through the process of therapy, as often times it can be seen as intimidating and scary. I tend to work from a collaborative approach where your strengths are recognized, and we try to build upon that foundation. My goal is to understand the lens through which you see the world and share with you how it may or may not be helping you in this moment, while also providing techniques you may incorporate into your repertoire of skills. I bring forth my most authentic self by showing my geekiness and by adding some comedy when appropriate so that you may feel comfortable. My hope is that you feel confident in being unapologetically you in session, and that we may also talk about the things you are passionate about.

LifePath Therapy Associates is excited to have an art therapist, Jessica Walters, that graduated from SAIC! We also have many other clinicians with a wide range of experience and training to meet your needs. We are a psychotherapy practice in the heart of the Chicago's loop at Washington and Wabash. We believe in embracing each individual’s unique strengths and celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. Our therapists are warm and compassionate and believe in collaborating with each person who walks through the door to help them build the life that they wish to live.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Gretchen Aich (she/her), PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University and is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Gretchen has advanced training in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care and works with children, adolescents, and adults, including Spanish-speaking clients. Gretchen brings experience from diverse mental health settings, including emergency departments, inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, private practice, and telehealth. Her background includes supporting individuals in crisis, working in community and court-mandated programs, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. During her clinical training, she worked extensively with children and adolescents with complex needs, provided substance use and court-ordered therapy, and assisted with advanced treatments such as SPRAVATO and TMS. In her work with clients, Gretchen creates a safe, judgment-free space grounded in empathy, respect, and cultural humility. She believes each person is the expert in their own life and uses a collaborative, flexible approach to care. Through active listening and evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy, she partners with clients to set meaningful goals and support healing in a way that fits their lives.

If you find yourself not feeling good enough, struggling to cope with worries, traumas, and pain from the past, or wanting to learn more about yourself and why you think and behave in the ways that you do, my therapeutic approach may be right for you. Depending on your goals/needs, we will work together to increase your insight, explore alternative coping strategies, and help you feel empowered to make different decisions in life to get your closer to who and where you want to be. My intention in our work together is to see you, understand you, and challenge you to grow. When necessary/needed, we will use humor along the way! I specialize in working with adults struggling with feelings of Unworthiness/Low Self-Esteem, Trauma/PTSD, Family/Relationship Conflict, Anxiety, and Depression. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, Mental Health Professionals, Artists, Immigrants, First-Generation Americans, Bi-cultural Individuals, and the Kink community. I would be honored to be a part of your journey. Through our work together, you can learn to practice more self-compassion, feel more grounded, and better manage all the thoughts and feelings you're experiencing. If you connected to what I've shared and feel like we would be a good fit, feel free to message me to arrange a free phone consult.

SHFT is Chicago’s first mental health urgent care created specifically for young people and their families. Designed to bridge a long-standing gap in the behavioral health landscape, SHFT offers a full spectrum of services, including crisis assessments, one-time “chat” sessions with licensed clinicians, routine therapy, and medication management. Our clinical team brings deep expertise in adolescent and young adult mental health, with backgrounds across higher levels of care that allow us to respond to a wide range of needs quickly, safely, and compassionately. Open seven days a week, SHFT supports both walk-ins and scheduled appointments. Guided by a “come as you are” philosophy, our space is intentionally warm, contemporary, and non-clinical - created to help young people feel safe, welcomed, and understood from the moment they arrive.

I am a licensed clinical social worker offering telehealth psychotherapy to adults (18+) across Illinois and Maine. I work with students and young adults navigating anxiety, stress, trauma, identity exploration, and major life transitions—particularly those who may appear high-functioning on the outside while feeling overwhelmed internally. My approach is collaborative, relational, and trauma-informed, integrating ACT, CBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based interventions. I aim to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly seen and can build insight, resilience, and practical coping skills. Telehealth allows for flexible, accessible care that fits into busy academic schedules and supports students who are living off campus, balancing work and school, or transitioning between home and school environments. I am happy to serve as an off-campus referral resource and collaborate with campus partners as appropriate to support continuity of care.

Bella Valore Therapy specializes in individualized treatment for each client and couple, intermixing holistic practices with evidence based psychological healing interventions. This creates a safe space to explore needs, desires, relationships, traumas, and more, by bringing awareness to the self. We can then identify patterns, communication, internalized belief systems, and thought processes in which we operate. Treatment can include a variety of holistic modalities to create healing that has never been possible before. This will allow yourself the time, space, and attention it takes to find healing and create the meaningful changes in your life that you desire.

