Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Annmarie Schening is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois. She earned her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certificate as well as her Bachelor?s and Master?s degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Annmarie takes a personalized, trauma informed approach to your care, pulling from CBT, DBT, ACT, and IFS models. When not at work, Annmarie enjoys anything outside! She loves to garden, ride her bike, and hike. She also enjoys baking and cooking, as well as finding new restaurants. She likes to read, particularly thriller novels.

Marina Cotsilis is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2022. She has a Master of Social Work from University of Denver, a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art Photography from Columbia College Chicago, and a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology w/minor in Fine Arts from Loyola University of Chicago. Marina provides her clients with emotional support, guidance, and encouragement. She helps them build coping skills/strategies and the courage and resilience to overcome mental health challenges and life struggles. Marina offers education on mental health symptoms, causes, and treatment options. She strives to create a safe, welcoming, judgment free, calm environment for her clients. Outside of work, Marina is also an endurance cyclist and 2-time Iron Man Competitor, a triathlete, a professional photographer, a traveler for bike races, an MMA fighter and kickboxer, and an active hiker with her dog, Ella. She loves to volunteer and work with the Special Olympics, enjoys reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, and listening to and playing music.

Melissa Downey is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2022. She has an M.S. Ed in Counseling. Melissa believes in taking a holistic, person-centered approach, focused on each person's strengths as a way to personalize their experience. She strives to work together with clients on achieving those goals through realistic goalsetting, drawing from strengths each person already has within them, combined with new skills learned in session together. Melissa truly believes that everyone has within them the ability, potential, and drive to achieve their goals. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys softball, volunteering with Veteran's organizations, and reading.

Heather Farina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2009. She has a Masters in Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work at University of Illinois at Chicago. Heather has 15 years of experience working in the field of Social Work with an emphasis on individuals who have experienced trauma, depression anxiety and grief. She meets clients where they are and forges with them a path to achieve their goals, step by step. Specifically, Heather can offer EMDR, CBT, and REBT to clients. Outside of work, taking walks with my puppy is one of Heather?s most regular favorite activities in this season.

Tonja Jameson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2008. She graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and went on to Olivette Nazarene University for their CACREP Accredited three-year program for Master of Arts in Professional Counseling with an added certification in School Counseling. Always drawn to work serving others, Tonja was interested in counseling from a young age. As an adult practitioner she has worked with many state agencies, as well as private practice to have a wide range of experience. Her main goal is to help people live a less stressed, freer life so they can achieve their goals. Tonja offers a judgment-free ear and assists in perspective shifting and/or coaching toward achieving goals however big or small. She offers the client concrete ways forward when change seems or feels impossible. Frequently clients believe that the therapist is the answer, however, Tonja generally tells them in their first session that she is not the answer but can help them find the answer within themselves. Outside of work, Tonja enjoys time outdoors with her dogs.

James Hutto IV is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. He earned a Master's in Clinical Psychology at Benedictine University. James works to use a client-centered therapeutic approach as a basis for working with clients, but also employs other techniques from approaches like cognitive-behavior therapy and positive psychotherapy. James works to be a culturally competent counselor and enjoys working with individuals from a variety of different backgrounds. He looks forward to collaborating with clients in the future. In his free time, James enjoys reading, playing board games with his family, and bowling.

David Petersmark, LCSW, is a seasoned therapist with over 22 years of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges. Serving clients across Illinois, he provides a compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to therapy, fostering a safe environment where clients can explore their emotions and develop strategies to address their concerns. David specializes in working with adults and seniors, offering personalized support to help clients manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. David is particularly passionate about helping individuals and couples overcome challenges related to relationships, grief, and life transitions. Whether addressing couples' issues, managing grief, or navigating the complexities of later-life changes, he equips clients with the tools they need to foster resilience and growth. His empathetic and evidence-based methods are especially effective in assisting clients facing these deeply personal challenges. In addition to his focus on relationships and life transitions, David excels in helping clients manage conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma.

