Therapists for college students near 60657

Hello! I am a trauma therapist (psychologist) who works with people who want to feel safer and more connected to themselves, in their relationships and their world. As a therapist of nearly 20 years, I work with those who want to feel safer and more connected. Certified in EMDR and IFS-Informed EMDR. AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. Polyvagal Certificate. EMDR Intensives available for deeper work. Level 3 Gottman. Internal Tracks Offering-Hip Hop Therapy + Parts Work + Polyvagal. In response to painful, overwhelming experience, our systems learn show to brilliantly manage, perform, and hold it together. The patterns that helped you survive may now be happening automatically. We will explore how your system has adapted and apply that awareness in practical ways. Meaningful shifts can happen in connection. Active, intentional living offers a full life you honor the past and stay in the present. Life is sometimes absurd. Humor helps too! I'm licensed in IL, NY and (43) PSYPACT states.

Ami Goetz received her Masters from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice (Top-Ranked). She is a compassionate and motivated therapist who strives to create a safe, accepting environment to help clients overcome obstacles, strengthen relationships, and achieve their goals. Ami has extensive experience partnering with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. She has high interest in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, sexual assault, life transitions, grief, disabilities, executive functioning, and relationships. Ami also works well with patients who struggle with executive functioning and time management as a part of her disability background. She utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed approaches, Mindfulness, and Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy to foster self-acceptance and build resilience. Ami applies a strengths-based, holistic approach that tailors treatment to each individual’s particular needs. She is certified in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), is a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP), and practices cultural competency, attunement, and humility to cultivate a nonjudgmental, safe space where the therapeutic relationship can continue to evolve and progress. Ami values transparency, equity, loyalty, and unconditional acceptance which she emulates in each session. She is passionate about partnering with clients to improve their daily lives and achieve their desired outcomes.

We are a group of skilled clinicians dedicated to creating space for wellness through thoughtful, evidence based care. Many of us from marginalized communities know what it’s like to have our voices ignored or dismissed. At Ida Lillie, we acknowledge the history and reality of systematic oppression while offering our patients deep healing and change. Our team is passionate about providing reparative care through diverse representation in a field that often lacks it. At Ida Lillie, we offer expert clinicians who support all identities in their mental wellness.

Daniel Lovan, LPC (He/Him) is an LGBTQIA+ therapist specializing in trauma-informed therapy for adolescents and adults. Daniel earned his MA in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago and has extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) that informs his use of other evidence-based practices such as CBT, ACT, and Exposure Therapy. Daniel is also trained in and utilizes Written Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and DBT Prolonged Exposures as discreet trauma protocols for clients suffering from acute trauma symptoms. Due to his history and love of teaching in group therapy settings, Daniel emphasizes psychoeducation and a mindful, non-judgmental approach to help his clients see themselves in a more understanding and self-compassionate way that allows them to strip away the shame, guilt, and fear preventing them from curating their desired life worth living. Daniel prioritizes teaching DBT Skills, Polyvagal Theory, and Somatic experiences in his work with individuals, couples, and family systems. “If you’ve ever felt like you needed someone who just gets it, or if you’ve ever wanted a therapist who feels like a “real person” then you’ve come to the right place. How can I ask you to be your true, vulnerable self without also being vulnerable myself? I want to be on your journey of highs and lows with you and to teach you concrete skills along the way that will help you break free from patterns that you feel powerless to change. I’m looking forward to working with you and teaching you to see yourself, the world, and others, in totally new ways!”

