Therapists for college students near 60611

A fulfilling life is not about the absence of problems, but about how you choose to deal with them. We utilize a systemic, respectful, client-centered, and inclusive approach to therapy focused on social justice and shared humanity. Therapy is both an art and a science. Our therapists are trained in effective, evidence-based therapies carried out in a compassionate, personalized way. We always prioritize the relationship with our clients, in combination with skillful interventions that strive to meet your goals. Our practice is culturally competent, anti-racist, LGBTQ+, sex worker, kink, and poly affirming. We believe that human beings are wired for connection. We strive to help you heal yourself and your relationships through honest assessment, courageous communication, self-improvement, and authentic connection. We provide individual, couple, family, and group psychotherapy to the communities of Oak Park and the Chicagoland area. Our therapists are able to see clients virtually anywhere in the state of Illinois, as well as Wisconsin and Florida.

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!

Students work with me when painful experiences of anxiety, depression and stress interfere with their ability to find enjoyment and success in relationships and academically. Psychotherapy with me usually begins with a discussion of the concerns, problems and distress from which you are suffering and seek relief. The goal of the work is to solve the problems, alleviate the distress and place the concerns in the context of your personal development. Results of this effort often include increased self-awareness, enhanced self-esteem, recognition of unique strengths and potentials, and more positive feelings. Appreciation of one’s unique circumstances and developmental history makes for a more meaningful therapy experience. I have over twenty-five years of experience as a former college counseling center Director and Dean.

Feeling obsessive thoughts swirling around? Does it seem like your emotions and behaviors are controlling you more often than not? Life is feeling just too much? I hear you. You are stressed out. Everything you do to try and be in control isn’t working anymore. I know anxiety, relational stress, and sadness are overwhelming, and confronting it seems almost impossible. I want to tell you, you are not alone. Together we will develop healthy strategies to break free from what's holding you back. Together we take what feels unmanageable, and make it manageable. Through a focus on patience, support, and action; I will empower you to uncover new ways of conquering old problems. I look forward to partnering with you. My Background and Approach My approach and focus in therapy is to create a safe space for you to explore your experiences with anxiety, depression, relational issues, and daily life stressors. I do this through a multi-modality approach using exploratory conversation and weaving in structured approaches (CBT, DBT, ERP). In the first several sessions, I will ask a lot of questions so that I can get to know you and what brings you to therapy. Then you will also ask me questions about who I am and how I work. Finally, together we’ll identify your goals for therapy and what you hope to achieve. To me, therapy is a collaboration, so I will ask for feedback along the way to make sure sessions are going well or if we need to try new strategies. I will be your supporter throughout our work. I am gentle, yet direct with my feedback. Together, we will work to identify the root cause of your worries, fears, phobias, and stressors and then through guided strategies, we will break free from what is holding you back and and build the life that you want to live. My Personal Beliefs and Interests As a long-time vegan, I am passionate about animal welfare and sampling all of the delicious animal-friendly food that my city has to offer. I view people through an intersectional lens and am explicitly antiracist and LGBTQIA+ affirming in my therapeutic practice. I am committed to providing safe spaces for clients, which hinges upon staying mindful of the privileges I continue to receive as a white, cis woman. I believe that current events have a profound impact on sociocultural norms, quality of life, and our general wellbeing. It is crucial to consider, and to name, how past and current events influence society and affect individuals, especially in terms of systems of oppression. My hope is to show clients that although, I may not fully understand your experiences, I can provide a safe space to work on your goals for therapy with support and without harm.

As a therapist and pleasure activist I strive to create a safe, accessible environment for you to connect with and express your most authentic self. During sessions, your trust and safety are priorities for me. I practice from a relational and client-centered framework, understanding that you are the expert in your own experience. With my warm and direct approach, I seek to ask the right questions to help you make new connections and provide a fresh perspective. I have experience supporting clients through gender-identity development, C-PTSD, Dissociative Identity Disorder, gender dysphoria, anxiety and depression. As a therapist, researcher, and pleasure activist I strive to create a safe, accessible environment for you to connect with and express your most authentic self. During sessions, your trust and safety are priorities for me. I practice from a relational and client-centered framework, understanding that you are the expert in your own experience. With my warm and direct approach, I seek to ask the right questions to help you make new connections and provide a fresh perspective. I have experience supporting clients through gender-identity development, C-PTSD, Dissociative Identity Disorder, gender dysphoria, anxiety and depression. With my lived experience as a transgender woman, I bring a compassionate and affirming approach to my therapeutic practice. I am passionate about working with transgender/gender diverse, Autistic, and Disabled clients, and pride myself as a kink/BDSM, polyamory/ENM, and sex-worker allied therapist.

