Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Whether it’s your first time starting therapy or you’re returning after some time, I am genuinely glad you’re here, and I’m excited to support you on your journey. In a world where hustle culture often pushes mental health aside, there is so much power and courage in choosing to prioritize your well-being. Even during the most difficult seasons of life, there is beauty in the process—sometimes, we just need that reminder and support. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, attachment-based therapy, and specialized support for medical trauma to best serve my clients. I believe in the power of human connection, and with the right tools and support, everyone has the capacity to heal and thrive. I strive to offer a supportive environment where you can better understand your emotional world, gain insight into yourself, and build practical skills to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.

Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in curiosity. As a relational therapist, I believe that healing happens in connection with ourselves and with others. Our therapeutic relationship is a central part of the work we do together, offering a safe and supportive space to explore patterns, build insight, and foster growth. I work with individuals navigating a range of challenges, including eating disorders, body image concerns, and self-esteem issues. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore your relationship with food, your body, and your sense of self. I also offer trauma-informed care, integrating Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and mindfulness-based approaches to support those healing from trauma and navigating sexual dysfunction. Together, we can gently explore the ways your past experiences may be impacting your present life and relationships. Whether you're processing the past or trying to make sense of your present, I’m here to sit with you as you move toward healing and self-understanding. I recognize that healing is not linear, and therapy is never one-size-fits-all. It’s an honor to meet you wherever you are on your journey. Together, we’ll uncover resilience, deepen self-awareness, and work toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

Over the past decade, I have worked with older adolescents and adults across the lifespan, providing a compassionate and supportive space to explore the challenges they are navigating. My practice includes working with individuals experiencing mood-related concerns such as anxiety and depression, as well as those managing life transitions, college-related mental health concerns, and peer or other interpersonal relationship challenges across the lifespan. I also work with adults who may be experiencing gender-based violence or other forms of abuse, self-harm, substance use, or chronic behavioral or health conditions. Grounded in a strengths-based and humanistic approach, my work emphasizes empowerment, self-compassion, curiosity, and connection—supporting clients in fostering authentic and meaningful growth. My commitment to you as a practitioner is to provide a consistent and collaborative therapeutic space where you can identify your goals and priorities while developing effective coping strategies and skills. I strive to build a strong therapeutic alliance in which clients feel supported, empowered, and confident in advocating for themselves. I am currently accepting new clients for individual therapy, both virtually and in person, and will be located at the Humboldt Park location starting February 2026. I welcome the opportunity to discuss your options and can be reached by phone or email.

William is a trauma-informed therapist who values building a lasting connection with clients. Through his work with homeless and his experience in the entertainment industry, William utilizes tactful listening and an inviting aperture in order to build trust and comradery amongst clients. He uses a strength-based approach to empower clients and help them realize their strengths in the systems they reside.

People often seek therapy when emotions feel overwhelming, patterns feel hard to shift, or relationships become difficult to navigate. Therapy can offer a grounded space to better understand yourself, strengthen coping skills, and build healthier connections. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, ADHD, neurodivergence, identity-related and LGBTQ+-related concerns, as well as relationship challenges, family dynamics, and major life transitions. In our work together, we explore emotions as meaningful signals rather than problems to eliminate, while paying attention to how they show up in the body. I use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), attachment-based work, and mindfulness, integrating a relational and systems lens. My goal is to help you respond with intention, build self-awareness, and develop practical tools for lasting change. Therapy does not need to feel overly clinical or intimidating. I bring curiosity, steadiness, and occasional gentle humor into our work while staying focused and intentional. Seeking support can feel vulnerable, and I aim to offer a space where you feel supported, capable, and understood. If this approach feels aligned, taking that first step can open the door to meaningful change.

