Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

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.

Centered Therapy Chicago (CTC) is a group psychotherapy practice in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago. We work with people from all over the city and suburbs and believe in the healing power of relationships and connectedness. CTC’s therapists are committed to creating meaningful change in peoples’ lives, our community, and our society. We utilize a collaborative and relational approach that also incorporates feminist, trauma-informed, and body-oriented methods with our clients. We are all committed to equality, social justice, anti-racism, and inclusivity.

We believe that under the right conditions, all humans have the ability to reach their greatest potential. Our psychologists develop trusted relationships with their clients, validating their worth and value while facilitating growth towards becoming their unique, authentic selves. They see each client as a whole, complex person, and through safe exploration of clients’ emotions, thoughts, behaviors, greater awareness is fostered toward identifying the path of becoming one’s true self. We believe that being alive is a gift, yet being human is challenging and difficult. There are many beautiful aspects of life itself, and at the same time life has a lot of suffering. We are human and we are fallible and life involves a lot of difficult external influences. Navigating both seeing and embracing the beauty while also coping with and overcoming the suffering is the key to finding internal happiness, contentment, and peace.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Life can be challenging. I believe psychotherapy with a therapist who is a good match can help one more successfully navigate those challenges. I work collaboratively with my clients. I aim to create a nonjudgmental and supportive environment to explore difficult issues together -- to better understand what one is currently facing, to help manage those difficulties, and to ultimately make life more rewarding and meaningful. I have over 30 years of clinical experience and have worked in a variety of settings including university counseling centers (Univ. of Illinois, Univ. of Michigan, Northwestern Univ., The School of the Art Institute of Chicago), and LGBTQ and feminist services (Howard Brown Health Center, Planned Parenthood, Chicago Women's Health Center). I maintain a general practice where I see a wide diversity of men and women for issues including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and identity.

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.

Welcome! We are a woman owned small private therapy practice that specializes in mood disorders (anxiety/depression), OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, phobias, executive functioning (ADHD), chronic health conditions and adjustment disorders. Our clinicians are extensively trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and focused on helping you meet your goals. Our practice is also dedicated to teaching and supervising student and new clinicians to help ensure future generations have access to quality, evidence based mental health treatment. We have daytime, evening, and weekend hours for in-person or virtual sessions. Come see how good better can feel!

I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with New Insights Behavioral Health Services in Chicago, IL. If you feel you are ready to take that first step in starting your therapy journey, feel free to email me to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.

You can be externally successful in life but internally worried you are going to have a total meltdown. I want to help you get better at taking care of yourself so you can achieve whatever awesome things you are here to contribute to the world. My career spans decades but for some reason the majority of women working with me are in their 20s and 30s. I help clients get some new perspective and stop beating themselves up. You may need to make some very real changes. It can be hard work but you don’t need to do it alone. Maybe you need to get better at speaking up for yourself, making decisions, managing your time. Maybe your relationship with substances needs to change. I help clients process their stress and add coping skills to build a personal routine that improves daily life. Many women I work with have gone through traumatic experiences in the past. It is important to me that the woman I am working with directs when and if we discuss the actual traumatic events. What I have learned is that adding better coping is possible with or without dredging details. Healing is possible but it takes work and support. I am also dedicated to helping clients expand their supports even if it's just a little bit at a time. I know it's tough to ask for help. I'd rather DIY everything but I know how useful it is to have therapy while you're in school. It saved my sanity when I went to therapy the first time when I was in college. For those wanting online therapy I use Google Meet for telehealth. It is completely HIPAA compliant. I also meet with clients for Walk and Talk therapy sessions when it seems useful and appropriate. North side of Chicago along the lake.

We are a community of diversely identified humans working together to transform the emotional, psychological and spiritual well being of individuals, families and communities, beginning with ourselves. Our primary areas of clinical expertise include: LGBTQIA++ Affirmative Practice, Trauma-Informed Practice

Ami Goetz received her Masters from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice (Top-Ranked). She is a compassionate and motivated therapist who strives to create a safe, accepting environment to help clients overcome obstacles, strengthen relationships, and achieve their goals. Ami has extensive experience partnering with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. She has high interest in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, sexual assault, life transitions, grief, disabilities, executive functioning, and relationships. Ami also works well with patients who struggle with executive functioning and time management as a part of her disability background. She utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed approaches, Mindfulness, and Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy to foster self-acceptance and build resilience. Ami applies a strengths-based, holistic approach that tailors treatment to each individual’s particular needs. She is certified in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), is a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP), and practices cultural competency, attunement, and humility to cultivate a nonjudgmental, safe space where the therapeutic relationship can continue to evolve and progress. Ami values transparency, equity, loyalty, and unconditional acceptance which she emulates in each session. She is passionate about partnering with clients to improve their daily lives and achieve their desired outcomes.