Robert Beach, LPC, sees therapy as a team effort, and he loves helping children, adolescents, and families make progress and reach their goals. Robert earned an undergraduate degree from University of Iowa, an M. A. in teaching from Olivet Nazarene University, and an M. A. in school counseling from Concordia University. In addition to his role at LifeStance Health, Robert is a high school counselor and also has a background in teaching. In therapy, Robert uses CBT, DBT, Client-Centered, and Solution-Focused techniques to serve clients. He believes everyone has the ability to accomplish great things, and he is there to counsel, coach, and support each client throughout the process.

Erin Williams, PMHNP Erin Williams is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. She has Master's degrees in Health Education and Nursing. She has double-board certification in Family Practice and Psychiatry. As a professional psychiatric nurse practitioner, Erin's approach to helping patients is rooted in comprehensive and compassionate care. She begins by establishing a nurturing environment that fosters trust and comfort, encouraging open dialogue. Through thorough interviews and active listening, Erin gathers extensive information about the patient's history, symptoms, and aspirations. Using standardized diagnostic tools and criteria, she meticulously assesses their mental health concerns while remaining mindful of potential underlying medical factors. Erin collaborates with other healthcare providers, recommending and coordinating medical evaluations or laboratory tests to ensure a holistic understanding of their condition. In discussing diagnoses and treatment options, Erin prioritizes clear and empathetic communication, ensuring patients comprehend their condition and actively participate in decision-making. Through regular follow-ups and personalized care plans, Erin remains dedicated to monitoring progress, adjusting treatments as needed, and providing ongoing support.

Abosede "Abby" Babalola, PMHNP, collaborates with clients to explore the latest treatment options to achieve optimal mental health. She helps adolescents and adults with anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, substance abuse, and more. Abby earned a M.S. in nursing from University of St. Francis a graduate degree in health administration from University of Phoenix. Prior to joining LifeStance Health, she worked in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry for a variety of hospital and community mental health settings. During treatment, Abby forms an alliance with clients and takes time to learn about their experiences and background. Her goal is to explore each client's unique attributes, abilities, and challenges and use that knowledge to recommend the best treatment.

Rachel is a Licensed Social Worker with over 4 years of experience in the social work field and 1 year of experience in the clinical field specializing in depression, anxiety, gender identity issues, child behavioral issues, and life transitions. Rachel treats patients between the ages of 11 and 90 utilizing strength-based cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and solution-focused therapy to treat her clients. Rachel has a copious amount of experience counseling children, families, couples, and adolescents in a therapeutic setting. In her work, Rachel utilizes both modern and traditional approaches to fit what is best suited for the client's treatment. In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time with her horse and dogs or attending concerts when possible. Rachel has a Master of Social Work from Aurora University with a specialization in Child Welfare and Forensic Social Work, where she also received her Bachelor of Social Work as well.

Gina Weber, LCPC, is dedicated to helping individuals in Illinois navigate life's challenges by providing compassionate and effective therapy tailored to each client's unique needs. With a focus on skill-building and practical strategies, Gina utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing to help clients develop emotional regulation and achieve their personal goals. Gina's approach is rooted in creating a warm, welcoming environment infused with humor, making therapy both supportive and engaging. Gina is especially passionate about treating issues related to addiction, anxiety, and couples' therapy. Whether it's guiding someone through recovery from substance use, helping couples rebuild and strengthen their relationships, or addressing anxiety that interferes with daily life, Gina is committed to offering practical tools and insights that foster growth and healing.

Cortnie Irby is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2017. She believes in working from a trauma informed, client centered approach. Her goal is to empower clients to make positive changes in their lives by gaining a healthy sense of control, learning to regulate their emotions, and redefining what safety and security means to them. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy to assist clients in growing and healing in a way that fits their individual needs. Cortnie has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Bradley University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Aurora University. Cortnie began her career working in community organizations providing individual, group, and family therapy. Through her career, she has focused on populations including adult and child survivors of domestic and sexual violence, youth with sexual behavioral problems, and children and adolescents with a variety of mental health issues including aggression, suicidal/homicidal ideations, depression, and anxiety.

