Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Following a life transition, it's common to feel disconnected, disillusioned, lacking confidence and motivation. You may not be sure how to move forward into an uncharted landscape. You may question your beliefs, values, relationships, and priorities. You may miss your “old life” your “old self”. This is Transformation. Transition. Right now, even the smallest effort can feel overwhelming, and I’m glad you’ve taken the step of coming here to see if therapy is for you. Regardless of circumstance, each person’s response to change is unique. You can navigate your new landscape and develop strength, resilience and perspective. You can welcome peace, beauty, and joy back into your life. I have a relaxed, conversational style and implement Mindfulness Based interventions to focus on the mind-body-spirit connection. We’ll work together to tell your (his)story and see the unwritten chapters take shape. There is indescribable beauty in healing, and I’m honored to share that journey with you.

Are you struggling with the close relationships in your life? Do you often feel overwhelmed, anxious, or down, and aren't sure how to make things better? Do you wish you were better able to juggle your personal and academic responsibilities while still enjoying your life? Whatever it is you're going through, I'm here to help. I take a practical yet supportive approach to therapy so my clients walk away from our work together with the confidence and skills to start building the life they've always wanted. As a practicing Catholic, I can offer a unique, faith-based approach for Catholics and Christians hoping to integrate their beliefs into our work together. Outside of the therapy office, I'm a wife, mother, avid reader, amateur baker, and former college soccer player. I know it can be stressful reaching out for help. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to shoot me an email at cameron@hitcheddating.com. I offer a free phone consultation to all my clients to learn more about what it would be like working together.

Hi, I’m Andrea Picl — a licensed therapist who’s been working in mental health for over 10 years. I’ve supported kids, teens, and adults through everything from everyday stress to complex trauma. I studied psychology and criminal justice at Illinois State, then earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in Chicago. I’ve worked in schools, community agencies, and with families in crisis, and I’m trained in a bunch of therapy styles like play therapy, trauma-focused CBT, and motivational interviewing. At the core of what I do is helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.

Hi there! My name is Cory Bedtke, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I received a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2015, and started my career as a school social worker prior to switching over to clinical work with adults. While this may seem like a big transition, it's funny how similar our problems are at the different stages of life. Currently, I enjoy working with clients in young and middle adulthood who would like to feel less stressed and anxious, improve their mood, work on communication, and feel more secure in their relationships. I also work with folks who want to process and find ways to cope with traumatic experiences. College can be an amazingly wonderful but also daunting time, so I am here to help you navigate the challenges that you face.

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or tired? Having problems in your relationships? Do you need help finding clarity? Are you scared of what the future holds and unsure of what path to take? Do you find yourself having to make adult decisions for the first time? While everyone else is making headway in life, does it seem like you’re still stuck on the sidelines? If you're looking for support, I'm here to help. I believe in being open, direct, and unafraid to challenge you when necessary. But I also value laughter and simplicity in our work together. My online Psychotherapy and Coaching services provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can freely express your feelings.

I believe in using a holistic, collaborative approach that focuses on client’s strength in order to promote progress and healing. I recognize that facing fears and challenges can be an incredibly difficult process. Therefore, I believe it is imperative to hold a balance of warmth and compassion, as well as honesty and authenticity, to help individuals achieve their goals. In my work I use a myriad of evidence-based treatments to individually tailor care to my clients; yet, additionally I acknowledge there is no “one size fits all” approach. This distinction informs the devotion, care, and time I take to ensure my clients feel empowered in their treatment

I am a graduate of the Wayne State University/DMC General Adult Psychiatry Residency Program and am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. My practice centers on providing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and personalized treatment for a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. I take a holistic and collaborative approach to care, integrating various treatment modalities such as psychotherapy, behavioral modification techniques, medication management, and lifestyle changes. My goal is to support each patient in achieving lasting wellness by addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of mental health. All sessions are conducted via secure video visits for your convenience. I strive to make scheduling seamless and flexible, so appointments can easily fit into your routine. If you feel this may be a good fit for your needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to working with you.