Dr. Sarah Sanders is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and life transition issues. Dr. Sanders individualizes her treatment approach to the specific needs of each client, often combining dynamic-relational, cognitive-dialectical-behavioral, and systemic-cultural approaches. Her priority is helping you work through your concerns and make changes in your life in a way that feels effective, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. Dr. Sanders completed her predoctoral internship at Northwestern University and her postdoctoral fellowship at Harper College, gaining significant experience working with life-transition issues, identity development, relationship concerns, eating disorders, and student mental health. Areas of interest also include family dynamics, anxiety, and mood disorders. Dr. Sanders' practice location is just east of Michigan Avenue on Wacker Drive. If you're ready to schedule, you are welcome to do so directly by visiting the Allow Wellness website: www.allow-wellness.com.

Magdalena is a psychotherapist who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. She is passionate about supporting adolescents and adults navigating eating and body image concerns, mood and anxiety disorders, relational challenges, life transitions, and identity exploration. Magdalena finds great fulfillment in supporting clients on their path to healing and feels honored to be part of their journey toward growth and well-being. Known for her warm and down-to-earth presence, Magdalena creates a safe, transparent, and non-judgmental space while helping clients work toward their goals. Magdalena's therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), among other evidence-based modalities. She brings compassion, validation, and the understanding that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Magdalena is committed to helping clients become their most authentic selves and empowering them to pursue meaningful goals. She recognizes that taking the first step toward change can be difficult and meets clients where they are, approaching each person with curiosity and empathy. You can directly schedule online at www.allow-wellness.com

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.

Challenges often arise before, during, and after difficult experiences, whether it’s heading off to college, starting a new job, becoming a parent, going through a breakup or divorce, receiving a troubling diagnosis, or coping with the loss of a loved one. With each life change comes an array of emotions, including sadness, anger, and anxiety. Even seemingly positive transitions can leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Therapists at Perspective can help you navigate these emotions and build skills so you can work towards your goals.

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.

**I currently offer Telehealth sessions Monday-Friday and in-person sessions on Thursdays** Hi! I work with **female-identified clients** who are seeking therapy for anxiety, school stress and burnout, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and more. I believe that, when entering a space of vulnerability, it is important to feel safe and secure. As a therapist, my job is to provide you with a non-judgmental therapeutic environment to support you in your healing and growth. I am here to offer a collaborative approach to empower and foster change in your journey. I see therapy as another support or tool in our tool box. The friends, family, peers, co-workers that we have in our life can provide great support but sometimes it is helpful to have one more person that we can lean on during our difficult times.

Light On Anxiety offers evidence-based, efficient, effective and action-oriented treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychiatric medication management and neuropsychological testing are our core services offered to children, adolescents and adults, both in-person and via telehealth. We utilize empirically-supported practices and always incorporate the latest advancements in the treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Light On Anxiety treats the whole person, with deep respect for the human spirit and the challenges we all face on our journey through life. We strive to make treatment as short-term as possible, and to inject compassion, joy and your values into the anxiety treatment process.

I specialize in working with clients to process grief and trauma. Before starting Rainy Day, I worked at an out-patient day center for trauma and mood disorders as the lead art therapist, eventually shifting to be a therapist at a group practice. I work alongside you to support your growth in personal and professional experiences through trauma, grief, and life transitions.

I work with college students, emerging adults, and professionals navigating anxiety, identity concerns, workplace stress, career exploration, and life transitions. I see therapy as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself during moments of uncertainty or change. My approach is grounded in authenticity, curiosity, and presence, and I value being sincere and direct while maintaining warmth and thoughtful reflection. I aim to create a supportive, respectful therapeutic space where clients feel understood and empowered. My work integrates psychotherapy with mindfulness-informed and holistic practices that support self-awareness, grounding, and connection. I’m drawn to approaches that invite clients to slow down, tune in, and build a more intentional relationship with themselves, while honoring the whole person beyond symptoms alone. I completed my doctoral internship at Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Headspace Health. I hold a PhD in Psychology from Tennessee State University’s APA-accredited program and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. I am also certified in Mental Health Coaching.

