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Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

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Laura Young
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

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.

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Emily Lustig, LCSW
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Feeling overwhelmed by trauma, transitions, or the pressure to have it all figured out? You’re not alone - and therapy can help you make sense of it all. I work with students and young adults navigating anxiety, perfectionism, relationship patterns, and the emotional weight of their past. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and rooted in compassion. Together, we’ll unpack old narratives, strengthen your ability to regulate emotions, and create new ways of relating - to yourself and others -with greater clarity and confidence. I integrate evidence-based modalities including EMDR, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness through an intersectional feminist lens, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re healing from trauma, exploring identity, managing substance use, or navigating major life transitions, our work will focus on helping you feel grounded, empowered, and self-aware. My goal is to offer a nonjudgmental space where you can safely explore your emotions, build resilience, and reconnect with your authentic self. If this resonates with you, I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you move from surviving to thriving.

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Minh Dong
Licensed Professional Counselor
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Let’s be real: adulting is hard. Figuring out how to build a life—navigating new jobs, getting enough sleep and exercise, living alone for the first time, dating (ugh), or trying to make real friendships—it can all feel like a lot. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. I’m here to support you in making sense of it, finding your voice, and creating a life that actually feels like yours. I’m passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. As a relational therapist, I believe changes happen in connection. I pull from a range of approaches depending on what you need—whether that’s insight, tools, or simply someone who gets it. I’m warm, collaborative, and affirming—but also very direct. If something needs to be named, I’ll say it—with compassion and honesty of course. Growth requires truth. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but reaching out shows real courage and a deep commitment to yourself. Whether you’re working through identity questions, navigating complicated relationships, or just trying to feel more like yourself again, I’m here to walk with you through it. Message me and we can have a chat about it!

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Sejdaras PsyD & Associates INC
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

We are a team of anxiety therapists who serve individuals and couples struggling with anxiety. The clients we treat mostly come in to decrease anxiety individually and in their relationships and have a healthier lifestyle. Some clients describe their state of being as feeling stuck and overwhelmed while others present with specific issues such as relationship conflict, panic attacks, social anxiety, depression and/or alcohol and marijuana use. Treatment at our group practice focuses on a holistic approach where trust and self-compassion are the foundation for healing. Our approach is rooted in the relational elements of the therapeutic work, and we strongly value both mindfulness and self-compassion.

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Ari Eriksson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

You don’t need a polished goal to start therapy. I work with adolescents and adults who are dealing with anxiety, stress, burnout, identity questions, or major life changes, as well as people who just want to understand themselves better. We can start wherever you are. Therapy can serve different purposes at different times. It might be a space to slow things down, to make sense of experiences, or to experiment with new ways of responding to challenges. We adjust the focus as your needs become clearer. I’ve spent the last decade working with a variety of Chicagoans across the city, from the North Side to the South Side. I love the work because I get to grow and learn from the people I support just as often as I offer them opportunities for their own growth. I believe the greatest strength of the human species is our ability to support each other. I will never be judgmental. I think everyone deserves second chances and I will fight to help you find yours. Therapy can be overwhelming, but a first session should simply introduce two people and lay out the groundwork for future sessions. Once we understand your goal, and align our expectations, we can start digging into the process behind it. Just ask!

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Isa Bogart
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

I am Isa Bogart (they/she), a queer and nonbinary therapist with a background in survivor advocacy and sexual education. I am a provisionally licensed therapist practicing in the Chicagoland area with a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. I take a compassionate, creative, and anti-oppressive lens to approaching mental wellness, meaning that I center autonomy, self-expression, and authenticity. As a queer individual, I am passionate about working within the LGBTQ+ community and supporting individuals in navigating their queerness and other identities. Also as a survivor of sexual violence, I find purpose in working with survivors and supporting them in healing and reclaiming joy. I believe every individual should have access to mental health resources not only in times of crisis, but also when they want support in thriving. I am interested in an integrative, relational, and creative approach to counseling, utilizing skills from Internal Family Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Somatic/Body-Based Practices. Reaching out for support and prioritizing your well-being isn’t easy – I hope you’re proud of yourself. If you’ve found yourself here, maybe you are looking to try something new with your mental health and self-care. Maybe you are looking to reclaim your life by unlearning harmful past scripts formed by trauma, upbringing, and societal expectations. Maybe you are looking to explore new or pre-existing identities that you hold. Perhaps you are looking to grow in self-compassion and want to honor and celebrate all parts of yourself. Or maybe you just need a safe space to process all the pain, trauma, and grief that exists in the world today. Whatever feelings and experiences have brought you here today, you are seen here. Together, we can build a space full of warmth, compassion, and authenticity that allows you to safely explore the patterns in your life that contribute to pain and distress. In our space, I will integrate specific approaches to guide our work together - utilizing Internal Family Systems, Feminist and Queer Theory, Liberation Psychology, somatic practices, and creative expression just to name a few. I am passionate about meeting you where you are at and creating an environment that is collaborative and resonates with your unique needs and life experiences. I promise to bring my authentic self with me into the therapy room and will support you in doing the same! By making room for your whole self without judgment, we will work through feelings of shame and work towards valuing your whole, genuine self. In my clinical work, I make space for my clients to process, grieve, rage, and organize around the systemic violence and oppression they face. This looks like asking my clients how they are feeling and processing global atrocities, naming systemic oppression when it shows up in the therapeutic space whether in our clinical relationship or in the client's experiences, supporting the client in unlearning internalized forms of supremacy or oppression, and being clear about my values. I fundamentally believe that mental health and wellbeing is political, and that in order to be truly supportive, counselors must consistently weave racial justice and social justice into their work. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my community and loved ones (ideally outside and in the sun), cuddling my two cats, cooking delicious meals, rock climbing, and browsing local shops. I am a lover of horror movies, reality TV, tarot, astrology, and tattoos. I welcome you bringing your own interests into our therapy space! Additionally, I am a certified domestic violence and sexual violence counselor. Before starting my training as a counselor I worked in advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and relationship violence, as well as in sex education for teens and young adults, two issues I am extremely passionate about. As a queer and non-binary person, I am passionate about working within the LGBTQ+ community and supporting individuals in navigating their queerness, relationships, and other identities. I take private insurance (Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Evernorth, UnitedHealth) as well as private pay ($130/session). In addition to working individually, I also work with relationship systems, couples, and families! To anyone reading this, I am sending caring energy your way and hope to hear from you soon!

