Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Do you struggle with racing thoughts, distressing feelings, anxiety, depression, or trauma? Are you and your partner(s) struggling with communication, intimacy, or distrust? Exploring how counseling can be beneficial is a brave first step that I am so glad you are taking! Regardless of what you want to work on in therapy, I treat my clients with compassion, respect, and empathy. I help you navigate this progression while creating a safe and supportive space to explore and create new ways to grow towards your goals. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with children, adults, and couples across a variety of settings with various clinical needs. My goal is to provide services to diverse populations across socioeconomic backgrounds. My skills in counseling include LGBTQ+ and BIPOC affirmative care, trauma-informed practice, and human sexuality. I believe that forming a strong therapeutic alliance is principal to healing and growth. Should we work together, you can trust that I will prioritize building a therapeutic relationship based on empathy and positive regard in a judgment-free space. After sessions, I hope you feel equipped to tackle the challenges in your life by tapping into your potential.

Are you tired of facing your problems alone, yet feeling unsure about discussing them with a stranger? Are you feeling trapped in your anxious and depressive thoughts, but feeling too embarrassed to talk, or express yourself in fear that you may be judged? You are not alone in this. I want to applaud your courage and bravery in taking that first step. I have helped those seeking help with a variety of issues, and work well with complex conditions. Some include depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, self-esteem, bullying, family conflict, defiant behaviors, anger management, and coping with stress. My work has also included providing parental support in working with their children / adolescents with regard to communication, discipline and affection. My main desire is for all clients to know they are not alone and help them on their journey. I will adapt to meet your needs. I recognize that no two people are alike. We are all unique in some ways. With this, I meet each client with an individualized (client-centered) approach. I emphasize mindfulness, strengths, coping skills and positivity. I utilize aspects of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, motivational interviewing, CBT, psychoanalysis, and some other methods. I believe that success in therapy relies on the foundation of mutual trust and therapeutic alliance. With this, clients can work to improve and achieve goals they set. I place the utmost value on respecting my clients, providing a safe and supportive space for growth, and emphasize the importance of placing the client's needs, values, and goals as the driving force for change. I am part of the Path referral network, which means that when you reach out, my team will get back to you quickly to schedule our first session. I am committed to making therapy affordable. Through Path, I am in-network for most commercial insurances, so you're only responsible for your co-pay!

Providing culturally sensitive and inclusive therapy services to adults, including college students. "To care for another individual means to know and to experience the other as fully as possible." - Irvin D. Yalom, M.D. As a South Asian therapist, I understand the deep value of family and the intricate meanings tied to being an immigrant and a woman of color. I believe that every person's lived experiences uniquely shape their life and perceptions, which is why finding congruence and meaning in one’s life is important. This helps align one's actions with their true values, reducing internal conflict and enhancing overall well-being. As a therapist, I understand that building trust and rapport are critical for effective progress and meaningful change. To do so, I provide my clients with a safe and supportive environment for them to explore their inner thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, to foster personal growth and healing. In my practice, I utilize an integrative approach that blends systems, humanistic, and multicultural frameworks. My goal is to empower you to achieve your personal and psychological goals while providing a safe, non-judgmental, and culturally sensitive space where you can explore your inner self. I am committed to creating an environment where you can feel at ease, be your authentic self, and build a trusting relationship with me. Together, we'll work collaboratively to build insight, draw on your strengths, process difficult emotions and experiences, and form a meaningful narrative for your life. With a kind, empathetic, and compassionate approach, I strive to create a therapeutic environment where you feel supported and empowered to achieve your goals. I look forward to accompanying you on your path to well-being and self-discovery.

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to knowing yourself. If you allow it, I’d be honored to join you on this journey. I utilize various holistic approaches such as somatic based techniques, guided meditation, and neurobiological education to help you gain insight into yourself. This integration of health and wellness paired with an individualized and authentic framework, will allow us to explore some of the many elements that may hold you back from living a life that you are truly deserving and worthy of.

As a queer therapist I have since worked with folx navigating areas including anxiety, depression, life transitions, neurodiversity, relationships, stress, trauma, substance use, OCD, and more.

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Therapy is not about “fixing” yourself. It is about making space to understand yourself, and developing compassion for the parts of you that feel confusing, painful, or hard to face. Healing begins when we stop running from ourselves and start acknowledging what has been asking for our attention. I offer a therapeutic space that is warm, curious, and non-judgmental. I work with adults navigating depression, anxiety, identity exploration, family and relationship dynamics, and more. I am passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community, those struggling with strained or painful relationships, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. I invite those who feel their experiences are not always affirmed by the world around them to explore what it means to feel seen, find clarity, and build self-trust.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward? With a warm, compassionate approach, I specialize in working with individuals who are seeking clarity, healing, and personal growth. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or life transitions, my goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly.

So often when we are going through a time of transition and change, we can feel consumed by thoughts of worry. We often feel pre-occupied with thoughts about the future, our relationships, our bodies, or how to get through so many changes at once. Not only are we struggling to cope with so many changes, we are losing sleep and feeling disconnected from the things that matter most to us. As a therapist, I strive to help clients get unstuck from all those thoughts and re connect with the parts of their lives that they value the most. I believe that my clients are the experts in their lives; they know what they feel like they are missing out on and what matters most to them. Together we get curious about their lives and what can help them begin to once again move close to what matters most. I am a people and relationship driven person who brings a mix of compassion, curiosity, and a sense of humor to my sessions. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to determine if we feel like we would be a good fit to work together. I would love to hear from you and be a support for you!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Lincoln Park Psychology was founded by Dr. Kati Wax, with the mission of providing comprehensive, affirming, and ethical clinical services to a variety of populations. Lincoln Park Psychology offers services for adults, children, adolescents, and families, as well as consultation and supervision services to organizations such as schools, classrooms, and mental health programs. We believe that each client is an individual with unique strengths, abilities, and challenges and we work closely with you to assess your specific needs, set attainable goals, and help you reach your potential. Our clinicians are skilled at working with a variety of presenting issues including: mood disturbances, depression, anxiety, fear, trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorder, relationship issues, family conflict, social skill deficits, career stress, young adult transitions, self-image issues, identity building, loss, and many others. As dynamic human beings, no one issue looks the same in every person; therefore, we value each client's history, personality, disposition, and needs.