Dr. Gonzales takes a personalized, collaborative approach that thoughtfully integrates medication management with evidence-based therapeutic techniques. He believes every patient deserves a safe space — one built on trust and open communication — because lasting change requires feeling safe and genuinely heard. He specializes in treating anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD across the lifespan — with a particular focus on the unique challenges facing early career professionals, young adults, college students, transitional aged youth, kids and teens. Whether you're seeking psychiatric care for the first time or you've tried other providers and are looking for a better fit, his goal is always the same: to help you grow, develop coping skills that actually work in real life, and build the kind of emotional foundation that holds. Dr. Gonzales believes that mental health care should be readily accessible — because the easier it is to engage in care, the more likely meaningful progress follows. His practice is primarily telehealth-based, removing barriers like commute time, scheduling conflicts, and the hesitation that can come with walking into an office. He currently sees patients virtually across Illinois, Florida, Wisconsin, and Texas. In-person appointments are also available in Chicago, IL for those who prefer them.

I believe that trust and rapport are crucial in therapy, as they create a foundation for healing and growth. I have extensive experience in providing evidence-based therapies to help clients effectively manage PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety. I am well-versed in addressing the unique challenges that individuals with complex trauma face, such as dissociation and relationship difficulties. By fostering a trusting and supportive environment, I strive to empower clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences at their own pace. Together, we work towards building resilience, ultimately promoting improved well-being. My approach is rooted in a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and person-centered techniques, allowing us to examine the connections between past experiences and present challenges. Through our collaborative efforts, we will create a safe space where you can gain insight, heal from past wounds, and ultimately achieve personal growth and fulfillment. I strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. By embracing diversity, I aim to provide personalized services that cater to the unique needs and backgrounds of each individual client. During our free consultation, we can discuss your specific needs and goals. Remember, you don't have to face this alone.

Dr. Sarah Sanders is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the boutique mental health practice, Allow Wellness. She is a specialist in treating depression, various anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and identity development concerns. She has been working with the mental health needs of graduate and undergraduate students of the Chicagoland area since 2006. Please visit the Allow Wellness website to learn more: www.allow-wellness.com.

College is a time of incredible growth, but it can also feel incredibly overwhelming. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with in-person availability in Loop, Chicago and virtual option across IL. I specialize in helping students navigate complex PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, procrastination, self-esteem, relationship and attachment, as well as identity exploration. I provide therapy in English and Chinese Mandarin(普通话). I currently have plenty of afternoon and late evening availability - perfect for fitting around a hectic class or work schedule. Whether you are finding yourself trapped in the same painful relationship cycles, feeling disconnected from yourself, or trying to unpack how your past shapes your present, I provide a safe, non-judgmental, and deeply compassionate space to help you heal. As a Chinese third-culture kid who has lived across China, Europe, and the US, I have a deep personal and clinical passion for supporting students navigating cultural adjustment, diaspora identity, family-of-origin dynamics, and the complex layers of belonging. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. In our sessions, we may combine traditional talk therapy with somatic work, EMDR techniques, and arts-based therapies (like visual art, drama, or movement) to help you recognize your inner strength and rewrite your story. Insurance: Aetna, Anthem, BCBS, Optum, and United Healthcare (all PPO plans only). Superbills available for self-pay. If you are a student looking for working with a culturally attunened, trauma-informed therapist, I would love to connect!

We are a group of mental health professionals skilled in the practice of individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy. We specialize in reproductive mental health, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, sexual challenges, and relationships. We are on a mission to build a world where every individual’s worth and dignity is affirmed and celebrated.

Relief and hope can grow from psychotherapy - lasting effects of nonjudgment, trust and stable support from another. Learning to talk through issues can lead to the development of your own unique voice - intrapersonally and with others - spur creative ways to address problems, and result in new or greater insight and a deeper understanding of feelings and needs.