Sometimes, life can feel heavy. Maybe it feels like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough. Maybe you feel lonely or disconnected in your relationship. Maybe you’ve already tried therapy, read the books, and still feel stuck. Or maybe things simply feel harder than they need to, and you’re ready for something to change. I work with individuals and couples who want to better understand themselves and navigate challenges with more clarity and confidence. Through curiosity and collaboration, we’ll explore patterns, build practical skills, and find what works best for you. Through my experience in private practice and community mental health, I’ve had the opportunity to support people through challenges related to anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, sex, neurodivergence, and women’s health. My approach is collaborative, warm, and direct. I draw from evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, Attachment Theory, Mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems. As a Gottman Certified Clinician, I also support monogamous and ethically non-monogamous couples in exploring the complexities of sex and relationships, whether they are navigating disconnection, conflict, changing relationship structures, or exploring desires. Building fulfilling, loving relationships—with yourself or with your loved ones—can be hard work, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Together, we can work through the messy parts with humor and lightness along the way. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to connect. Give me a call or schedule a free, 15-minute consultation so we can see if we might be a good fit.

Lakeview Center for Psychotherapy is a collaborative group of independent therapists in private practice. We share a philosophy and therapy approach. Our Philosophy We are inclusive, innovative, thoughtful, and compassionate psychotherapists. We believe everyone is capable of changing their relationships to self and others. We believe in addressing both difficult symptoms and the issues that lie underneath them. Each client has unique unconscious emotional patterns that we can discover and shift through flexible, attuned therapy. Our Work We work with clients of all backgrounds, identities, and levels of functioning. Our flexible approach combines the strengths of different types of therapy. We can match you with a therapist who has the right approach for you. Our Group Our collaborative group structure allows each therapist to grow and flourish, while also promoting long-standing commitment to our shared mission. We both support and challenge each other to expand our perspectives and deepen our work. Our Services We provide psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mind-Body focused therapies, and EMDR for adults, couples, children and adolescents, families, and groups. Our Space Our 15 Lakeview offices are in a bright, welcoming building devoted entirely to psychotherapy. Our location is convenient to bus and El lines. Street parking is available. We want to hear from you!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Therapy should be a place to not only get to know yourself but to grow, change, and flourish. If you have been looking to reconnect with yourself in a space free from outside noise and judgement this is the place for you! I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, survivors of intimate partner trauma, and those navigating PTSD, anxiety, depression, as well as the unique experiences of being neurodivergent. We will work collaboratively to honor your individual needs and identities, and create a space where you feel safe, valued, and empowered to live authentically.

Sometimes the struggles that bring us to therapy aren't obvious from the outside. You may be the person others see as happy and confident, navigating life’s challenges with a smile while quietly wrestling with anxiety, self-doubt, and perfectionism. Perhaps you're feeling stuck in familiar patterns, questioning long-held beliefs, or longing for a deeper understanding of yourself. Therapy can be a safe space to begin processing your lived experience. As a relational therapist, it is my hope to help support you in reclaiming your narrative and reconnecting with parts of yourself that may feel burdened or unseen. I enjoy working with individuals who find themselves caught in patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism, anxiety, or self-criticism. I also support clients navigating OCD, religious trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I use integrative, evidence based frameworks including CBT, ACT, and parts work. My approach is rooted in the belief that you are more than your thoughts. Together, we can explore what has shaped you, identify patterns that keep you stuck, and build on your existing strengths to help you feel more aligned in your purpose. Beginning therapy is the first step in that process, and I am honored to accompany you on this healing journey.

Dr. Shelley Daniels, Psy.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, trauma, grief and loss, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. She has a particular interest in supporting college students as they adjust to academic demands, increasing independence, identity development, and the emotional challenges that often arise during this stage of life.

Jiapei helps students manage anxiety, depression, social anxiety, ADHD, and the stress of major life transitions, from adjusting to freshman year to navigating the uncertainty of graduating and life after college. She offers a safe, non-judgmental space to be heard and find calm amid the overwhelm of college life. Jiapei helps students balance school, family, friendships, and romantic relationships, while gaining clarity and direction. She builds insight into thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, alongside real coping skills for daily life. Using CBT, ACT, and DBT, she brings a culturally responsive lens as a bilingual (English/Mandarin) clinician supporting BIPOC and international students.

Freelife is an LGBTQ+ affirming practice with strong experience serving University Counseling Students with their unique set of needs. We offer therapy online and in-person in the Andersonville area. Whether you are seeking help with relationships, anxiety/depression, autism-ADHD-neurodivergence- trauma, PTSD, adjusting to a new environment, sexual/gender identity, or any life transition, Freelife is here to help.