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Melanie Umbdenstock
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Lindsey Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Welcome! I specialize in working with young adults facing challenges like anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and depression. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to provide a tailored, effective treatment experience. More importantly, I focus on building a positive, trusting relationship with each client. I believe therapy works best when you feel truly understood and supported. In our sessions, you’ll find a warm, non-judgmental space where you can openly explore your thoughts and feelings. I love incorporating art, creativity, even dogs into the treatment space to help you reach your goals. Together, we’ll work on practical tools to help you manage overwhelming emotions, break free from unwanted patterns, and feel more in control. My goal is to empower you with the skills and confidence to navigate life’s challenges while fostering a stronger sense of self.

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Stephanie Kaufman Wolken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

I am passionate about providing evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for older adolescents, young adults and adults with OCD, depression, anxiety and related disorders. Over the past 5+ years, I have deepened my commitment to providing effective therapy through a personalized and strengths-based approach. I work collaboratively and flexibly with my clients to help develop goals in line with living a more meaningful and values-driven life. I strive to form a supportive therapeutic bond through compassion, warmth, empathy and humor. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, one of the top training institutions in the field of social work. Prior to that, I graduated cum laude from Northwestern University, with a double major in Psychology and Science in Human Culture. I have provided individualized treatment across outpatient and school settings, serving patients of all ages. Additionally, I gained extensive training and experience providing evidence-based treatment across outpatient clinics specializing in OCD, anxiety and related disorders. I enjoy traveling and trying new restaurants as well as spending quality time with my family, friends, and Sylvester (my toothless, senior rescue dog).

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Joseph Reed
Psychologist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

My background is in psychodynamic therapy. This type of therapy helps you to better understand patterns that play out in your life, how your mind works, the internal conflicts you wrestle with, the defense mechanisms you use, and other things you might not be fully conscious of. By learning more about yourself and your struggles, you are better equipped to make changes in your life, solve your problems in the ways you want to solve them, and break out of the self-defeating patterns you find yourself stuck in. I specialize in working with adults with longstanding difficulties, including depression and anxiety, overwhelming emotions, issues with self-esteem, impulsivity, and self-destructive behavior. I am not a believer in quick fixes or easy answers. Being in therapy is hard work and a major commitment. I often meet with people long term and sometimes in twice-weekly therapy. I aim to be an ally as you work to make changes that won’t just make you feel better today but will change your life in the years to come.

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Snow Lake Counseling PLLC.
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

At Snow Lake Counseling PLLC, our mission is to help you live a more fulfilling and satisfying life. We empower individuals to make healthy, informed decisions through direct, solution-focused care. With flexible scheduling and virtual accessibility, we ensure that prioritizing your well-being fits seamlessly into your life. Rooted in allyship, our practice is a safe and inclusive space for individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and relationship structures. At Snow Lake, you are supported to heal, explore, and grow—free from judgment. Mental health support available for: Anxiety | ADHD | Addiction | ASD | Bipolar Disorder | Coping Skills | Communication Skills | Depression | Desire Discrepancy | Divorce | Ethical Non-monogamy | Grief | Intellectual Disabilities | Intimacy Issues | Kink | Life Transitions | LGBTQIA+ | Men’s Issues | OCD | Relationship Issues | Religious Trauma | Stress | Sexual Dysfunction | Substance abuse | Women's Issues We offer convenient online booking though our secure booking portal: https://snowlake.clientsecure.me/