Stephanie Kilper is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT). With several years of experience in a variety of mental health settings and a large spectrum of care, Stephanie has worked with children, teens and adults on issues related to disordered eating, body image, emotional regulation, and mood disorders. Stephanie’s approach to treatment includes supporting individuals with increasing their mind-body connection and reconnecting to their bodies in a safe, gentle manner through integrated movement and mindfulness experiences. Stephanie utilizes present-moment connection and curiosity to inform her work with individuals, navigating the inner self with a practice of kindness and openness. As a member of the LGBTQ community, Stephanie also supports individuals in identity exploration and self-discovery as clients deepen their understanding of all aspects of who they are.

Navigating college and young adulthood can be overwhelming—balancing academics, relationships, and personal growth while managing stress, anxiety, or past experiences that weigh heavily. I work best with students who feel stuck, uncertain, or disconnected. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, self-doubt, or major life transitions, I provide a supportive space to explore, process, and grow. My approach is warm, interactive, and nonjudgmental. I believe therapy should be a place where you can be your full self—messy thoughts, complicated emotions, and all. Together, we’ll untangle challenges, develop strategies that work for you, and build confidence in your ability to navigate life’s ups and downs. Having worked in both mental health and substance use treatment, I understand how stress, coping, and self-destructive patterns can get in the way of the life you want. I also know change is possible. Whether you need a space to be heard, tools to manage emotions, or guidance in rediscovering your strengths, I’m here to help.

Are you a resilient person who is struggling? Have you lived through a recent traumatic event or had a stressful childhood, and find yourself frequently stuck in self-destructive patterns and relationships? Is adjusting to college life causing you to feel anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed and just plain burnt out? Or have you experienced a sexual assault and don't know how to deal with it? Adjusting to college is a significant life transition and it's not always clear what to do next. Finding confidence in your own voice and abilities, and clarity about your own needs can be difficult when you've been through stressful experiences. I'm here to guide you back to yourself, offer you some coping skills, help you clarify your life direction and reach your goals. I specialize in working with professionals in the performing arts and other creative fields, as well as those who want to enter them. I also work frequently with people in the helping professions and social justice oriented fields. My approach is informed by my own life experience as a former professional dancer in the American Ballet Theatre, and by the study of meditation and yoga. I have been in the social work field since graduating from Hunter College School of Social work 2004. In addition to talk therapy, I use mindfulness techniques like meditation, guided visualizations, as well as attention to body sensations to help you identify and begin to move through where you get blocked. I am also trained in EMDR and utilize that technique to help people heal from trauma and other stressful experiences. **Will be out of office July 11-.**

Hi, I'm Dr. Taliah, When you need someone to process recent life events, I would be happy to support you in returning to your best self. Let's talk.

Sara Pelaez is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Professional practicing in Georgia, Illinois, and Florida. She works with individuals and couples with a focus on students. Many of her clients have found great success in their personal and college lives, but struggle to feel connected in their relationships or at peace in their daily lives. Sara is particularly sensitive to clients facing present-past trauma, moments of transition, relationship or emotional issues when the delicate balance can seem to tremble, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt can emerge. Sara’s approach is rooted in EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Emotional Focus Therapy. These are evidence-based approaches that focus on helping clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected so that they can begin to make a targeted change. It is a bottom-up/top-down approach that provides a 360 view of the client's inner world. She works to help clients understand their physical response to external stressors, and begin to problem-solve ways to introduce moments of calm, to choose to respond rather than react in the face of change. Sara is focused on ensuring that her clients see real progress: her style is interactive, non-judgmental, and positions clients as the experts on where they are now, and where they want to go. A trauma-informed therapist, Sara is sensitive to the influence of past experiences on present challenges and works closely with clients to reframe the narrative of their life in a way that increases self-confidence and compassion. Sara’s first priority in starting with a new client is ensuring that they feel safe, heard, and like an equal partner in the therapeutic process. As a seasoned telehealth provider, she offers the convenience of remote sessions to help make therapy a core component of your self-care calendar.

