Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Mariya is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and co-founder of Willow Recovery Group. She is passionate about creating safe, affirming spaces for people to process trauma, explore their relationship with food and body, and navigate life’s challenges with compassion. Mariya specializes in trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, multicultural experiences, and life transitions, blending evidence-based approaches with a deeply relational style. Her clients describe her as warm, grounding, and supportive — someone who walks alongside them through both the hard and hopeful parts of recovery. Outside of her clinical work, Mariya enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and being with loved ones (including her pets, who often serve as her best “co-therapists”).

Have you ever felt unheard, misunderstood, stuck, or alone? Life has its difficult moments, but you don’t have to navigate them by yourself. Therapy offers a safe, supportive space to help you process your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Taking the leap into your therapeutic journey can feel daunting, but I applaud you for taking this first step! I recognize that every individual is unique - there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. As a second-generation Indian American, I can empathize with the struggle of balancing expectations while silencing parts of yourself, the challenge of discovering who you are versus who you’re expected to be, and the stigma surrounding mental health. My goal is to empower you to embrace your most authentic self by providing consistent support and guidance. It’s easy to feel as though we have little control over our lives—whether it be due to school, work, family, friendships, or relationships. By working collaboratively, we can identify the control you do have and help you take the reins on your life. In my practice, I integrate Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, Reality Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness to help guide you toward your goals and authentic self. Remember, you are not alone.

Our general approach to therapy is to view each individual with no judgments or preconceptions; whatever you want to focus on will be our focus as well. At the end of the day, we want you to leave our sessions having either added more tools to your tool belt or having strengthened the tools that you are already using. We primarily approach therapy with a “Person-Centered” orientation; we understand that you are the expert on yourself, and we are only there to provide context, to facilitate your growth, and to help you overcome or manage any obstacles you may be facing. Our specific interventions depend on what we may be working on at the time, and may draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness based therapies, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Reality Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Some of our specialty areas with our clients are cultivating healthy and strong relationships (romantic, family, friends), couples, grief, trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, career counseling, and others.

Many of us are looking for ways to find peace, be more present with our friends and family, and live in a way that feels nourishing. Therapy is an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and the people we love. I aim to use an individualized client-led approach to therapy while honoring intersecting identities. I offer my clients warmth and acceptance in our work together, encouraging curiosity and collaboration that leads to living an authentic life. I like to cultivate a strong alliance and establish a safe and supportive environment to help my clients access the power of vulnerability, honoring their true selves and desires. Some of my favorite groups to work with are gender and sexual minorities, artists, young adults, and folks navigating life and career transitions. Topics such as relational diversity and identity formation are also of special interest. My experience working in the performing arts makes artists, actors, musicians, and other creative professionals a natural fit for me. I celebrate client passion and know the importance of meaningful creativity, striving to encourage my clients to feel confident in presenting a genuine expression of who they are.

Beginning therapy can often seem daunting. It can be the first time you are admitting something isn’t working, or you aren’t feeling okay. I want to provide the space and time for you to sit with that possibility, work together to understand those thoughts and feelings, and use your experiences to guide you toward new, affirming spaces and connections. Together, we can support you in navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, ADHD, neurodivergence, identity and LGBTQ+ related concerns, as well as relationship challenges, family dynamics, and major life transitions. Whether you’re beginning therapy or returning to it, I look forward to connecting and working together.

Parkside Therapy offers in person and telehealth therapy to people struggling with a variety of issues. We work with those that are coping with academic stress, identity discernment, anxiety, depression, and substance misuse. College is stressful, and you deserve some help! Reach out to us and we'll help you schedule a free phone consultation or an initial appointment.

Create. Grow. Transform. Messiness welcome! Life can get messy. Here at Dandelion, we practice in a studio-based model where you are surrounded by opportunities to get dirty and create. Our space looks more like an art studio than a traditional therapy atmosphere, and often we are making art with you. We rely on a relational, strength-based and collaborative approach in our work while utilizing clinical techniques and skills. Art therapy is our sole focus - our team is dedicated to developing, learning and advancing the practice of art therapy.

