Therapists for college students near 60614

I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, Media and Theatre and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My formal training in the counseling field ranges from working with children with trauma, adults with depression and anxiety, couples therapy, substance abuse counseling, and wellness groups. I have worked with clients who want to change and with mandated clients. I have helped clients set and accomplish their goals. I consider myself to be an eclectic counselor. I use different therapeutic approaches depending on the need of the client. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential, Person-Centered, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I treat each client as unique and help them set and meet treatment goals. In my free time, I love to watch sports, fish, travel, work out, read books, walk my dog, hang out with my family, and enjoy a good meal.

Dr. Juliana C. Nwauwa, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois, stands at the forefront of mental health care, blending her extensive education with a compassionate approach. Armed with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, Dr. Nwauwa has honed her skills and knowledge to provide the highest level of care to her clients. With full-practice authority (FPA), Dr. Nwauwa possesses the autonomy to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication independently, empowering her to deliver comprehensive and timely interventions tailored to each individual's needs. Drawing on over six years of clinical experience since earning her certification in 2018, Dr. Nwauwa is deeply committed to offering client-centered care. She embraces diversity and inclusion in her practice, ensuring that every person receives holistic and individualized treatment that respects their unique background and circumstances. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Nwauwa finds fulfillment in her passions outside of work. Whether she's exploring new destinations through travel, experimenting with flavors in the kitchen, cherishing moments with loved ones, or pursuing ongoing education, Dr. Nwauwa approaches life with a spirit of curiosity and growth.

Jill Jensen, LCSW, provides a compassionate and empathetic space for individuals and families across Illinois. With a focus on understanding and honoring each client?s unique experiences, Jill helps create an environment where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to take steps toward their mental health goals. Serving children, teens, young adults, and adults, Jill supports clients facing various challenges, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and childhood behavior issues. Jill is especially passionate about helping clients navigate concerns related to body image and self-esteem, understanding the deep impact these issues can have on mental health and overall well-being. With specialized experience in addressing school avoidance and eating disorders, Jill employs evidence-based approaches to foster growth and resilience, particularly for adolescents and young adults who may be struggling to find balance and confidence in their lives.

Samuel Rentschler, LSW, creates a supportive and collaborative environment for clients. He believes every individual is the expert of their own experience, and he encourages clients to make use of their own expertise to accomplish change. Samuel earned an MSW from University of Michigan. He treats adults with a wide range of challenges, including depression or anxiety, individuals experiencing distress from change or circumstance, and people who are looking to learn new tools or skills to take their mental health into their own hands. In therapy, Samuel's style is strength-based and helps clients identify clear goals by identifying relevant problems and workable solutions. His approach incorporates client self-reflection as well as teaching skills to help achieve the goals they create.

Nina Pieroni, LCSW, is dedicated to helping individuals across Illinois navigate life?s challenges and work toward improved mental health. With extensive experience in various care settings, including emergency rooms, hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, Nina provides compassionate, individualized therapy tailored to meet each client?s unique needs. She serves adults and seniors, helping them address a wide range of mental health concerns and guiding them toward personal growth and resilience. Nina specializes in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and grief, utilizing evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is particularly passionate about assisting clients through significant life transitions, including midlife and later-life changes, reproductive challenges, and postpartum depression or anxiety.

Lasma Maher is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. She has an MA in Fine Art and Design from Latvian Art Academy and an MA in Art Therapy/Counseling from Adler University. Lasma helps patients unlock and develop their creative thinking which paves the way for learning and applying effective coping skills in their daily lives. Outside of work, Lasma enjoys folk dance, painting, drawing, yoga, and traveling.

You may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, navigating the effects of past experiences, or seeking support around identity-related stress. Therapy can be a space to slow down, reflect, and better understand yourself. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and LGBTQ+-related concerns. To support our work together, I draw from a blend of evidence-based, trauma-focused approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and expressive therapies such as art, narrative, and movement-based work. My training is rooted in a relational approach that integrates the neurobiology of trauma, allowing us to explore how early experiences and ongoing stress impact the nervous system and mind–body connection. I also incorporate IFS and ACT to help clients shift unhelpful patterns, build self-worth, and move toward meaningful goals. I am mindful of how identity, culture, and lived experiences shape mental health and the therapeutic process. My goal is to offer care that feels affirming, thoughtful, and responsive to each person’s story. If you’re looking for a therapist who values collaboration, reflection, and authenticity, I welcome you to reach out.