Have you recently started to understand yourself in a new way—maybe through a neuropsychological evaluation, a late diagnosis, or content you’ve encountered online during college? Are you finding that the strategies that seem to work for others don’t quite fit your brain? I specialize in working with college students and young adults who discover later that they are neurodivergent. Together, we explore what this identity means for you in the context of academics, relationships, independence, and future goals. My approach supports you in building systems that actually work for your brain, while creating a life that feels authentic, sustainable, and aligned with your values.

Looking for someone to help you carry your baggage? Someone to listen to it, to help unpack it, to help put the pieces back together & help you figure out what life looks like moving forward? I'm here to help. Therapy doesn't have to be scary. Thriving Daisies is located in downtown Frankfort and offers a cozy spot to dig into your scaries and most vulnerable parts. I have experience at multiple levels of care - but prefer individual outpatient work and have been practicing in this setting for 4 + years. I am the opposite of cold & clinical - you can expect a friendly, warm and chill experience working with me. I happily offer a free 15-minute consultation - let's chat and see if we are a good match :)

Who We Are & How We Can Help: We specialize in helping our clients create Love, Happiness and success through positive, effective, evidence-based counseling and coaching. We can help you grow as a person, create healthy, happy relationships, and achieve your most precious personal and professional goals. Our goal is to help you make positive changes in the most important parts of your life, and create the life, love, and career you want. If you pursue any of our private counseling or coaching services you’ll be working with a highly qualified expert (of your choice) who has a master’s degree or doctorate in counseling or clinical psychology, and specialized training and experience in evidence-based coaching approaches that help you make real and lasting change. We also offer a variety of affordable classes for individuals and couples. We are a team of compassionate helping professionals, located across the U.S. and internationally. We are deeply committed to ensuring that your work with us is effective, meaningful and valuable, but also affordable and accessible. We offer a variety of fee options based on your needs, as well as online and in-person appointments. Our Core Services: For Couples: Private Marriage Counseling, Couples Therapy, Relationship Coaching and Premarital Counseling For Individuals: Private Life Coaching, Career Coaching, Leadership Coaching, Emotional Intelligence Coaching, Dating Coaching,Breakup / Divorce Recovery Coaching, and Individual Therapy. Get In Touch: Please visit our website for more information regarding our services and frequently asked questions. We are also more than happy to talk with you directly about how we can help! Give us a call or send us an email and we'd love to assist you in connecting with a team member who can support you with your goals.

Hi there! My name is Reese Minshew, and I work almost entirely with transgender (broadly defined) adults who have had traumatic (broadly defined) experiences. I’m licensed in California, Illinois, and New York, and work via telehealth with people located in any of those states. Clinically, I believe that the reactions we have after experiencing trauma and stress are fundamentally adaptive to the trauma, but can disrupt everyday life. In other words, if you had a difficult experience (including chronic exposure to structural stressors such as anti-trans bias, white supremacy, ableism, etc), you might not be able to eat, sleep, focus, calm down, feel excited, or be in relationships in the way you want. Whatever reaction you’re having was very helpful to you at one time, but if it’s no longer serving you then we can work on that. Most of the time we would do this by talking about what’s going on in your life right now, and working to understand it in the context of your past experiences.

As a therapist, I specialize in supporting college students as they navigate the unique challenges of this transformative stage of life—whether it’s academic stress, relationship dynamics, identity exploration, or mental health concerns. College life isn’t easy! My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the pressures students face. Together, we’ll work to build resilience, develop coping strategies, and create a path toward balance and growth, so you can thrive both personally and academically. You can check your insurance information and schedule directly through the Headway website!

I am open to working with a variety of people. I can work with teens to adults. I can do depression, anxiety, etc. My schedule is pretty open at the moment. However, if there is a time slot that I filled I will work with you to find a better timing.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I'm here to support you in creating meaningful, lasting change. Whether you're navigating a major life transition or struggling through the stresses of college life, I'll help you uncover and shift patterns that no longer serve you. Together, we'll work toward greater clarity, purpose, and connection, so you can step into the fullest version of yourself.