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!

Collaboration is a key part of my work with clients. As we explore the change needed for growth, I hope to honor your voice and provide a safe, welcoming and empowering environment that at the forefront creates trust. I want to meet you where you are and come from a strengths-based perspective in creating a path towards understanding yourself, as well as aligning your behavior with your values as much as possible in your everyday life. When in session, I like to pursue a mind-body approach and believe that how we treat our bodies physically will have a ripple effect on our mental health. Therefore, I do like to work around this idea of meeting primary needs for our body as well as our mind. As an eclectic therapist, I believe that there is no one modality that can be utilized for every client, instead I like to pull different techniques from DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, and CBT. As we explore what your goals are, we will make a tailored approach in utilizing skills and talk therapy to create an environment for change. Disordered Eating & Body Image: Navigating disordered eating can feel impossible and exhausting. Exploring the frustrations around unhelpful behaviors is the first step in becoming aware of how disordered eating has impacted your life. With past IOP and individual therapy experience, I support individuals who are trying to understand themselves better when it comes to their body and self-esteem. My approach focuses on creating a supportive and collaborative environment in the therapy space while we build a toolbox of healthy coping mechanisms when triggers come on. By utilizing a combination of therapy modalities, we can create an open dialogue on how to get to body neutrality and reduce disordered eating thoughts & behaviors. Experience: As a growing clinician, I am constantly wanting to expand my knowledge about all things female-presenting clients are navigating from teen years to adulthood. Recently, I passed my Perinatal Mental Health Certificate (PMHC) which covers extensive training in working with families, mothers and fathers who are going through their perinatal journey. Exploring emotions and decision making during this life transition can be overwhelming, to put it lightly, so I hope to act as a guide as we explore this deeply personal journey together. Practicing what I preach is something that I have found to be important to me as I ask for you to do the work in our therapy space. Therefore, I currently am interested in learning more about somatic therapy and how that can be intertwined with my work of mind-body connection.

Welcome, I'm happy you're here. You may be looking for someone to help you work through stuck patterns in your life related to the pressure to succeed, negative beliefs about yourself and others, and challenges in your relationships. Here's what I can offer you: connection, playfulness, and guidance as you embark on this journey. I have a passion for working with college students and have had the pleasure of working with adults struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, relationship issues, life transitions, depression, and self esteem challenges over the past 6 years. My approach is warm and collaborative, rooted in a client centered, psychodynamic framework while also integrating cognitive behavioral, experiential, schema, and somatic elements. We will make a lot of progress together if you are open to approaching our space with a balance of self curiosity and embracing what is new and different. Asking questions, experimenting with new things, understanding motivations, challenging narratives, celebrating wins, and exploring emotions are all of what you can expect we will do together. My aim is that you are supported with developing both the insight and tools needed for lasting change in your life. I'd love to partner with you on this journey. Book a consultation with me today. I honor your courage and willingness to take this step. You do not have to continue feeling broken, unloveable, or hopeless and you don't have to do it alone— I am ready when you are! Email me today for a FREE consultation.

At CFC Therapy Group, we believe in possibilities—and we empower you to realize yours. Working with our team of experienced therapists, you’ll gain the strength to navigate life’s challenges, confront what’s holding you back, and achieve your fullest potential. We are Relationship Experts. Whether you’re looking to create a more positive dynamic with family and friends, a significant other, or simply with yourself, we’ll help you get there. At CFC Therapy Group, we’re committed to your possibility. Contact us today to book an appointment

Our mission is to inspire and empower holistic care by providing our community with a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space for mental healing and personal growth. We are committed to making mental health care accessible, service-oriented, and rooted in compassion. We support individuals in managing a wide range of mental health concerns—from everyday work or school-related stress to processing trauma and navigating life crises. At Balance and Entity Wellness Care, we practice a therapeutic approach that emphasizes holistic, culturally inclusive, and transparent care. We strive to create an environment where clients feel welcome, supported, and understood—starting from the very first session.

