Therapists for college students near 60657

Our focus is on helping our clients create a life of presence, passion and purpose. We are a practice of 42 diverse, authentic and skilled therapists. Having a large team of therapists allows us to cover many specialties and treat most mental health disorders. We serve over 1000 clients each week, many of whom are students struggling with adjusting to college life, "adulting", anxiety, stress, OCD, trauma, depression, eating disorders, body image and identity development. Our therapists are LGBTQ+ affirming and consistently work on anti-racism. As therapists we are both creative and collaborative in helping you become the best and most authentic version of yourself.

Ryan is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Art Therapist. She earned her BFA with a concentration in painting, second major in psychology, and minor in children’s studies from Washington University in St. Louis, and she earned her Masters degree in Counseling: Art Therapy from Adler University. Ryan has 10+ years of experience working with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults in various settings including schools, summer camps, hospitals, community mental health, and private practice. In her therapeutic practice, she specializes in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and/or are navigating challenges with daily functioning as a neurodiverse individual. Ryan also works with youth who are not ready to verbalize their needs, but are looking for a creative outlet and safe space to express themself through art with no pressure of needing to talk. As an art therapist, Ryan utilizes art and art making to facilitate communication and help her clients gain insight into themselves. She is experienced in using various art mediums to help clients navigate complex situations and explore their identity without the added pressure of needing to verbalize their thoughts. No prior art experience or high level of art prowess is needed for art therapy. Art therapy is about the creation of art, not the appearance of the final product! Ryan takes a client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach to therapy, utilizing principles from narrative therapy and choice theory, as well as Trauma-Focused CBT to inform her work. Ryan believes that each person is the expert on themself, and aims to empower the client and help them feel a renewed sense of confidence and agency over their life.

Ali King, LCPC, earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She went on to work as a behavioral therapist for children with Autism at the Minnesota Autism Center before moving to Chicago and earning her master’s degree in Community Counseling from DePaul University. After graduate school, Ali worked as a therapist at Insight Behavioral Health Center’s residential facility for people struggling with eating disorders, as well as mood disorders. She led groups and supported people with everyday living tasks, as well as general skills coaching and meal management. Ali recently stepped down as the Director of the Young Adult PHP and IOP programs at Compass Health Center where she worked for 8 years in many different roles helping to build the Young Adult program and support the growth of the organization. While at Compass, Ali provided supervision and mentorship to newer clinicians and helped establish the group curriculum they currently use, as well as instituting effective policies and protocols. While at Compass, she received the award for Continuous Improvement, which highlights her drive and dedication to learning and growth. For over a decade, she has been providing person-centered, solution-focused, skills-based care. Her direct though nurturing, fun, and empathetic approach, is well received and has shown tangible results for her clients. With consistent encouragement and support, clients feel safe to explore their values and to learn successful coping strategies to improve their lives. While Ali has a passion for working with young adults through the tough transitions they face, she also appreciates working with adolescents and adults. She is well-versed in helping people manage struggles with self-esteem, relationships, low motivation, and simply feeling “stuck”. Ali is adept at working with clients with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, psychosis and substance use struggles. She has extensive experience working with DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and often incorporates these modalities into her eclectic therapeutic approach. Ali is currently accepting new clients virtually and at the downtown Chicago location.

We are a team of Chicago based psychotherapists dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, empathically driven personal therapy. We are strong allies and affirm all LGBTQIA identities. We are committed to anti-racist beliefs and practices. Your safety and trust are paramount to the values of Gemstone Wellness and we would love to welcome you into our warm and healing space.

I understand how overwhelming change can feel. As a relationship therapist, I believe you are not broken or damaged. I am here to help you make sense of who you are based off your life experiences and relationships. When you come to session, we’ll work together to help you see and celebrate your value as an individual, partner, and friend creating lasting, positive change for yourself and relationships. With years of experience in therapeutic classrooms, daycare centers, housing shelters for at-risk youth and families, and as a prevention specialist in middle and high school settings, I bring a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to my practice. I specialize in working with young adults and women, focusing on self-esteem, identity, societal expectations, and gender roles in relationships. I also address family of origin issues, including attachment wounds and intergenerational trauma, while integrating anxiety management, mindfulness, and emotion-focused therapy. I earned my B.A. in Family and Human Services, along with Spanish, from the University of Oregon and my M.A. in Couple and Family Therapy at Adler University. I also hold a certification in Trauma-Informed Care from St. Vincent DePaul and am a proud member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). My supervisor is Brittney Brooks, AMFT.