When life feels heavy, confusing, or difficult to navigate on your own, therapy can be a space to feel supported, validated, and empowered. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing stressors related to anxiety, trauma, relationship dynamics, identity concerns, and life transitions, including healing from generational and cultural pressures. My therapeutic approach is integrative and trauma-informed, shaped by my lived experience as a Latina, a child of immigrants, and a veteran. I focus on the whole person, not just symptoms, by building a strong therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, patience, collaboration, and empowerment. I draw from Psychodynamic Therapy, CBT, DBT, mindfulness practices, and the Gottman Method to tailor care to each client’s needs. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish and am especially mindful of supporting clients navigating cultural and generational experiences. I understand that seeking support can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating, particularly in communities where therapy may be misunderstood or stigmatized. Healing does not mean erasing our past—it means creating space for growth, self-compassion, and healthier boundaries. My goal is to help you navigate cultural expectations, relationships, and unresolved experiences with greater confidence and self-awareness. If you are looking for a therapist who values empowerment, cultural understanding, and meaningful connection, I look forward to hearing from you.

Feeling stuck in old patterns, overwhelmed by stress, or unsure how to navigate changes in your relationships or life can be deeply challenging. If you are seeking support to better understand your emotions, strengthen coping strategies, and build more satisfying connections with yourself and others, therapy may be a helpful step. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relational concerns. I approach therapy with warmth, respect, and a focus on the whole person. My work is trauma-informed and grounded in evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, and EMDR, tailored to each person’s needs and pace. I offer therapy in both English and Mandarin, and I am mindful of how language, cultural context, and communication style shape the experience. I understand that there are moments when making sense of what you’re experiencing feels difficult to do alone. My goal is to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can deepen self-understanding and grow in the direction that matters most to you. If you are looking for a therapist who values empathy, collaboration, and steady progress, I would be glad to connect.

Navigating life’s complexities, identity development, trauma, relationship challenges, or cross-cultural experiences, can feel overwhelming or fragmented at times. Therapy can offer a space to piece together your story with curiosity, compassion, and grounded support. I work with individuals and couples seeking understanding and healing around trauma, PTSD, intergenerational stress, inner child healing, identity exploration, life transitions, shame, anxiety, depression, and the pressures of growing up in diaspora and queer/trans experiences. I approach therapy through trauma-responsive, anti-oppressive, and relational lenses, centering you as the expert on your own life. My work is interactive, balancing curiosity and compassion with opportunities for direct feedback. I use an integrative approach that includes psychodynamic methods, Somatic Experiencing, CBT, and DBT to explore patterns that may be hindering your progress and deepen your sense of self while enhancing connection to your body and nervous system. I offer therapy in English and Macedonian, and draw on my bicultural and bilingual experience to support clients navigating cross-cultural and authenticity challenges. I understand how difficult it can be to show up as your authentic self, especially when cultural expectations, identity concerns, or past experiences hold weight. As a queer and trans therapist, I bring lived understanding to this work and aim to foster a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment where you can expand self-awareness, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful change. If you’re looking for a therapist who values curiosity, depth, and collaborative growth, we may be a good fit.

Therapy can be a space to slow down, untangle complex feelings, and better understand patterns that influence how you relate to yourself and others. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families seeking support with emotional challenges, life transitions, relationship concerns, stress management, and identity-related questions. I approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, and collaboration. My work centers on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore emotions, experiences, and long-standing patterns at a pace that feels right for them. I draw from evidence-based approaches and tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs. I offer therapy in both English and Polish and am mindful of supporting clients navigating cross-cultural experiences. I understand that reaching out for support can feel both hopeful and uncertain. My goal is to offer a respectful, warm, and supportive therapeutic relationship as you work through challenges and move toward meaningful change. If you are seeking a steady and compassionate therapeutic partnership, I invite you to reach out.

Feeling understood and supported can make a meaningful difference when emotional patterns, relationship concerns, or questions around identity begin to feel heavy. Many people seek therapy when they want a space where their experiences, background, and story are taken seriously. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples seeking support with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and curiosity, shaped by my multicultural and bilingual experience. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore emotions, patterns, and relationships at a pace that feels right for them. I draw from evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-informed strategies tailored to each person’s needs and goals. I recognize each person carries a unique context that influences how they experience themselves and their surroundings. Taking time to reflect on that can open space for change. My goal is to meet you with warmth, respect, and presence as we work together toward clarity, balance, and meaningful growth. If you are looking for a therapist who values curiosity, connection, and empowerment, I would be glad to connect.

Therapy can be a space to explore feelings that have been hard to express, step out of patterns that no longer serve you, and build stronger connections with yourself and others. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, and stress related to identity, self-worth, or major life changes. I approach therapy with warmth, curiosity, and evidence-based care, focusing on your lived experience and growth. My work is trauma-responsive and rooted in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where we collaborate to understand patterns, build insight, and develop skills that support meaningful change. I draw from modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and relational methods, tailoring strategies to each person’s needs and goals. I understand that feeling supported in therapy begins with patience, respect, and genuine presence. The therapeutic relationship matters, and my goal is to walk alongside you as you work toward clarity, balance, and forward movement. If you are seeking a therapist who values collaboration, curiosity, and human connection, I welcome you to reach out.