Maybe you’ve been telling yourself you should be able to handle this by now. But lately, everything feels heavier. Your energy is low, motivation is hard to find, and even small tasks can feel overwhelming. You may notice yourself pulling away from people, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to break. At times, you might find yourself reaching for something—whether it’s substances, distractions, or numbing behaviors—to get through the moment, even when it doesn’t bring lasting relief. For some, this shows up as persistent sadness, emptiness, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others. For others, it may look like anxiety, burnout, or being caught in cycles of overthinking and self-criticism. These experiences can also show up in relationships pulling away, avoiding hard conversations, or finding yourself in the same painful dynamics again and again. You may notice that your inner voice is harsh or unforgiving, making it even harder to find a way forward. Together, we will gently identify and address these patterns while building more compassion, stability, and connection—both within yourself and in your relationships I work with teens and adults navigating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, traumatic experiences, and life transitions. I provide LGBTQAI+-affirming therapy grounded in cultural humility, creating a safe and validating space to explore identity, relationships, and lived experiences. I also support individuals who are exploring their relationship with substances, whether that means reducing use, understanding patterns, or working toward recovery. I have completed training toward my Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential and am CADC-eligible, which allows me to integrate evidence-based approaches for substance use into our work. My practice is trauma-informed and guided by phase-oriented treatment approaches. In our early work, we focus on safety, stabilization, and building self-regulation skills to help you feel more grounded—even when things feel heavy or overwhelming. As you begin to feel more supported and resourced, we may shift toward processing more difficult experiences and understanding the roots of depressive patterns or substance use. Therapy is always paced according to your readiness. I prioritize transparency throughout therapy, ensuring you understand each step of the process and why certain approaches are used. My goal is to create a space that feels collaborative, supportive, and grounded—so you can move from feeling stuck and depleted toward feeling more engaged, connected, and able to experience meaning in your life again.

It's been some time since you felt like you. Have you noticed that you been withdrawn? Overwhelmed? Maybe you are noticing that your feelings of being down, sad, worried, or anxious just aren't going away. Maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, that your life is turned upside down, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. You've thought about reaching out for therapy, but you weren't sure. It's ok. We are here. Reach out today. We help you feel like you again. Through engaging in counseling we will assist you in accomplishing your goals. We believe that each of us encounters our own challenges in the course of creating a full life and that through partnering with a helping professional the path of improving your own wellness may be a bit brighter. We strongly believe in each individual’s capacity for growth and insight. Engaging in therapy with one of our therapists and starting (or continuing) your healing process, we believe you can develop and strengthen your own inner light and we hope to share in this process with you. As your collaborative partner, our clinicians will use their attuned listening skills, reflections, and specialized training to provide quality, individualized, and counseling and psychotherapy. Taking the first step towards change is never easy, but is often rewarding. When you are ready to take a step on a new path, let us be there to help you strengthen your own Bright Light. Our clinicians work with young adults, college students, and adults who are diverse in their identities, life experiences, and backgrounds. Areas of expertise include treating anxiety, depression, life transitions/adjustments, emotion regulation, traumas and stressful experiences, cultural and racial stress, and relationship issues. Additionally, each of our clinicians have their own areas of expertise. You can learn more about our clinicians on our website.

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.

Meredith Starr is a Registered Dietitian and Director of Nutrition Services at Allow Wellness in Chicago. She is an alumna of the University of Illinois at Chicago Coordinated Nutrition Program and began her nutrition career at UI Health general inpatient services while working part-time at a residential treatment facility for eating disorders. Meredith is deeply passionate about the treatment of eating disorders and has been practicing in this field for the past nine years. Meredith's personal nutrition philosophy centers on building a healthy relationship with food and is inclusive of mental, emotional, physical and social health. Meredith aligns herself with size-inclusive and non-diet nutrition approaches. She is passionate about empowering others in their relationship with food and their bodies. Allow Wellness is currently offering outpatient group nutrition sessions and profession presentations. Meredith welcomes all stages of readiness with regard to your relationship with food and your body shape and weight. If ready to schedule, please contact her today.