Are you looking to make changes in your life? Are you looking for a partner to help navigate relationship drama, manage symptoms, or just to listen to the challenges you’re going through? It would be an honor to partner with you on this journey, whatever the reason that brings you in. I can support you in managing stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, dual diagnoses, and many other concerns. Each person is worthy of a space to feel seen and engage in a meaningful therapy experience. I strive to create a therapeutic space that is centered on the goals and needs of each person while building a collaborative relationship all in the understanding that you drive the direction and focus of our work together. I’m here as a guide to offer strategies, expertise and hope as we navigate through your unique experience in partnership. My therapeutic approach is grounded in strengths-based, trauma-informed and harm-reduction philosophies. Other evidenced-based practices utilized in my work include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and others that are best suited for the person and their particular needs.

We look at individuals as part of a bigger family system, offering support to folks experiencing low motivation and school refusal, social anxiety, performance anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, depression, and cultural identity.

Are you having trouble navigating big questions about who you are? Or where are you going? Are you anxious about where you fit in? Or ask yourself, “do I even belong?” I have a passion for supporting BIPOC individuals, specifically Latiné, Black, first-generation, and LGBTQ+ individuals. My role is to create a safe, nonjudgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. As a Latino and queer therapist, I deeply understand the pressures many students face, whether that is anxiety, depression, financial stress, imposter syndrome, or trauma. Many of us grow up carrying a ton, and college can bring both new opportunities and new challenges. I help individuals explore the root causes of their struggles by tapping into their unique strengths. My approach is collaborative and creates change which helps gain clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of self. If you are figuring out your identity, dealing with stress, or just feeling overwhelmed and unsure then I want to emphasize that you are not alone. I want to create a space where you can show up as your authentic self, be heard without judgment, and start to build the life you want. I believe in walking alongside my clients as they work through what is hard and discover what is possible.

Hi! Like many therapists, I'm a 30-something cis, white woman who likes earth tones and metaphors. I especially enjoy working with individuals with mood disorders, complex trauma, chronic illness, and psychosis, as well as those who identify as artists/creatives and recovering perfectionists. I draw from various modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Health at Every Size (HAES), Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. However, my most impactful training has happened in conversation with clients themselves. I recognize how my identities contribute to a power differential with my clients, especially when working with marginalized populations. I work to interrupt this power differential whenever possible by being antiracist in my work and prioritizing humility and transparency. I believe that the relationship between client and therapist is key to any kind of growth and change, and therefore first honor creating an authentic relationship with the clients I work with.

Relationships play a significant role in our emotional well-being, yet they can also be one of life's greatest sources of stress. At Semillas Counseling, we help individuals and couples navigate the challenges that arise in friendships, dating relationships, family dynamics, roommates, and romantic partnerships. Whether you're struggling with communication, conflict, trust, boundaries, loneliness, life transitions, or simply wanting healthier and more fulfilling connections, our therapists provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore what's happening and develop meaningful, lasting change. We believe stronger relationships begin with greater self-awareness, intentional communication, and the confidence to show up authentically with the people who matter most.

As a first generation American with a multifaceted cultural background and personal identity, I understand just how unique every individual is. For this reason, I find it important to meet clients where they are at and create a supportive and safe space where they can be their true authentic selves. I use an integrative approach to therapy based in multicultural, person-centered, and psychodynamic frameworks. I enjoy using a narrative approach to empower clients to re-author their life story, make more informed choices, and create positive change that will help them to live in a way that reflects their true goals and values. Together we can explore and process your life experiences, consider the various aspects of your identity (race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc.), and explore your many abilities, skills, values, and beliefs. I may incorporate Motivational Interviewing, CBT, REBT, Relational Therapy as needed to facilitate progress towards your goals. I am experienced in working with clients from diverse backgrounds and ages/ life stages, from adolescents to older adults. I have supported clients through both group and individual therapy to help them overcome a variety of challenges, such as substance use issues, anxiety, depression, relational issues, PTSD, ADHD, and more.