As if life as an undergraduate or graduate student wasn't already stressful and complicated, a lot of mental disorders first start to really get in the way at that vulnerable and challenging stage, when you're navigating lots of new relationships and figuring out who you are. It helps to have someone to talk to, and some of the most exciting and powerful experiences I've had as a therapist have been working with students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as with adults in other creative fields: music, filmmaking, dance, fashion and poetry. For many, creativity often seems inseparable from mental health and illness, and I've explored how they may interact, both with my clients and through presentations for clinicians on the likes of Kurt Cobain, Mark Rothko and Jean-Michel Basquiat. I think I have some insight into these issues, as my first career was as a journalist, mostly writing on visual and performing arts for the Chicago Tribune and other outlets both online and print. I've been around the block a few times, in other words, and I can help you get back on track.

Life can feel overwhelming at times, and reaching out for support is a meaningful act of courage. Therapy is not about fixing what’s broken—it’s about reconnecting with your strengths and learning how to care for yourself in ways that truly support you. I offer a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space. Together, we’ll explore patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and relationships, uncover how past experiences shape the present, and build understanding and tools to help you feel more confident and grounded. I have experience working with individuals navigating substance use issues, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I use a psychodynamic approach. Together we explore how past experiences, unconscious patterns, and early relationships shape current emotions, behaviors, and relationships. By increasing insight and self-awareness, this approach supports meaningful, lasting change—not just symptom relief, but deeper emotional understanding and growth. I provide therapy for adults, with both in-person and secure telehealth options available. If you’re considering therapy or wondering if we might be a good fit, I invite you to reach out for an initial conversation. You deserve support, clarity, and a space that’s truly yours.

College can be exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Chicago Talk Therapy is a downtown practice designed with college students in mind, offering individual therapy for concerns like anxiety, burnout, relationships, identity, and the pressure to “have it all figured out.” Our therapists are warm, down-to-earth, and genuinely engaged, creating a space where you can be real about what’s going on—without judgment or expectations. We approach our work with cultural humility, honoring the many layers of who you are—your background, identities, and lived experiences—and how they shape what you’re going through. We also know that when you’re ready for support, you don’t want to wait weeks to get it. That’s why we offer immediate availability, flexible scheduling around your classes, and accept many major insurance plans. Whether you’re dealing with something specific or just feeling off, we’re here to help you make sense of things, feel more grounded, and get back to being yourself—on your terms.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Illinois with over 10 years of experience. I’m also a Board-Certified Art Therapist and hold a trauma professional certification. I work with individuals 13 and up around concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief and loss, self-harm, self-esteem, and trauma. I take a holistic, strengths-based approach that honors your whole self. I draw from a variety of treatment approaches, personalizing care to focus on what feels most supportive for you. As an Art Therapist, I offer art making as an outlet for emotional healing and joyful creativity. Art Therapy can be especially helpful to express thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to verbalize, while also supporting self-worth and mind–body connection. I deeply value the therapeutic relationship and believe it is the foundation for meaningful change. I bring compassion, curiosity, and respect to each session, honoring that change can be both brave and hard. You don’t have to do this alone—I’ll be alongside you as you build skills, connect with your strengths, and create a more balanced, fulfilling life. “Only when we’re brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” -Brené Brown

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides trauma-informed care targeted toward empowering individuals to move beyond survival, and toward a more fulfilling, connected life. I provide services for children aged 5 and older, adolescents, and adults. I utilize an integrated approach that considers your unique needs, contexts, and goals. Drawing from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), we will build practical coping skills, increase psychological flexibility, and cultivate self-compassion. Through narrative processing, we will work to assign meaning to your experiences—transforming painful or confusing chapters into integrated parts of your story. My specializations include targeted treatment for: Posttraumatic Stress, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Generalized and Social Anxiety, Relationship Difficulties, Parenting Challenges, Family Instability Our work will prioritize helping you become more functional and engaged in the aspects of your life that are most important to you by exploring recurring patterns and the beliefs and emotions that shape them. Together, we examine how past experiences influence present dynamics, allowing you to better understand yourself and respond more purposefully. Whether you are navigating the long-term impacts of adverse childhood experiences or more recent life transitions we will focus not only on symptom relief but also on deep, sustainable change.

