Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Are you looking to make changes in your life? Are you looking for a partner to help navigate relationship drama, manage symptoms, or just to listen to the challenges you’re going through? It would be an honor to partner with you on this journey, whatever the reason that brings you in. I can support you in managing stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, dual diagnoses, and many other concerns. Each person is worthy of a space to feel seen and engage in a meaningful therapy experience. I strive to create a therapeutic space that is centered on the goals and needs of each person while building a collaborative relationship all in the understanding that you drive the direction and focus of our work together. I’m here as a guide to offer strategies, expertise and hope as we navigate through your unique experience in partnership. My therapeutic approach is grounded in strengths-based, trauma-informed and harm-reduction philosophies. Other evidenced-based practices utilized in my work include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and others that are best suited for the person and their particular needs.

Alexandra obtained her Masters of Art Therapy and Counseling from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Throughout her career, Alexandra has worked with clients in all stages of life from childhood to older adulthood. She has worked in continuing care communities as well as residential and private practice settings. During her time working in residential level-of-care, she led groups based in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (CBT). She is particularly passionate about working with grief & loss, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Alexandra’s therapeutic style is integrative through the use of a person-centered lens that can incorporate DBT, CBT, and ACT modalities. She approaches sessions with clients through collaboration to develop interventions that meet the needs and interests of each individual while highlighting each client’s strengths. Alexandra uses ACT through an existential perspective, supporting client’s actions and decisions in connection with each individual’s values to create meaningful experiences throughout life. In the therapeutic relationship, she utilizes a relational approach while also finding moments to incorporate humor. One of her favorite parts of being a mental health professional is to witness growth in clients and celebrating their successes. Throughout her career Alexandra has specialized in working with clients experiencing anxiety and depression through the use of interventions such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Behavioral Activations (BA), developing coping skills, and managing critical thoughts. She assists clients navigate perfectionism and build self-esteem while addressing concerns in relationships to build communication and boundary-setting. Alexandra’s path to becoming a therapist began with explorations in the benefits of artmaking in mental health through art therapy. She has developed extensive knowledge of art materials and methods such as painting, fiber arts, and ceramics. Alexandra can use art therapy with clients as a form of communication, self-expression, or assist in emotional regulation. She previously developed an art therapy curriculum when working in a residential setting to assist clients in continuing to build skills as well as creating further opportunities for creative expression.

At t Embrace Sexual Wellness, our team of compassionate Chicago sex therapists helps college and graduate students navigate the challenges of intimacy, performance anxiety, and sexual self-confidence. Whether you’re exploring your identity, coping with stress that’s impacting your relationships, or struggling to feel connected with your partner, our therapists create a safe, non-judgmental space for growth and healing. We specialize in evidence-based sex therapy, relationship counseling, and individual therapy—tailored to young adults balancing academic, social, and emotional pressures. Our clinicians understand the unique experiences of student life in Chicago and offer both in-person and virtual sessions across Illinois and neighboring states. Discover how therapy can help you build healthy communication, deepen intimacy, and feel more at ease in your sexual wellbeing.

I am a queer, neurodivergent, South Asian adoptee and first-gen immigrant who is dedicated to social justice and equitable care. I take a collaborative, compassionate approach, creating a safe and open space to explore your identities, experiences, and goals. I know finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming—particularly when navigating complex and marginalized identities. My priority is building an authentic, warm relationship where you feel truly seen and heard. Together, we’ll customize our work to support your growth and healing at a pace that feels right for you. I’m passionate about working with marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA+ folks, immigrants, adoptees, neurodiverse people, and people of color. I have a particular interest in autistic adults and ADHD, and also have experience working with mood disorders, anxiety, complex PTSD, and substance use concerns. I use trauma-informed applications of Client-Centered Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Video Game Therapy (ask me about it!). I believe that you’re the person who knows yourself best. It’s my hope that in our work together, we can find ways for you to implement compassion, kindness, and empathy in your life. A little about me: I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with a master’s in social work from the University of Chicago. Outside of therapy, I enjoy playing video games, learning about herbalism, and engaging in artistic expression. If you’re interested in working together, I’d love to hear from you!

Hi, my name is Selena Bradshaw. With a lifelong passion for helping others, I am a dedicated Licensed Social Worker with experience in both child welfare and school social work. I have always been driven by a deep desire to support individuals and families in navigating life's challenges, fostering resilience, and empowering positive change. My work is rooted in trauma-informed care, ensuring that each person I work with receives compassionate, individualized support. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy being outdoors and staying active, as I believe in the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between physical and emotional well-being.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

When we are caught in mental distress, we need a trusted partner to help us face our challenges and act from a place of honesty and courage. This creative partnership provides a secure and supportive connection in which to experience solace, find joy, and transform difficulty into resilience. Art therapy is an established mental health profession that helps clients to access a visual entry point for deepened self-awareness. Through guided engagement with the innate creative process, a new way opens to safely explore and better regulate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This creative lens is integrated with holistic evidence-based counseling models for effective, personalized care. From a renewed place of expanded perspective and self-acceptance, clients are able to live more emotionally balanced, fulfilling lives in accordance with their personal values and developmental goals.