You may feeling like you are not supported, seen or heard by others. You could be feeling alone, frustrated or hurt. Perhaps you’ve been putting others’ needs first and allowing no space for yourself. This could lead to burnout, frustration or even depression. You deserve to have someone listen to you, and someone to talk to who is not judging you, your feelings or your situation. You can have space and time for yourself. I have always been drawn to helping people since I was a very young age. I know what it is like to feel frustrated with your everyday reality and fumbling to figure out what is the next best step forward. Through my own experience and work environment, I can firsthand confirm how helpful it is to lean on someone. I provide a warm, understanding, and grounded presence. I strongly encourage people to have self-love and acceptance as we begin to talk through problems and concerns. I'm dedicated to helping people shift towards the changes they want to see. I understand how difficult it is not to feel like yourself or be understood by others. You are not alone and deserve to be heard. I am dedicated to creating a healing space where we can explore your unique experiences, perspectives, and obstacles. I am here to support you no matter what you are coping with. Let’s work through things together.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi and welcome! I'm a clinical psychologist in a small private practice with 2 other clinicians. I've worked extensively with college students and enjoy helping clients sort through life challenges and transitions. I know college can be a time filled with changes related to identity and relationships and I hope to be a sounding board to those experiences while providing support and guidance. Please do not hesitate to reach out to ask questions or schedule an appointment.

As a Syrian living in Chicago, I am sensitive to issues of race, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, and religion and their influence on mental health. Therapy is one of the rare safe spaces to explore sensitive cultural identity topics. Where you can explore your sense of belonging and recreate your place in this world and how you want to be in it. We cannot change the past but we can change our relationship with the past, which ultimately shifts our present and future.

JD Peters (he/him), is Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). He earned his master’s degree in Addiction Studies: Advanced Practice from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, and spent his career walking alongside individuals and families navigating the challenges of addiction to alcohol and other substances, as well as the broader journey of healing and recovery. He works with people facing a wide range of concerns—from anxiety and depression to grief and trauma—and offers both abstinence-based and harm-reduction approaches depending on what feels most supportive for each person. He believes healing is deeply personal, and that change is hard to do alone. His role is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and empowered to explore what works best for you. JD has experience working with LGBTQIA+ individuals as they navigate identity, relationships, internalized stigma, and family or societal stressors. He strives to offer affirming care that honors each person’s truth and lived experience. He draws from evidence-based practices like DBT, CBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing, blending these approaches into conversations that support growth, healing, and hope. Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your understanding of yourself, JD is here to support you with compassion and curiosity.

I welcome all clients in a warm and engaging manner. I respect each as a person with their own unique needs,priorities and perspectives. It is always a professional pleasure of mine to provide insight that assists another's personal growth and self understanding.

When we are caught in mental distress, we need a trusted partner to help us face our challenges and act from a place of honesty and courage. This creative partnership provides a secure and supportive connection in which to experience solace, find joy, and transform difficulty into resilience. Art therapy is an established mental health profession that helps clients to access a visual entry point for deepened self-awareness. Through guided engagement with the innate creative process, a new way opens to safely explore and better regulate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This creative lens is integrated with holistic evidence-based counseling models for effective, personalized care. From a renewed place of expanded perspective and self-acceptance, clients are able to live more emotionally balanced, fulfilling lives in accordance with their personal values and developmental goals.

I support people experiencing life transitions, stress, and relationship issues. I personalize treatment to each client using our relationship, scientific approaches, and collaboration to meet your goals. I also provide trauma centered therapy and EMDR.

You are the expert of your own life, and sometimes we need some support along the way. My main areas of focus include work with neurodivergent disabled queer and gender expansive clients at various intersections of identity, complex trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (e.g. medical and religious trauma, trauma navigating systemic oppression). I also work with folks often othered in the mental health and medical fields, sociocultural identity development, and plurality across the lifespan. I seek to co-create a meaningful, collaborative culturally responsive relationship centering a trauma-focused and healing-centered lens. I incorporate an integrative, relational, strengths-based approach incorporating Dialectical Behavior Therapy, somatic therapies, humor (and puns), narrative therapies, and challenge by consent. I seek to provide an affirming and empowering space, especially for folks at various intersections of identity, who have experienced oppression, trauma, and severe mental health diagnoses across the lifespan. It is important to build a mutually collaborative relationship that provides space for self-reflection and growth. I look forward to connecting!