Therapists for college students near 60611

Hi, I’m Payton Smith, and I believe therapy should be a space where you can show up fully as yourself, without judgment, pressure, or expectations. I strive to create an environment where you feel safe enough to explore your experiences, process what’s been weighing on you, and begin to make sense of your story. My role as a therapist is to walk alongside you, helping you reconnect with your strengths while building the tools needed to navigate life with more confidence. I use a flexible, collaborative approach that allows me to meet you where you are and adapt to what you need in each moment. I value going beyond surface-level conversations and creating space for meaningful, honest work.

You might be someone who, from the outside, has built a life that looks steady—getting into college, building friendships, increasing responsibilities—but inside, you feel more anxious, alone, or unsure of yourself than expected. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, self-esteem, identity, and relationships—often shaped by life transitions, adjusting to a new environment, or disappointment and unmet expectations. These experiences make sense. Navigating them alone is hard. College is hard! My work is grounded in the therapeutic relationship. I believe growth happens in the context of feeling safe, understood, and emotionally supported. I strive to create a warm, attuned, and collaborative space where we gently explore patterns shaped by relationships, attachment, and life experiences. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially if you’re used to carrying it all on your own. You don’t have to know where to start to begin. If you’re curious about working together, I invite you to reach out. I'm available in-person in the North Shore of Chicago or virtual across Illinois. I'd be so glad to partner with you!

At the North Suburban Center for Anxiety, we specialize in using cognitive behavior therapy to treat anxiety, OCD, and related disorders. We recognize that anxiety can be overwhelming, scary, and isolating. However, it is also treatable! As cognitive behavior therapists, we provide research-supported and results-oriented treatment. We believe that how individuals think and behave directly affect how they feel. Therefore, we use a compassionate, collaborative, and direct approach to empower clients with the necessary skills to modify their irrational thoughts, confront their maladaptive fears, and decrease their overall anxiety. By the end of treatment, our goal is that clients have learned the essential tools to master their anxiety or OCD and are living a more fulfilling life.

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My name is Jenna Schloss and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I specialize in treating OCD and other anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. I also have experience treating eating disorders within the outpatient level of care. My experience includes providing individual and group therapy, as well as facilitating trainings about evidence-based treatment. I have had the opportunity to receive intensive training and consultation in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I utilize these approaches as a foundation for treatment, and tailor my approach to the individual needs and goals of each client. All of my work with clients incorporates a collaborative approach, warmth, trust, and humor. I believe that laughter is an essential part of life and mental health. Outside of my work with individual clients, I engage in regular training and consultation with colleagues and also participate in one on one supervision in order to foster continuous clinical growth in service of providing the best treatment for my clients. For more information about me and my practice, please visit my website: schlosspc.com

Hi! Thank you for checking out my profile. I am a DePaul double grad - undergrad (2009) and grad (2014) and am so appreciative the time I had there. I remember that time fondly, but I also remember how stressful life can be during that period with lots of changes going on. The most important thing to me as a therapist is that my clients are getting what they need from the therapeutic process in order to grow and life their most fulfilling lives. I look forward to connecting with you to see if I can be a helpful support for you.

Our ideal clients are college students and emerging adults who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck while navigating academic pressure, social stress, identity questions, and the transition to independence. Many are high-achieving students who look “fine” on the outside but feel exhausted, disconnected, or constantly behind. Clients often come to us when anxiety, burnout, or overthinking is getting in the way of school, relationships, or daily life. As a team, we provide a warm, collaborative space and practical, evidence-based tools to help students manage stress, build coping skills, and feel more grounded, confident, and connected.

At RISE Wellness & Therapy, PLLC our philosophy is to believe in you when you have difficulty believing in yourself and to hold on to hope until you can hold it on your own. Following a strength based, relational model we believe that you are the expert in your life and through the therapeutic relationship you have the opportunity to create a healing experience. Now, therapy may not always be easy, but it will be intentional. Just like all relationships, it will be imperfect, but it will be a safe and accepting place for you to explore how to become the version of yourself you want to be. Much like the phoenix, you can rise from the ashes renewed, and ready to raise your possibilities.