I am a passionate clinician working within the field of eating disorders and mental health. I provide nutritional therapy to guide individuals in redefining their relationships with food, nutrition, body image, and overall wellness. As a dietitian, I use nutrition therapy to unravel the nutrition and diet beliefs held by individuals and society. I believe that there is no “secret” or “magic pill” to having a healthy relationship with food. By including principles of Intuitive Eating (IE) and Health at Every Size (HAES), I practice a non-diet approach. I follow the philosophy of all foods fit, incorporating balance, moderation, and variety in one’s intake. Once one can recognize that all foods fit, a positive relationship with food can be developed. I am currently accepting new clients and would love to be a part of your journey!

I am aware that beginning your search for a therapist, can be quite overwhelming. If you are ready for real change in your life and are tired of being stuck in the same routine, same fears, or same unhelpful thought patterns, then we will work very well together. I use EMDR to help people who have experienced a trauma. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). My style is direct, down to earth and focuses on a collaborative approach. I am part of the Path referral network, which means that when you reach out, my team will get back to you quickly to schedule our first session. I am committed to making therapy affordable. Through Path, I am in-network for most commercial insurances, so you're only responsible for your co-pay!

You’ve taken a brave step in inviting someone into your most personal space to partner in your healing. In our time together you will find a safe, non-judgmental environment to work through difficult experiences. I will support you to find resolution to your struggles, while helping you identify your inner strengths to reveal a healthier version of you. You are respected and valued, and this will be shown via honesty and empathy. I thrive in walking alongside you in your journey healing from toxic, antagonistic and/or difficult relationships. I have been providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples, adolescents, and families for over 15 years. I look forward to joining you in your wellness journey.

Hi! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working with individuals, couples, and families. My clinical focus surrounds helping LGBTQIA+ individuals navigate their identity in the individual and family context, challenging perfectionism and high functioning anxiety/depression in Asian/Asian American communities. With a collaborative yet direct approach, I hope to help you identify and overcome barriers that have previously hindered your progress while nurturing a therapeutic relationship built upon trust, safety, and even humor! First, we’ll focus on behavioral changes you can take to meet your goals. If you still feel unresolved, we can dive deeper into your emotion and the narratives you have to explore obstacles that constrain you from reaching your goals. Paired with my ongoing training to receive EMDR-certification, I hope to provide a collaborative space to make that change. Growing up between Canada, China, Taiwan; working in entertainment in LA, and then pivoting to receive my MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Institute at Northwestern University, I accept that life does not always go as planned. Like my journey, I recognize change happens differently for everyone. And, I hope to be apart of yours too. :)

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Being a young adult can feel especially overwhelming. You’re expected to build a life, make big decisions, and manage responsibilities—often while still making sense of your past. The impact of trauma, stress, or difficult experiences earlier in life can add another layer of confusion, making it harder to trust yourself or feel grounded in who you are. I offer a supportive space where we can explore your experiences, process what you’ve been through, and find a way forward that feels true to you. In our work together, I offer expressive arts therapy as an additional tool to support healing and self-understanding. This can include drawing, writing, or other forms of creative expression, guided by your comfort. You don’t need to be artistic. Creative processes can help access feelings and experiences that are difficult to put into words. Whether you’re feeling lost, stuck, or simply curious about how therapy might help, I welcome the opportunity to connect. Therapy can offer a space to make sense of your past and strengthen your sense of self in the present. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can talk about your goals, answer questions, and discuss if working together is a good fit.

College can be a lot—stress, pressure, uncertainty about the future, relationship drama, identity exploration—it's all real, and it can feel overwhelming. I'm here to create a space where you can be 100% yourself without fear of judgment. My approach is all about empathy, active listening, and making sure you feel heard, seen, and supported. I'm grounded in person-centered therapy, which means you lead the way—we go at your pace, based on your experiences and what matters most to you. But I also pull from a variety of techniques to help you work through tough stuff like anxiety, trauma, and burnout, and build practical tools to feel more grounded, confident, and resilient. Whether you're going through a big life change, feeling stuck or overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to walk with you—no pressure, no fixing—just real support for wherever you are right now.

Are you struggling with the transition to college while navigating new responsibilities? You’re bright, creative, and motivated and yet finishing anything feels impossible. You call yourself “lazy” when tasks pile up and feel ashamed that simple things seem hard. You want clarity about your brain, tools that actually work, and a therapist who gets it. I am passionate about working with college students untangle executive-function struggles, perfectionism, trauma, and low self-esteem. I’m especially passionate about supporting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks. Together we’ll kick shame out of the driver’s seat and build self‑compassion, understanding, and systems that fit you. Sessions are flexible and center your needs: if we need to laugh, move, play, or cry—we will. We explore the “what” with curiosity, not the “why can’t you just…”. I use strengths-based reframes, coping tools, and psychoeducation so you understand how your brain works and can actually use the skills between sessions. Fit matters. If you’re craving relief from shame, clearer systems that fit your life, and a space where all parts of you are welcome, let’s talk. I offer virtual and in-person sessions, a free 15‑minute consult, and accept insurance/sliding scale options when available.