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KJ Hardy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Finding a therapist who feels like a good fit can matter as much as the therapy itself. I work with students who are thoughtful, capable, and often carrying more than they let on — anxiety, stress, self-doubt, trauma, or the pressure to keep it together while figuring out who they are and where they’re headed. I’m a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with a background in both clinical mental health and higher education. Before returning to full-time clinical work, I spent many years working on college campuses as well as teaching in undergraduate and graduate courses. I understand the unique stressors students face — academic pressure, financial stressors, identity development, relationships, family expectations, and the emotional toll of trying to succeed in an uncertain world. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I integrate evidence-based practices with a strong focus on nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, and practical skills you can use in everyday life. Therapy with me is a space to slow down, make sense of what you’re experiencing, and learn how to respond to stress and anxiety with more clarity and self-compassion. Many of the students I work with struggle with anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, burnout, or feeling disconnected from themselves. Together, we work on building a sense of safety, learning how to set boundaries, and developing coping strategies that support both mental health and personal growth. I believe therapy should feel human, respectful, and supportive — a place where you don’t have to perform or have everything figured out. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, more present, and more able to navigate life with confidence and care.

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Urban Wellness Counseling
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Urban Wellness believes in making wellness a down-to-earth practice. We value making mental health accessible to all, and focusing on mental wellness as one section of health in the body. We are focused on being an Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppression practice and hold that in our beliefs and our treatments. We have almost 40 clinicians in 4 locations (and virtually) who work with anything from immigration to stress management to trauma. You will find us wearing slippers in the office, sharing snacks in the kitchen, and providing mental health care in a relaxed and comfortable setting. We will meet you where you're at and build a relationship that is person-centered and best fits your needs.

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Grey Area Therapy
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Grey Area Therapy is a small, private practice conveniently located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood with easy access to public transportation and an emphasis on building meaningful, authentic connections with clients. Our therapists offer a range of specialties and address needs related to: -Anxiety -Depression -Body Image -Race/Ethnicity/Culture -Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity -Individual/Generational Trauma -Identity -Family-of-Origin -Life Transitions -Careers/Professional Goals Our therapists offer both in-person and virtual appointments and have weekend and evening availability. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United/Optum insurance and offer free 15-minute phone consultations to help you find a therapist that works for you!

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Contemporary CBT
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

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.

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Chicago Healing Connection, PLLC
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Chicago Counseling Collective PC
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Live Oak, Inc
Group practice
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

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

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Derrick Smith
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

I joined Relational Insight in 2023 to provide affordable therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I apply collaboration within therapy to help clients tell their story to practice new perspectives or behaviors. I aim to help clients find validation, healing, and growth within life struggles and transitions. I have a passion for reaching underserved clients, especially men of color and other members of marginalized groups. Also, I connect easily with adolescents struggling with emotional or behavioral concerns. I strive to provide a warm welcome with tangible support for individuals and families who may be new to focusing on their mental health. Looking to assist those struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, interpersonal conflict, and professional challenges. After transitioning from the professional world as a sales director and consultant, having a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology allows me provided insight for clients facing professional challenges and questions.

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Erica Hartmus, LPC
Pre-Licensed Professional
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Whether you’re a first-time client, returning after a break, or looking for a new therapeutic approach, opening yourself up to someone new is a vulnerable and courageous step toward healing. In my work with clients, I strive to create an environment where we can both be ourselves. I want my clients to enjoy the overall experience of attending therapy, challenges and all, because I believe that growth comes easiest when you don’t dread the process. I utilize humor, warmth, and creative therapeutic techniques in sessions to make therapy feel as approachable as possible. Whether you’re seeking a therapeutic setting that feels casual, direct, or somewhere in between, I strive to understand your needs and shape our time together to help you meet your goals. Areas that I specialize in include navigating sexuality, intimacy, and relationships, PMDD and other mood and personality disorders (BPD, BD I & II, etc.), attachment and family of origin issues, and self-esteem and coping skills. If you are interested in learning to celebrate your uniqueness, understand yourself on a deeper level, better your relationships, and heal from the trauma that has put a negative lens on the way you view yourself or others, I’m here to cheer you on along the way. I am a certified yoga teacher and an artist, and I enjoy utilizing skills from both areas in therapy. I believe in artistic and somatic self-expression as a tool for gaining awareness, and that everyone has an avenue to do so powerfully. In session, you can expect me to guide you through meditation or breathwork when you’re feeling overwhelmed or activated, or to ask you to create something to express yourself when words are hard to find. In couple’s sessions, I utilize similar skills to help open up new lines of communication between partners. Verbal communication is important, but I also recognize that translating feelings into words doesn’t always come easily. Together, we can explore ways to speak to one another that best match our style of being, and learn to navigate and trust our emotions without fear of our words coming out “wrong”. Understanding where feelings come from can serve us in changing how we react to our partners and can allow us to shape our responses in a way that is both healthy and effective. Experience I have worked with adolescents and adults from a diverse range of gender identity, sexuality, and race. In my years of practice, I have helped clients with topics such as gender and sexuality exploration, depression and anxiety, ADHD and ASD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and relational dynamics. I am also happy to work within a healthcare team, such as coordinating your care with your primary care physician and psychiatrist, because I believe mental health is holistic and intersects with physical well-being. I also have experience working as an art therapy assistant and am eager to incorporate creative techniques into sessions with clients.

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