Life’s obstacles can feel overwhelming, chaotic, or unmanageable, especially when emotional, relational, or professional stressors pile up. Therapy can be a place to find safety, clarity, and support as you make sense of what you’re facing and begin to build coping skills that fit your life. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, eating disorders, domestic violence recovery, relationship concerns, and life transitions. I bring curiosity, compassion, humility, and a measured, evidence-based approach to the therapeutic process. My work is grounded in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore emotions, relational patterns, and thoughts at your own pace. I draw from CBT, DBT, and Acceptance and ACT, and I work with clients to develop coping strategies and meaningful insights, including personalized assignments that support their growth. As a therapists, I see how therapy can bring up both openness and hesitation. My goal is to walk alongside you with respect, patience, and authenticity as you navigate life’s challenges and work toward goals that matter to you. I value genuine therapeutic relationships and honor the courage it takes to begin this work. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, compassionate partner in your growth, I’d be glad to connect.

When emotions feel overwhelming, patterns feel stuck, or relationships become difficult to navigate, therapy can offer a supportive space to gain clarity and stability. Some people seek support for themselves, while others reach out around concerns related to their child or family. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional dysregulation, relational concerns, and life transitions. My approach is trauma-informed, eclectic, and collaborative, grounded in creating a safe, non-judgmental space for exploration and growth. I draw from insight-oriented Psychodynamic Therapy to better understand emotional and relational patterns, and integrate evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, and the Gottman Method. In my work, I focus on supporting emotional regulation, communication, and connection across individual, couple, and family systems. Reaching out for support can bring up a mix of thoughts and emotions, especially when you are facing personal challenges or concerns related to your child or family. My goal is to offer a compassionate, steady presence where you feel heard and supported as we work toward meaningful change. If you are looking for a therapist who values connection, curiosity, and collaboration, taking that first step can open space for growth.

I believe in every person’s worth and capacity for change and connection. This belief guides my work, and I lead each session with unconditional positive regard, leaving judgment at the door. This foundation shapes the work I do and the people I support in therapy. I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, couples, and children navigating hurt and harm across different areas of their lives, including interpersonal relationships and larger social systems. My work includes support for relationship conflict, communication challenges, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity-related concerns. My approach to therapy is integrative and relational, meaning I draw from a variety of evidence-based practices while tailoring our work to fit your unique needs, goals, and lived experiences. I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I am also particularly interested in the power of narrative, how we make meaning of our experiences, and how reauthoring those stories can be a source of growth and empowerment. In the therapeutic space we will build together, we work to reflect with intention and honesty. My goal is to help you reconnect with your authentic self in therapy and apply that work in ways that feel real, practical, and lasting outside the therapy room. Along the way, I will challenge and support you in becoming the version of yourself that best aligns with your values, needs, and goals. My work is always grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own experience. That doesn’t mean you have to navigate your healing journey alone.

I conduct neuropsychological testing with young adults and adults to understand how they learn and assess for ADHD, learning giftedness or challenges, as well as neurodivergence. I also coach young people entering into the therapy or counseling field. I also very much enjoy coaching people about relationships, dating relationships and boundaries in relationships.

I have experience working with people facing anxiety and depression, and individuals struggling with patterns of codependency and conflict in their intimate relationships. I have also worked with people who feel disconnected from their bodies, their creativity, and their sexuality. I have helped people navigating difficult life transitions, as well as those surviving trauma and loss. In my practice, I am sensitive to how marginalization and stigma impact mental health, as well as the ability to seek support. My style as a therapist is marked by openness, curiosity, and warmth. I sincerely believe in this work, and view therapy as a collaborative effort. With time and trust, we’ll explore the underlying feelings, beliefs, and conflicts which have made it challenging to live a meaningful and satisfying life. In turn, what once felt inescapable begins to shift, and something new emerges.

You might be feeling distress, restlessness, or unease. You might be wondering what’s driving your interactions with others, questioning where certain emotions or motivations stem from. You might be feeling a lack of purpose, anxiety, a pressure to perform, or that you are not living your life as authentically as you once did. You may have even had a moment of, “Well, how did I get here?” If this is you, I may be able to help. I have experience working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, childhood trauma, and complex PTSD. I help individuals and couples who have experienced family issues, struggles with relationships and attachment, women’s health and fertility issues, sexual abuse, and experiences of incarceration. I also work with those in search of individual meaning, identity, and authenticity.

Dr. Michelle Okolita completed her Doctorate in clinical psychology at Illinois School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University. She completed her internship at South Campus Therapeutic Day School in Palatine, IL. She has extensive training providing evidence-based therapy and conducting psychological evaluations with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Okolita’s clinical interests include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, identity, relationships, and behavioral problems. She uses a holistic approach to therapy, drawing from humanistic, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness techniques. She believes in the importance of adjusting to a client’s needs and maintaining flexibility in therapeutic interventions. In addition to therapy services, Dr. Okolita performs psychological assessments with children, adolescents, and adults. During her free time, Dr. Okolita enjoys baking, crafting, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.