We are all about empowering women and femme-folks through psychotherapy! We're located in Chicago and see clients virtually across the state of Illinois. We love to work with college students around relationship issues, stress, and overall managing their mental health.

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.

Gretchen Aich (she/her), PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University and is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Gretchen has advanced training in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care and works with children, adolescents, and adults, including Spanish-speaking clients. Gretchen brings experience from diverse mental health settings, including emergency departments, inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, private practice, and telehealth. Her background includes supporting individuals in crisis, working in community and court-mandated programs, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. During her clinical training, she worked extensively with children and adolescents with complex needs, provided substance use and court-ordered therapy, and assisted with advanced treatments such as SPRAVATO and TMS. In her work with clients, Gretchen creates a safe, judgment-free space grounded in empathy, respect, and cultural humility. She believes each person is the expert in their own life and uses a collaborative, flexible approach to care. Through active listening and evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy, she partners with clients to set meaningful goals and support healing in a way that fits their lives.

As we shift from summer into fall, many of us are reminded that life is full of seasons of change. Sometimes these transitions feel exciting and grounding, but other times they can feel uncertain, overwhelming or even unsafe. It can be hard to feel steady when the world itself feels unpredictable. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you don't have to hold those feelings alone. Together, we can explore your experiences, identify your strengths, and create a path forward that helps you feel more grounded and empowered. My goal is to walk alongside you with compassion as you navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions. You deserve a place where your voice is heard. I invite you to begin the inner work that can foster, healing, resilience and self acceptance. Even in uncertain times, you can move toward your best life.

I am an individual and sex therapist specializing in working with clients exploring sexuality, gender, life transitions, and anxiety.

Shu Hudson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She received her Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from North Park University. Shu thrives in providing a compassionate, client-centered space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported in their healing journey. Her approach integrates evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a deep focus on uncovering and understanding core emotions—those powerful, often hidden feelings that drive our thoughts, behaviors, and relational patterns. Shu has specialized training in yoga and mindfulness, that enables her to bring a somatic awareness to therapy, helping clients reconnect with their bodies as a source of wisdom, grounding, and emotional regulation. Shu focuses on navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or life transitions, working collaboratively to explore underlying emotional truths, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, and fostering meaningful, sustainable change. Shu’s goal is to guide each client toward greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a more empowered relationship with themselves and others.

Rick McEwan's guiding philosophy is to be a "friend in healthcare," recognizing that seeking help is a courageous act. He recognizes that the healthcare system is a bit broken, and that it can be an overwhelming place for many individuals. Always meeting patients where they are in their journey, Rick focuses on individualized care plans that support mental and emotional well-being. He brings a wealth of expertise in a comprehensive patient-centered approach. Adopting a therapeutic framework that emphasizes trust, collaboration, and empathy, Rick strives to create a therapeutic alliance where patients feel empowered to engage in their healing process. He integrates the latest in psychopharmacology and therapeutic modalities, using technology to offer convenient and comfortable interactions. Rick is especially passionate about working with marginalized communities, fostering an affirming space where care is free from judgment and bias. His approach is deeply rooted in integrative care, leveraging a biopsychosocial model to address both physical and mental health needs.

You’re driven, capable, and used to pushing through. On the outside, it looks like you’ve got it together—but inside, the pressure can feel relentless. Maybe your thoughts are often focused on food, weight, appearance, or productivity. You might feel anxious, guilty, or exhausted trying to meet impossible standards. Even your accomplishments don’t bring the relief you hoped for. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep doing this by yourself. Therapy can be a space to pause, reflect, and begin shifting the patterns that keep you stuck. Together, we’ll create a plan to help you reconnect with what matters to you—not just what you feel you should be doing. We’ll explore new ways of responding to self-criticism, perfectionism, and burnout. I offer a compassionate, inclusive space where you can show up as you are—no need to perform, prove, or push. My approach is warm, collaborative, and personalized to you. I focus on your strengths and always make space for humor. I offer virtual and in-person (Ravenswood and Wicker Park) sessions with flexible scheduling.