Whatever challenges are impacting your life, you don't have to face them alone. That's where I come in – to help you heal, gain new insights and perspectives, and develop the tools you need to best care for yourself. At the heart of my approach is building an authentic, egalitarian therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, heard, and best able to work towards your goals in a supportive environment. My primary population focus is LGBTQIA+ clients, and as a queer woman myself, I believe creating a safe, affirming space is key to successful counseling. I provide therapy that is culturally humble, trauma informed, and strengths-based. As a creative person, I am keen on customizing counseling to you and your passions in life. My integrative counseling approach combines humanistic/person-centered principles with techniques including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), creativity, and mindfulness. Since every client has different needs, goals, and nuances, the two of us will work together to develop a treatment plan that is as unique as you and able to grow with you. I graduated from Roosevelt University with an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I completed my internship year at Renew You Counseling Center where I worked with a diverse array of individuals, couples, and groups ages 18-65. In my free time, I love playing guitar, rock climbing, going on nature walks, writing, performing stand-up comedy, gaming, and spending time with my loved ones and two cats. Reaching out for help is never easy, so my aim is to provide unconditional acceptance of all aspects of your identity and experience. My hope is to support you on your journey of healing and growth.

In our therapy sessions, we’ll work collaboratively to increase your insight and better understand the deeper roots of the current problems that you are facing. Together, we will increase your ability to better tolerate difficult emotions, more effectively cope with the issues that you are facing, and create a problem-solving style that works for you. My empathic, direct, and empowering clinical style will help you discover the best version of you. Here are some of my specialties: *Generalist *Interpersonal, Relational Style *Adults *Individuals *LBGTQ+ Affirming *Depression *Mood Disorders *Anxiety *PTSD/C-PTSD *Trauma Informed *Substance Abuse *Self-esteem/Assertiveness/Boundaries *Grief/Loss *Relationship Issues *Understanding unhealthy family/childhood patterns & roles and changing how these are repeated in one’s adult relationships *Narcissistic abuse recovery

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.

Evolve Wellness is a modern therapy practice designed for college students navigating life’s challenges. We offer a warm, inclusive space to explore stress, anxiety, trauma, identity, relationships, and the impact of today’s social and political climate. Affirming & inclusive: We provide compassionate support for LGBTQ+ and nonbinary students, honoring every part of who you are. Trauma-informed care: Our therapists help you process and heal from past experiences safely and at your own pace. Flexible & accessible: Choose in-person or virtual sessions, with evening and weekend options that fit your schedule. Holistic growth: We integrate evidence-based methods (CBT, ACT, Mindfulness) with a focus on self-understanding, values, and connection. At Evolve Wellness, you’re not alone. You belong. You matter. Let’s heal and grow together.

Collaboration is a key part of my work with clients. As we explore the change needed for growth, I hope to honor your voice and provide a safe, welcoming and empowering environment that at the forefront creates trust. I want to meet you where you are and come from a strengths-based perspective in creating a path towards understanding yourself, as well as aligning your behavior with your values as much as possible in your everyday life. When in session, I like to pursue a mind-body approach and believe that how we treat our bodies physically will have a ripple effect on our mental health. Therefore, I do like to work around this idea of meeting primary needs for our body as well as our mind. As an eclectic therapist, I believe that there is no one modality that can be utilized for every client, instead I like to pull different techniques from DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, and CBT. As we explore what your goals are, we will make a tailored approach in utilizing skills and talk therapy to create an environment for change. Disordered Eating & Body Image: Navigating disordered eating can feel impossible and exhausting. Exploring the frustrations around unhelpful behaviors is the first step in becoming aware of how disordered eating has impacted your life. With past IOP and individual therapy experience, I support individuals who are trying to understand themselves better when it comes to their body and self-esteem. My approach focuses on creating a supportive and collaborative environment in the therapy space while we build a toolbox of healthy coping mechanisms when triggers come on. By utilizing a combination of therapy modalities, we can create an open dialogue on how to get to body neutrality and reduce disordered eating thoughts & behaviors. Experience: As a growing clinician, I am constantly wanting to expand my knowledge about all things female-presenting clients are navigating from teen years to adulthood. Recently, I passed my Perinatal Mental Health Certificate (PMHC) which covers extensive training in working with families, mothers and fathers who are going through their perinatal journey. Exploring emotions and decision making during this life transition can be overwhelming, to put it lightly, so I hope to act as a guide as we explore this deeply personal journey together. Practicing what I preach is something that I have found to be important to me as I ask for you to do the work in our therapy space. Therefore, I currently am interested in learning more about somatic therapy and how that can be intertwined with my work of mind-body connection.