Flourishing Affinity Counseling is a woman founded, small private practice located in the heart of Lakeview. Flourishing Affinity Counseling was created in order to give people a space to feel safe, heard, understood, and affirmed while navigating their concerns surrounding sex, relationships and identities. FAC is a therapeutic space for those to explore individual, couples, relationship and/or sex therapy in order to truly flourish in life and relationships. ​ ​ At FAC we value inclusivity, pleasure, exploration, and embracing your unique sexuality. We also value your autonomy and your therapeutic process. We recognize this work is complicated and challenging. Together we will navigate your concerns at a pace that feels right for you and work towards your own desired growth and outcome. ​​​ Flourishing Affinity Counseling is a sex positive space that is affirming to members of the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, kink, poly, CNM, and sex worker communities.

You are the most important person you will ever meet. Why not be on good terms with yourself? I view therapy as a relationship between two people devoted to facing the deepest truths of our lives so we can be healed. I believe that coming to know ourselves and understanding why we suffer leads to genuine change, a return to health, and gives birth to a more authentic life. In therapy, we discover that we heal through relating, because the wounds that occurred in relationships must be healed in a relationship. What was unbearable alone, becomes bearable when shared. Sometimes we find out that the old solutions don't work as well as they used to and we feel stuck. People who come to work with me seek to be understood as unique individuals, to improve their personal relationships, get relief from painful emotional symptoms, gain greater control of their lives, change lifelong ways of coping, and stop self-destructive behaviors. I specialize in treating adults with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and family conflict. I have particular experience and interest in working with college students, artists, and individuals from diverse backgrounds who struggle with self-esteem, self-development, and identity concerns, including gender and sexual identity.

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.

Everyday Psychotherapy Chicago focuses on helping clients bridge the gap between insight gained in the therapy room and meaningful action in daily life. Our goal is to create a collaborative space where you can develop practical, evidence-based skills — emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, and self-awareness — and actively practice them outside of sessions. Whether you’re navigating stress at work, deepening relationships, managing ADHD, building resilience after loss, or striving for personal growth, therapy becomes a rehearsal space for real-world living. We work together to translate concepts into concrete strategies you can use in everyday moments — from morning routines to high-stakes meetings, from quiet reflection to important conversations. At Everyday Psychotherapy Chicago, change isn’t limited to our sessions — it’s woven into the way you think, feel, and respond in your daily life.

Feeling anxious? Overwhelmed? Depressed? College can be tough, but The Ward Practice can help! Dr. Cheriece McNeely is a double board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist proficient in providing psychiatric care throughout the lifespan. She specializes in treating college students as they are navigating transitioning to college, being away from family, taking on more responsibilities and contemplating career choices. She utilizes a holistic, individualized approach in partnership with students to develop a treatment plan which aligns with their goals. She understands that various factors affect you and the way you show up in the world. She will support you as you navigate the stress and anxiety of life transitions, she will help you to overcome the effects of traumatic life experiences, and she will embolden you to make your peace a priority in order to enjoy a vibrant, thriving life. ​ After an initial psychiatric evaluation, Dr. McNeely may develop a treatment plan which may include psychoeducation and medication management. Most importantly, Dr. McNeely understands the stigma associated with seeking and receiving psychiatric treatment, and is dedicated to demystifying mental health concerns to make psychiatric care less intimidating and more accessible. Thus, she offers HIPAA compliant virtual appointments so that you have the opportunity to receive care in a place which is comfortable for you, as long as you are located in Illinois.

Hello and welcome! Whatever you may be experiencing, I commend you for being here. It’s no simple task to address the challenges you may be facing, but I believe it is the most important step forward. My clinical approach is trauma-informed, strength-based, intersectional, and person-centered while utilizing psychodynamic and somatic modalities. I have experience working with individuals who face difficulties with stress, anxiety, loss, life transitions, self-esteem, relationship/family issues, identity development, trauma, burnout, and more. In our sessions, you'll l find a safe space to explore your personal history and encounter internal thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions while reclaiming a path toward security and equilibrium. Alongside helping you achieve your goals, my role is to foster an environment of compassion, collaboration, and confidence. I look forward to hearing from you!

Mr. Husbands received training in CBT working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD as well as other issues such as role adjustment and career changes. Mr. Husbands specializes in the use of CBT and enjoys working with clients to help find how their thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected. He especially values working with depression, anxiety disorders and trauma in adult populations. Mr. Husbands is a firm believer in the expertise that clients bring into therapy about from their own lives and he enjoys collaborating with clients to find new ways of thinking and behaving in order to achieve their goals as well as create meaningful and lasting change. He is committed to valuing and honoring the diverse experiences and identities of all clients and aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for all in his practice.

