Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Melanie Blanton, LCSW, provides a compassionate and empowering therapeutic space for individuals in Illinois who may feel overwhelmed by life?s challenges. She works with adolescents, teens, and adults navigating a variety of concerns such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Melanie strives to help her clients reclaim their power and focus on what they can control, supporting them in living a life aligned with their values and goals. Melanie is particularly passionate about supporting girls and women to reach their fullest potential. She specializes in addressing self-esteem, body neutrality, and women?s issues, providing the tools and encouragement necessary for clients to build confidence and foster self-acceptance. Her approach combines empathy and clinical expertise to help clients overcome obstacles and develop a greater sense of empowerment in their personal and professional lives. Using evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Melanie tailors her sessions to meet the unique needs of each individual. Melanie also offers individual and group therapy, creating opportunities for deeper connection and healing.

Stephanie Alvarez, LCSW, knows going to therapy is a vulnerable experience, so she creates a safe and inviting environment to allow her clients to express themselves in an honest way. In sessions, she takes a holistic approach to tailor therapeutic tools that best support each client's needs. She also considers a client's social and cultural background to enhance her understanding of each client. Each person has a different path to healing, and she enjoys discovering that path together. Stephanie uses a combination of modalities such as CBT, mindfulness, trauma-informed interventions, and psychodynamic influences.

Shelly Gore, LCSW, is dedicated to guiding individuals through life's challenges with compassion and expertise. At LifeStance Health in Illinois, she offers specialized therapy to help clients achieve contentment and resilience. Shelly welcomes children, adolescents, and adults into her practice, ensuring a safe space for healing and growth. With over two decades of experience, Shelly specializes in PTSD/Trauma, ADHD, and Post-Partum Depression/Anxiety. She is passionate about supporting individuals through life transitions, trauma recovery, and managing anxiety and depression. Her therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couples/Marital Counseling, and Family Therapy, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Shelly embraces cultural humility, recognizing the importance of understanding diverse backgrounds and experiences. She believes in the power of self-compassion and empathy to foster personal growth and well-being. Whether navigating childhood behavior issues, relationship conflicts, or developmental disabilities, Shelly provides personalized care to support her clients' journey towards mental wellness.

Ganime Nazif, LCSW, CADC, is dedicated to helping individuals and families in Illinois navigate life's challenges with compassionate, expert care. At LifeStance Health, she offers a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their concerns, develop coping strategies, and work toward their personal goals. Ganime specializes in treating conditions such as alcohol and drug use, PTSD/trauma, and depression, providing evidence-based interventions tailored to each client's unique needs. Ganime is particularly passionate about supporting those struggling with alcohol and drug use. As a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), she combines her clinical expertise with deep empathy to help clients on their journey to recovery. She believes in a holistic approach that not only addresses the symptoms but also fosters long-term well-being and resilience. In her practice, Ganime works with a wide range of clients, including adolescents, adults, and seniors. Her therapeutic methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Group Therapy, and Individual Therapy, which she adapts to best suit the individual's situation. Ganime also has a strong commitment to serving diverse populations.

Dr. Karyn Cihak is a Psychologist in Illinois who has been practicing since 1999. They completed their undergraduate degree in Psychology at Augustana College. Their first Master?s Degree focusing on behavioral and family systems as related to clinical psychology is from Eastern Illinois University. After working in the field in inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, Dr. Cihak went on the earn their second Master?s degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Their training focused on neuropsychology and health psychology. Training across a spectrum of orientations including client centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, health psychology, and neuropsychology provides Dr. Cihak with an eclectic base to assist clients in reaching their goals. They sought out additional training to assist clients in navigating their fertility journey. Throughout their career Dr. Cihak has been involved with clients managing acute and chronic medical conditions including oncology, multiple sclerosis, head trauma, orthopedic injury, diabetes, and dementia. Outside of work, Dr. Cihak enjoys experimenting with gourmet cooking, travel, reading, and aquatic fitness.

Bayo Agbolade is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Bayo offers his clients holistic care. Outside of work, Bayo enjoys reading and travelling.

Anna Lucas is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Anna is dedicated to providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations while developing personalized, evidence-based treatment plans that align with client goals. She specializes in treating mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, neurodevelopmental disorders, and substance misuse. Outside of work, Anna enjoys gardening, hiking trails with her dog, crafting, and reading.

I personally know how much stress can come from seeking counseling, so I will ensure to create a safe and holding environment that will allow for you to feel as stress-free as possible. I utilize psychodynamic skills, narrative, CBT, solution-focused, multicultural, and client-centered techniques to help you overcome challenges you come to therapy with and to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible sharing these challenges. I have experience working with PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, OCD, and the LGBTQ+ Community. I am currently accepting requests for therapy in-person and via secure video sessions on VSee, doxy. me, and Google Meet during this difficult time of isolation caused by COVID-19. I was born and raised in the Chicago-land area and received my Bachelor's in Psychology at Loyola University Chicago, and my Master's in Counseling at Northwestern University.

Specialties: Palliative care (comfort care) for individuals and families coping with terminal illnesses. Bereavement/grief issues due to expected and unexpected losses. Loss due to suicide, drug overdose, and accidental deaths. Post traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, panic and anxiety disorders and anger management. Adult patients. It is essential for people to feel they are able to manage their emotions and their emotions are not controlling their lives. I'm bad, I'm weak, there is something wrong with me, are mistaken ideas people have when they are suffering emotional pain. There is often shame and fear when individuals feel they need or are told to get help. It is no different to seek counseling for emotional pain than to call the doctor when one breaks a leg or has the flu. I have experience helping people get back in their drivers seat regarding their emotions. When people are confused or suffering with emotional pain they are particularly vulnerable to fear, anger, and helplessness. This is often accompanied by a sense of purposelessness and not caring about much. As a therapist, I provide education, support, and comfort to maintain and improve functioning as well as maintain a person's sense of feeling normal.