I am a clinical psychologist specializing in working with young adults and students. I spent 10 years on staff at various university counseling centers around the country and now work in private practice doing individual psychotherapy in Illinois and New York. My approach combines my education, training, and own life experience to work with individuals collaboratively, with a focus on how to meaningfully and healthfully navigate life events. While trained as a generalist to provide treatment for a variety of mental health concerns my clinical specialties include working with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship/family distress, life transitions, grief/loss, and stress management.

At Piece by Piece we offer comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for children, adults, and older adults facing a range of cognitive, behavioral and emotional concerns. We have locations in Oak Brook and Lake Forest and now in Chicago in the Lincoln Park area. We are now offering services including therapy, executive functioning coaching as well as telehealth evaluations so we can offer services to a wider population who may not have access otherwise. We also offer neuropsychological evaluations in Spanish. Common reasons for referrals include ADHD, ASD, learning disorders, dementia, brain injury and various neurological conditions. Our evaluations are fast, with a typical two-week turnaround time and we work closely with referring providers to ensure all referral questions are addressed. We accept most insurance as well as offer self-pay and pro-bono options.

I help people process trauma, manage their emotions and anxiety, and maximize their performance with the combination of talk therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Brainspotting, and/or Internal Family Systems (IFS). A Free 15-minute consultation is offered to ensure a good fit.

We focus on evidence-based treatments, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to help individuals evaluate their relationship to their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so that they can develop the awareness, flexibility, and resilience required to live in alignment with their values. Our clinicians are intimately familiar with helping students and families manage academic stressors and navigate the school setting with minimal interference from psychological distress. We believe in nurturing the therapeutic relationship and recognize the importance of creating a safe and healing space for our clients. Our goal is to help our clients build resilience and add to their repertoire of tools and coping mechanisms to help improve everyday functioning in the home, school, and community.

If you've ever felt misunderstood, struggled with recognizing your worth, grappled with questions about your identity, or faced challenges in relationships, we're here to listen to you. If you find yourself weighed down by deep-seated emotional experiences, memories that are confusing, unclear, conflicted, or downright painful, we can help you. We understand the importance of processing and unpacking trauma. Sometimes you need to explore the deepest and darkest aspects of your experiences in order to find the inner strength that will push you forward. These moments can produce actual healing and growth which occurs most often in a safe therapeutic relationship with a therapist who listens carefully and responds with genuine acceptance and empathic understanding. Our approach centers on you, providing a nurturing environment where you can delve not only into topics like self-image, self-esteem, sexual and gender identity, and relationship difficulties, but also into those complex emotions and memories that might be lurking beneath the surface. Those who find our approach most beneficial often seek a space where they're free to be themselves without fear of judgment, a place to sift through their emotional landscapes with care and attention. If you're looking for a therapeutic experience where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to explore your emotions, memories, and challenges at your own pace, then our client-centered approach might just be the right fit for you. Our psychologists offer individual, family, relationship and sex therapy that is affirming and sensitive to all aspects of diversity. We also offer affordable neuropsychological assessment and evaluations for attention, memory, learning, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and Autism. If you are uninsured or paying out of pocket, please ask us about sliding scale fee options for students so we can accommodate your needs.

I meet clients where they are at. My goal is that my clients feel heard, seen, and validated when coming to therapy. I am always actively learning and studying through Somatic work, continuing education classes, reading, and attending conferences. I am in the process of earning my Somatic Experiencing Practitioner credentials. I’ve started my second year of a three year training (Intermediate I) and I deeply enjoy integrating somatic therapy into my work with clients. Meeting people where they are is essential because we want to create safe spaces to discuss their concerns. Whether talk therapy or Somatic, lets give you the space. I’ve started my second year of a three year training (Intermediate I) and I deeply enjoy integrating somatic therapy into my work with clients. Meeting people where they are is essential because we want to create safe spaces to discuss their concerns. Whether talk therapy or Somatic, lets give you the space to explore. Somatic work can help release the stored energy that is stuck, recurrent, or rising to the surface. If interested in Somatic work, consent is key and asked constantly throughout sessions. If either talk therapy or Somatic interests you, please contact Astute.