Things may feel heavy right now, and as a younger person trying to make sense of it all, it is no surprise you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Between social expectations and constant news cycles, you may be unsure of your next step. We specialize in supporting teens and twenty-somethings who are navigating anxiety, depression, school stress, relationship challenges, and the “What am I doing?” moments that show up during significant transitions. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I also work closely with clients exploring their identities, including the overarching systems and pressures we navigate. Our experience as high school social workers informs my work with neurodivergent clients, making the complex feel practical by incorporating evidence and body-based practices. With humor, honesty, and a touch of sarcasm, we will identify patterns, strengths, and values to create tools that complement your life. Your story is worth telling, and so is the chance to reconnect with yourself through thoughtful reflection and action. Whether you are seeking support for the first time or have experience doing this work, you will be met with a down-to-earth and warm space where you can show up exactly as, and who, you are.

Life can be incredibly complex and overwhelming, full of twists and turns we often do not expect. As both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a human being, I have witnessed how receiving professional therapeutic support can guide individuals towards finding a sense of safety and comfort within themselves in a world of ever-shifting dynamics that can distract from or exacerbate the challenges we experience. My clients may be struggling with eating disorders, depression/anxiety, body image concerns, and substance misuse, in addition to difficulty managing stress, life transitions, or intimate/peer/familial relationship conflicts/wounding. I am LGBTQ+ allied, anti-racist, and anti-diet/Health at Every Size aligned and informed. Utilizing attachment theory, values exploration, and mind-body awareness, I work with my clients to re-instill and preserve individual autonomy while healing the relationship between oneself and others. I support my clients in learning new ways to tolerate uncomfortable emotions instead of avoiding or numbing them, and create space to process the inevitable grief that comes with making any changes in life. As a therapist, I embody humor, authenticity, empathy, and patience to create a safe space for my clients to begin exploring both internal/external experiences that contribute to feelings of distress, loneliness, and uncertainty. Values I hold above all else in the therapy space include humanism, autonomy, relational accountability between client and therapist, and the power of ‘any positive change’.

I understand how challenging it can be to find a therapist that feels like a good fit. I earned my doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Roosevelt University and spent 8 years working and training in college counseling centers (e.g., School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Purdue, DePaul). The last 5 years I've been continuing to build upon my experience working with unique people. I am a neurodivergent and creative person as well. My areas of expertise are in working with young adults experiencing difficulties related to mood, anxiety, and trauma (recent or past). I enjoy working with adults with ADHD and other neurodivergencies to deepen their understanding of how their brain works and to develop practical strategies to reduce the burden of living in a neurotypical world. My therapy style is warm, casual, and humorous. My approach is client-centered; I work to tailor therapy to the unique needs of each individual while building a trusting relationship over time. I incorporate CBT, ACT, DBT, humanistic, and existential theories and interventions in my work. I am LGBTQIA+ competent, trans/gender affirming, sex and body positive. I welcome individuals with non-traditional/non-monogamous relationship styles or family systems, artists, musicians, performers, individuals who do not conform to the typical 9-5 lifestyle, and folks navigating difficult family dynamics or complicated romantic relationships. Finding a therapist can be daunting. If talking briefly would help you feel comfortable moving forward, please reach out! I’m happy to make accommodations/be flexible in scheduling. It's intimidating to take steps towards meaningful change, but you deserve to be content in life. I'd be honored to be a part of that process. Resilience lies within all of us.

Welcome to Greater Chicago Counseling Center where together we help you resolve conflict which interferes with your happiness and potential. We accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO or Blue Choice PPO and bill for you. Through an empathic partnership our counselors assist you in changing destructive patterns and replacing them with productive coping mechanisms. We’re good at listening when you feel like you have no one else. We’ll help you confront your deepest fears. We’ll help you sort out relationship issues. Giving you new tools and hope remains our goal. We look forward to helping you. Please call or email today (312)955-0319 or info@greaterchicagocounselingcenter.com

I am a Registered Dietitian working to help people improve their relationship with food. I work with people with eating disorders, disordered eating, or chronic dieters lookin to ditch the diet for good. In our work together, I will utilize principles from Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size to help you learn how to let go of food rules and fuel yourself in a way that works for you. I believe all foods fit. I will never tell you that you need to eliminate any foods! I also work with recreational athletes to help them determine fueling plans to perform their best and also feel their best outside of sport. I also use Intuitive Eating and HAES principles in this work as well. I believe fueling for sport can be done while eating intuitively and does not need to have rigid rules. Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, looking to stop dieting and let go of food rules, or looking to dial in your nutrition to improve your sport, I would love to work with you on your journey!

Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and over 8 years of emergency department experience. Skilled in psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based interventions for diverse populations. Experienced in both telehealth and in-person care, with a focus on patient-centered, holistic treatment. Passionate about improving mental health outcomes through collaboration, education, and individualized treatment planning. Committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care while staying current with best practices in psychiatry.