Emily Spaargaren is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. Emily provides clients with a safe and comfortable environment, giving them an ear to listen. She has experience helping individuals with special needs, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Hoarding, and Schizoaffective Disorder. In her free time, Emily enjoys walking, biking, boxing, pottery, journaling, praying, going to concerts, and traveling.

Krista Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Florida, dedicated to helping clients navigate their journey toward healing with compassion and expertise. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in working with adolescents and adults, offering support for a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD. Krista provides a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, address concerns, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Her approach is holistic, combining evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a deep understanding of the complexities of personal struggles. Krista is particularly passionate about assisting the LGBTQIA community and individuals struggling with work-life balance, self-esteem, and boundary-setting. She understands the stressors that can arise from juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, and she empowers clients to create a more balanced, fulfilling life. Whether addressing stress management, trauma, or ADHD, Krista aims to help clients build resilience and regain control over their lives. She is committed to walking alongside her clients, offering practical tools and unwavering support throughout their healing journey.

Inshirah Hajjar, LSW, is a dedicated social worker with over eight years of experience supporting individuals across Illinois in navigating life?s challenges. She provides compassionate care to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, fostering a safe and collaborative environment for healing and growth. Inshirah specializes in helping clients manage anxiety, trauma (PTSD), and reproductive challenges, using personalized strategies to empower and build resilience. Inshirah is particularly passionate about addressing developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. Her integrative approach includes evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Parenting Skills. Whether working with children facing behavioral concerns or adults navigating complex life transitions, she tailors her methods to meet each client?s unique needs. Her expertise also extends to treating depression, grief, and ADHD. Inshirah excels at guiding clients through midlife and later-life transitions, helping them adapt to change with confidence and hope. Additionally, she offers case management and group therapy services to ensure comprehensive support for a variety of concerns.

Krista Sherinian, LCSW, has over 27 years of experience helping clients age 5 and up. She often works collaboratively in cases of divorce and with stepfamilies. She got Spanish fluency from a language school in Guanajuato, Mexico. Adult clients have described her work with her as, practical and life-changing. She addresses mind-body wellness by including in treatment lifestyle tips, relaxation training, guided imagery, and Emotional Freedom Techniques. Her approach to couples or family therapy blends strengths with personality type to learn better communication and ways to grow in partnership. From the start, she will create a practical roadmap of how to enhance or restore trust and intimacy based on a clear explanation of how personality, defenses, and other patterns affect the issues you wish to resolve. Ms. Sherinian is an adoptive and biological parent who has received specialized training in adoption and fertility issues. She is listed as a resource in Chicago Area Families for Adoption (CAFFA). She has been a speaker in District 203's Parent University, Advances in Neuropsychiatry, and Evidence-Based Holistic Therapies.

Noel Tapia is a Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Noel helps his clients by focusing on a treatment plan that is tailored specifically for the individual. In his spare time, Noel enjoys running, fishing, and weightlifting.

Laura Rae Venditti is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Iliinois who has been practicing since 2016. Laura Rae approaches therapy within a client-centered climate, using the tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), through a solution-focused lens. She helps clients identify obstacles and explore solutions, believing that if one wants something to change, one has to be willing to foster change. Laura Rae and the client will explore barriers and remove roadblocks that have denied them their joy. Laura Rae works with her clients to explore their version of a better life in a quest to make it their reality. In essence, they are on this journey together. Outside of work, Laura Rae enjoys time spent with family, and especially finds joy spending time with her grandchildren. One of her favorite pastimes is attending baseball games and is especially loyal to her Chicago White Sox. She takes advantage of the benefits of exercise, as it greatly contributes to attaining balance and minimizing stress in her life. Therefore, she loves the advantages of living in the city where she can walk, run, or bike, most anywhere she needs to go.

Tekeia Hinton is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is experienced in working with anxiety disorders, transitional stress, substance use, depression, loss, crisis, and trauma. She uses techniques from many therapies including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. She also incorporates skills of mindfulness and education. Tekeia received her Master's Degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She particularly enjoys the fall season and learning about new cultures.

Robyn has experience across therapeutic settings. Her experience includes inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization program treatment, community-based services and outpatient settings. Robyn specializes in treating individuals who suffer from suicidal ideations, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma (with extensive training and experience with domestic violence & sexual assault), adjustment phases, and substance abuse/dependence. Robyn utilizes a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Person-Centered Therapy. Robyn believes in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and meeting individuals where they are at. She provides psychoeducation and offers encouragement to empower individuals to make changes to live a more fulfilling life. In her free time, Robyn enjoys spending time with family & friends. She also likes to read, travel, and attend baseball games and concerts. Robyn is also a lover of dogs and currently attends agility classes with her own dog.

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.

Cory Dolley is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2019. Cory just wants to be able to help give people a fighting chance to have a healthy, happy, productive life. Perhaps you are someone in your late 20's to 60's and are not used to asking for help because you were taught early never to show vulnerability. Perhaps you are dealing with unacknowledged trauma from years ago that was never seriously addressed. All you know is that you are in pain, and that pain is affecting all your other relationships, making it harder to reach out to others, hard to trust anyone. Perhaps you were coping with that pain by drinking or using other drugs. You just want to get better, and to live a healthier, happier life. You want to have a better relationship with the people you love. Cory can work with a variety of people to identify and address the issues that they are having so that they can begin to have better lives. He uses a compassion based and understanding approach and works with people's strengths so that they can begin to address the problems they are having and work to have the better lives they want to have. Cory has worked with a wide variety of clients and helped people process grief, loss, anxiety, and anger.