I provide in depth talk therapy to individuals and couples dealing with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, relationship issues, career concerns, trauma, and identity development. As a psychoanalytically oriented therapist, I feel I am most specialized in helping those I treat with what Christopher Bollas (a renowned psychoanalyst) refers to as the Unthought Known – those intimately familiar yet too elusive to comprehend patterns that inhibit our beings in ways exquisitely unique to each of us. It is my belief that our work together in learning more about these ingrained underlying “loops” (in an environment where you feel safe, nurtured, and free of judgment) has the potential to provide peace, present solutions, and produce change.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

我提供中文普通话心理咨询 and I provide therapy in English. I graduated from NYU in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and I’m currently pursuing my master’s in Counseling at Northwestern, expected to graduate in 2026. My academic and personal journey across cultures has deepened my interest in mental health and human connection. I’m passionate about supporting others through meaningful, empathetic conversations and helping them navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. I believe in the power of active listening and collaborative growth. Counseling allows me to combine my curiosity about the human mind with a genuine desire to be of service. Additionally, I co-facilitate the grief support group on Mondays from 6-7:30pm.

We are a group practice with many practitioners who have extensive experience working with college students. Services are available in person and virtually. Services are available in English and Spanish.

Hello! My name is Kalea Abernathy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical and Counseling from Colorado State University and my Master of Arts in Counseling at Northwestern University. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and their families. I believe that the key aspects of counseling are empathy, collaboration, and unconditional positive regard. With these foundational pieces, I work with my clients to create a trusting therapeutic relationship where individuals feel safe to process their past and present and feel empowered to achieve their goals.I have experience helping individuals address complex trauma, post traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and ODD. I integrate multiple lenses such as dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, person-centered, and psychodynamic to better help and understand my clients. Before working at Hartman Counseling and Consulting, I worked with adults at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, helping individuals work through grief and loss and mood disorders, and at The Bridge Youth and Family Services where I worked with children, adolescents, and their families who were experiencing anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, and behavioral difficulties

I provide psychotherapy to adults of all ages, creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their experiences, gain insights, and develop coping strategies. I specialize in helping clients navigate relationship concerns, life transitions, identity issues, trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and academic challenges. With a genuine and authentic presence, I empower clients to reach their fullest potential. Hailing from the vibrant streets of New York City and raised in a culturally rich Nigerian-American household, I am deeply committed to enhancing mental health care within marginalized communities. A fierce advocate for social justice, I recognize the profound influence of systemic oppression on well-being and strive to address the intersectional nature of social injustices in my work. I believe that therapy is most effective when centering clients' unique cultural backgrounds and values, helping them navigate and resist oppressive structures. Through my experience providing therapy at the Buffalo State University Counseling Center and my ongoing doctoral training in Counseling Psychology at the APA-accredited program at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, I have become attuned to the unique challenges and joys faced by students and early career professionals. - I offer limited evening and weekend availability.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

College is often described as “the best years of your life,” but in reality, it can be stressful, uncertain, and even isolating. You’re juggling academic pressures, social dynamics, independence, and the constant question of what’s next? If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just not like yourself, therapy can help. Therapy that fits into college life: - convenient meeting options - flexible scheduling - no long term commitment - privacy outside the campus bubble - therapy wherever you are - therapy that grows with you ready to ace your mental health? get started today!

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.

Our relationships with our bodies and food are complicated and hard to navigate. You are not alone. Wherever you are in your journey - an eating disorder, disordered eating, and/or weight/body image concerns - you deserve support and compassion. As an eating disorder therapist, my work is grounded in a person-centered, Health At Every Size (HAES) approach. I integrate both psychodynamic and behavioral (ACT, DBT, CBT, etc). I have over 7 years of experience in direct client treatment services - spanning residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings—and have worked with clients experiencing a variety of mental health concerns. While I focus my practice on eating disorders, I have a generalist background and am skilled in working with a range of clinical issues. I am committed to providing trauma-informed care rooted in cultural humility. I love working with the LGBTQ+ community to provide a safe, affirming space for clients to explore their identities and experiences. Starting a relationship with a new therapist can feel daunting—it’s a deeply personal and courageous step. By simply being here, you’re already showing strength and a commitment to your well-being. I sincerely hope you will take that next step and reach out. Together, we can work toward peace with your body and food.