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I value serving clients from a strengths-based perspective and utilizing a client’s internal strengths as a motivation for change. I enjoy incorporating mindfulness and helping clients use the present moment to better understand their experiences. An early inspiration for myself was being inspired by Patch Adams and finding humor as a way to help others heal. While I know that therapy can be challenging, I try to bring in lighter moments to help allow ourselves breaks on your journey to change. I have a social work degree from Aurora University with a specialty in addictions counseling and am a member of the National Association of Social Workers. I have over 5 years of experience in the mental health field and have worked with clients in a variety of settings including: inpatient hospitalization, residential and outpatient therapy. I have served as a therapist in both individual and group settings. I have had the opportunity to serve clients who have experienced substance use, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. I am comfortable serving survivors of trauma, and I am here to pay witness to what you need to share. I have experience using the therapeutic modalities: CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness. I am happy to incorporate your spirituality into our practice and to help you explore your faith. In my free time, I enjoy aerial yoga, reading fantasy books, and listening to Harry Potter based podcasts. I look forward to hearing from you and continuing your journey together, because you don’t have to do it alone.

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Life can be hard and the idea of starting the process of therapy can add to that stress and anxiety. You've already taken the first step by being here. If you are constantly feeling frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed, I am here to help you figure out what's going on and move towards the life you want to live. I will support you on your journey towards positive change and emotional well-being. My approach is warm, engaging, collaborative and sometimes even humorous. I have a strengths-based and non-judgemental mindset to assist you in creating goals for therapy that fit your needs in order to cope with the curve balls life has thrown. Whether those curve balls are long-last anxiety, depression, self-esteem, etc. or new stressors such as grief, life transitions, general life or work, we will come up with a plan. It is my top priority to make sure you feel comfortable. Whether it is your first time in therapy or you are looking for a fresh start with a new therapist, new is uncomfortable and sometimes that stops us from following through with this. I genuinely hope you find the strength to reach out and begin this journey because you deserve to feel content in life.

Rick McEwan's guiding philosophy is to be a "friend in healthcare," recognizing that seeking help is a courageous act. He recognizes that the healthcare system is a bit broken, and that it can be an overwhelming place for many individuals. Always meeting patients where they are in their journey, Rick focuses on individualized care plans that support mental and emotional well-being. He brings a wealth of expertise in a comprehensive patient-centered approach. Adopting a therapeutic framework that emphasizes trust, collaboration, and empathy, Rick strives to create a therapeutic alliance where patients feel empowered to engage in their healing process. He integrates the latest in psychopharmacology and therapeutic modalities, using technology to offer convenient and comfortable interactions. Rick is especially passionate about working with marginalized communities, fostering an affirming space where care is free from judgment and bias. His approach is deeply rooted in integrative care, leveraging a biopsychosocial model to address both physical and mental health needs.

I am a strengths-based, relational therapist who works primarily with trans, queer, and neurodivergent adults. Our sessions will focus on interpersonal growth, rather than finding a cure for symptoms. I want to understand your challenges and celebrate your successes. Together, we will explore the ways in which you are affected by societal systems and help you develop skills to advocate for your wants and needs. I strive to lead by example in showing that it is okay to make mistakes, to always be learning about oneself, and to continue growing and developing your identity as you move through different life experiences. When we are through with our work together, I hope you will have the tools you need to live a sustainable, satisfying, and ever-evolving life.