Kristen Melchiori is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2017. Kristen meets her clients where they are. She works with clients to create goals and works on coping skills and tools to reach those goals. Kristen provides empathy, support, and encouragement. Outside of work, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, riding bikes, walking dogs, and reading.

Kemi Aina, PMHNP-BC, provides compassionate and evidence-based psychiatric care to individuals across Illinois, focusing on promoting mental health and well-being. Kemi tailors medication strategies to effectively address psychiatric symptoms. Her practice emphasizes empowering clients by explaining medication options, benefits, and risks, enabling them to make informed decisions about their treatment. Kemi is particularly passionate about helping clients navigate challenges related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. She also offers specialized support for women?s issues, post-partum depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, and psychosis/schizophrenia. Her approach integrates medication management with supportive techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to ensure clients receive comprehensive, holistic care. Beyond her clinical expertise, Kemi values building strong therapeutic relationships with her clients, fostering an environment of trust and understanding. She serves a diverse population of adults and seniors, offering care that is inclusive and tailored to each individual's needs.

Ben Meils is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. He graduated with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ben offers a person-centered, unconditionally accepting, nonjudgmental approach to address a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, low self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. Ben's clients have come to expect a warm, welcoming, and empathetic environment where they can sort through life's most challenging problems to meet their wellness goals. Outside of work, Ben enjoys playing with his son, cycling, and spending time in nature.

Dr. Lu specializes in Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry, who has been practicing since 2010. She also has a PhD in Microbiology & Immunology. Her extensive training in both fields leads her to a unique understanding of the mind and body. She believes in people's potential and strives to develop a personal connection with them. Her holistic approaches and genuine relationship with each patient and family, have contribute to her success in treating various mental health conditions: ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, gender incongruence, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, etc. In her spare time, Dr. Lu enjoys gardening, reading, traveling, swimming, and cross-country skiing.

Patricia Roy, MD, is a dedicated psychiatrist based in Illinois who brings over 15 years of experience to her work with children, adolescents, and young adults. She is deeply committed to helping families navigate challenges related to ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Dr. Roy strives to create a supportive and empathetic environment for patients and their caregivers, recognizing that no two individuals are alike. She is passionate about empowering young people to reach their full potential through individualized care that integrates medication management and therapeutic interventions. Dr. Roy has a particular focus on trauma and autism spectrum disorders, bringing both clinical expertise and personal sensitivity to these areas. Her work with children and teens emphasizes helping them build resilience and overcome barriers to emotional and developmental well-being. She also specializes in addressing school avoidance, depression, and sleep disorders, ensuring that her approach is holistic and tailored to the unique needs of each patient. In addition to treating individuals, Dr. Roy provides family therapy and parenting skills training to support caregivers in fostering healthier dynamics within the home.

Deborah L. Kivett is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2003. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Social Work from Aurora University. Deborah believes in being an active listener and providing a safe environment for her clients where they can establish trust and build a therapeutic rapport. She strives to promote personal growth through assertive communication, setting healthy boundaries, and proactive conflict resolution. Deborah utilizes a client centered approach that is strength based and solution focused. In her spare time, Deborah enjoys spending time with friends and family, including her fur babies.

Kellen M. Smith, LSW, MSW, CADC, CODP, and CAIP, is a compassionate therapist at LifeStance Health in Illinois, specializing in supporting individuals through challenges with substance use disorders, mental health issues, religious trauma, and the aftermath of human trafficking. Kellen is dedicated to empowering her clients, providing them with tools to overcome life's stresses and emerge resilient. Serving adults and adolescents, she creates a safe, supportive environment for healing and personal growth. With expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Kellen tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. She focuses on empowering clients to navigate issues related to anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and trauma, with particular attention to individuals who have endured religious trauma or complex life transitions. Her goal is to foster self-compassion and resilience, helping clients move forward.