Therapy can be an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been overlooked for a long time. I work with individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, LGBTQIA+ and identity-related challenges, and more. I provide services in English and Mandarin.

Our world can be a tough place that leaves many of us feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood. If you’re tired of the systems working against you and are ready to receive unwavering support in breaking down the walls keeping you from your best relationships and self, I would love to assist you. You can expect our sessions to provide a sanctuary that is polyamory, sex worker, kink, and LGBTQIA+ affirming, QTBIPOC-centered, antiracist, trauma-informed, COVID-safe, and nonjudgmental so that you feel safe to show up as your authentic self. I work with individuals, couples, and families to utilize a person-centered, strengths-based, and evidence-based approach. In my work, I implement systemic modalities such as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I value building trust in our therapeutic relationship so that we can collaborate and customize a plan to explore what’s been holding you back, tap into your desires and strengths, and empower you to make the changes needed to claim the life you truly want. Via the structured and validating environment that we will foster together, we will be able to tackle concerns including intergenerational trauma, emotional and physical intimacy issues, sexual dysfunction, life transitions, sexual abuse, childhood abuse, domestic violence, religious abuse, and unlearning sexual shame. I aim to help uncover the resilient parts of you that have gotten muddled throughout daily life under current societal systems by working through a decolonial lens that uplifts marginalized groups. I studied Biology, Philosophy, and Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and have work experience with foster care youth, emergency medicine, interpersonal violence peer support, shelter animals, queer sexual health and pleasure advocacy, conflict mediation, and environmental canvassing. My diverse school and work background have deepened my understanding of systemic oppression and have prepared me to advocate for underserved populations. I am pursuing my master’s degree at National University in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis on sex therapy, and I have the privilege of being supervised by Brittney Brooks, LMFT. I know it can be challenging to be open with people outside your support system, and I also know that none of us deserves to navigate hardship alone. If you are prepared to embark on this courageous journey together, I invite you to reach out!

I specialize in working with college and university students struggling with ADHD. Whether it’s trouble starting tasks, managing time, or staying organized, I help clients find practical strategies while also holding space for the emotional toll that struggle can bring. I also work with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, offering support that’s compassionate, nonjudgmental, and rooted in evidence-based care. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and skills training. Together, we’ll identify patterns that aren’t serving you and build tools that support focus, regulation, and self-confidence both in the moment and over time. Therapy with me is collaborative and encouraging. We’ll work side by side to break down what feels impossible and create new pathways forward - grounded in your strengths, values, and capacity for change

You're juggling a lot right now. Classes, relationships, figuring out what you actually want to do with your life, maybe dealing with family stuff that followed you to college. Some days you feel fine. Other days, getting out of bed feels like a win. Maybe you're dealing with anxiety that won't shut off, the racing thoughts at 2am, the knot in your stomach before class, the way you replay conversations wondering if you said the wrong thing. Or maybe it's more like a fog, low motivation, feeling disconnected, going through the motions without really being present. We work with college students and young adults who are navigating: - Anxiety that gets in the way of school, friendships, or just feeling okay - Depression, low mood, or losing interest in things you used to care about - Relationship issues with partners, friends, roommates, or family - Identity questions: who you are, who you're becoming, who you want to be - Stress from academic pressure, career uncertainty, or feeling behind - Trauma or difficult past experiences that keep showing up - Coming out, gender identity, or finding your place in the LGBTQ+ community - Feeling like you have to have it all figured out (you don't) We're not going to tell you what to do or give you a bunch of homework. Therapy here is a conversation. We create a space where you can say the things you don't say out loud and figure out what's actually going on. We'll meet you where you are. We offer in-person sessions in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood and telehealth throughout Illinois. We accept BCBS PPO and Aetna PPO insurance and are happy to set up a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if we are the right fit for you.