Many of us have been wounded at some point in our lives. Psychological wounds have the capacity to change the way we view ourselves and the way we view and interact with others. Sometimes people experience difficulties articulating the way they feel or find themselves stuck in the same maladaptive patterns in relationships. Therapy can be a useful way to make sense of how your past may be affecting your emotional well being in the here-and-now by putting unformulated experiences into words to help you heal. Using a relational approach to therapy, I aspire to offer my clients the kind of empathic environment that empowers them to heal from the past, work through present-day difficulties, change long-standing patterns in relationships, and move forward in ways that are meaningful for them. If you are looking for a safe and nonjudgmental space to make meaning of your experience feel free to contact me. I value collaborating on ways to help you achieve your personal goals.

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You’ve taken a brave step in inviting someone into your most personal space to partner in your healing. In our time together you will find a safe, non-judgmental environment to work through difficult experiences. I will support you to find resolution to your struggles, while helping you identify your inner strengths to reveal a healthier version of you. You are respected and valued, and this will be shown via honesty and empathy. I thrive in walking alongside you in your journey healing from toxic, antagonistic and/or difficult relationships. I have been providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples, adolescents, and families for over 15 years. I look forward to joining you in your wellness journey.

My practice focuses on individuals who feel they fall outside of traditional narratives of what our lives "should" look like. This may show up in your relationships, sexuality, gender, or general approach to life. Through our work together, I can help you identify what works for you and what is better left behind. I think of therapy as a journey we are taking together. I want to walk beside you (not in front, or behind) to help you identify the options that exist and what it would mean for you to take a particular path. While I may highlight options or explore possibilities, you choose the direction we go. This is because you are the expert on you! Ultimately, I believe by combining our areas of knowledge (your knowledge of yourself, my knowledge of psychology) we can help you to live a deeply meaningful and fulfilling life. My background is primarily working with the LGBTQ community and in college counseling centers. While I have worked with clients of all ages, I have especially focused on individuals moving through significant life changes, including identity exploration, starting or ending relationships, experiencing loss, or taking their life in a new direction. As a queer person, I feel deeply passionate about serving the LGBTQ community and all of its beautiful intersections. As a white person, I am actively engaged in my own anti-racism work and am committed to being a co-conspirator with Black and Brown communities. Outside of therapy work, I also enjoy training and supervision, and find particular joy in working with early career clinicians. Personally, I have an undying love for geek culture. I'm an avid reader and love getting immersed in faraway worlds, whether through books, TV, or movies. Some of my favorite fandoms include Doctor Who, Firefly, and Marvel. If you're looking for a therapist who will help you while also pulling metaphors from your favorite fandom, please give me a call!

My practice provides trauma-informed, compassionate mental health care for college students navigating stress, anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of past experiences. I specialize in working with students who feel overwhelmed, disconnected from their bodies, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. My approach is grounded in somatic and relational therapies, which means we pay attention not only to thoughts and emotions, but also to how experiences live in the body. Sessions are collaborative, nonjudgmental, and paced to support safety, choice, and self-trust. I strive to create an affirming space for students of diverse identities and backgrounds, including first-generation students and those balancing multiple cultural expectations. Whether a student is seeking support for trauma, burnout, academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, or personal growth, my goal is to help them build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and feel more grounded and empowered in their daily lives.

Transform Your Life: Embrace Joy, Growth, and Connection - Are you ready for a positive change in your life? Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, or the weight of past traumas, taking the courageous step of seeking therapy can be the catalyst for transforming your life. Don't let yourself feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the path ahead any longer. Let's embark on a journey together towards reclaiming your energy and rediscovering the joy, growth, and connection you deserve. I gravitate towards therapies that seek to create awareness around thoughts, behaviors and values, including ACT and EMDR, with a psychodynamic lens to explore past experiences and the ways in which they shape you. In exploring yourself and your formative experiences, you can gain clarity about your present self, fostering a radical new space for growth. Taking the first step to connect can be daunting, but I'm here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions, concerns, or are ready to begin, don't hesitate to reach out. I offer a complimentary consultation session where we can explore your needs and goals. Your journey towards a brighter future starts now. Good luck!