Hi, I’m Laura Let’s Explore Who You Are and Who You Can Become I’m here to help you navigate the journey of understanding yourself, especially when it comes to your gender identity. With a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling and a background in Fine Arts and Psychology, I use a creative and thoughtful approach to guide you through this process. At Thrive Ahead Co., I offer a space where you can safely explore your feelings, process your thoughts, and find the clarity and confidence to move forward. Who I Work With You might be feeling anxious or unsure about your identity, and that’s okay. I work with people who, like you, are ready to dive deep into understanding themselves. Maybe you feel like there’s a lot to figure out, and you need a place where you can reflect and explore without judgment. You want to grow, to feel more secure in who you are, and maybe even discover new ways to experience joy and fulfillment. You might not have all the answers right now, but you’re curious. You’re looking for someone who can guide you through this—someone you can trust, who will collaborate with you, and who can bring a little humor into the process when needed. If you’re open to change, even when it feels a little scary, we’ll make progress together. How We’ll Work Together Our sessions will be a mix of traditional therapy and creative exploration, depending on what feels right for you. I believe that growth happens when you have the space to be yourself, explore your thoughts, and express your emotions—whether through conversation, art, or a bit of both. I’ve worked with people in all kinds of settings, helping them unpack what’s going on inside and move toward a clearer, more confident version of themselves. In our work together, I’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll go from there at your pace. Are You Ready? If you’re ready to take a closer look at who you are and where you want to go, I’m here to walk that path with you. This process is about discovering more of yourself, finding your strengths, and moving toward a life where you feel secure and true to who you are. You don’t have to figure this out alone—I’m here to support you on your journey.

Hi! I am a clinical social worker with about 15 years of experience working across the lifespan and really enjoy working with young adults. I am in Lakeview/Lincoln Park above the Core Yoga building, and in network with BCBS PPO plans.

Retake On Life, LLC offers a comprehensive counseling program. We work with diverse populations with special sensitivity to ethnic/cultural backgrounds. Our practice values providing therapy that is accessible, diverse, and evidence based. We are here to support those seeking answers and/or a new take on life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago with a specialization in clinical mental health, and hold certifications in alcohol and drug counseling (CADC) and in the assessment and treatment of trauma (NMT Phase I). In my training, I have worked with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings, including community youth programming, community mental health centers, and private practice. I work from a client-centered, strengths-based, and integrative approach in which I am able to tailor therapy to the individual client’s needs. I believe in the power of utilizing attachment and psychodynamic theories to better understand the origins of symptoms along with implementing cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques to relieve symptoms. Because I believe that connection is fundamental to the healing process, I aim to create a warm and accepting therapeutic relationship that allows me to understand the challenges you face, help you determine the goals you hope to work toward, and empower you to create significant and lasting change. My areas of specialization include anxiety, trauma, substance use, relational conflict, self-esteem, and life transitions. When I’m not working, you can find me going to yoga classes, working through a long bucket list of Chicago restaurants, and planning my next travel adventure.

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.

Searching for a therapist can feel daunting, especially when life’s challenges seem to outweigh the moments of clarity. Yet, taking this step toward your well-being is a testament to your resilience and courage. Therapy offers not just a safe haven, but a pathway to understanding, growth, and personal empowerment. Whether you’re an athlete striving for peak performance, or an individual navigating the complexities of daily life, I’m here to support you on your journey. Together, we can navigate the psychology of performance, challenge thought patterns and behaviors, and explore personal beliefs to foster self-awareness, build self confidence, and tap into your inner champion. My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that true healing involves nurturing both the mind and body. By blending traditional therapeutic modalities with sports psychology techniques, we can cultivate a strong relationship between the mind and body that can promote overall well-being.

Charissa Simon-Wright earned her BA in Criminal and Social Justice from the University of Arizona (formerly Ashford University), MS in Psychology with a Specialization in Addictions from Perdue University (formerly Kaplan University). Charissa has received a doctoral degree at Walden University- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Health Psychology. She is a member of Psi Chi, International Honor Society in Psychology, since June of 2019. Charissa has also obtained certifications as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), a Co-Occurring Disorder Professional (CODP-I), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Charissa has worked passionately in the behavioral health field for over fifteen years with children and families in multiple roles such as a case manager, housing specialist, family preservation worker, and counselor. While working at the second largest health department in Illinois, Charissa gained vast knowledge and skills that encompasses group counseling, individual counseling, clinical assessments, crisis counseling, addiction counseling, and trauma counseling. Charissa believes in treating the whole person. This means that she takes into consideration the underlying factors that can inhibit a person’s ability to practice healthy habits, so that she and the client can address the root of the issue and not just the symptoms in a collaborative manner. Charissa believes that the client is in charge of their own treatment which creates a sense of autonomy and empowerment that enables the client to move towards identified goals.