Therapists for college students near 60614

Your mind is unique—your therapy should be too. If you’re exhausted by overthinking, caught in endless “what if” thoughts, or feeling mentally drained despite appearing to have it all together, you’re not alone. Many of my clients are thoughtful, compassionate, and high-achieving people struggling with anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, intrusive thoughts, self-doubt, burnout, depression, or major life transitions. Together, we’ll uncover what’s keeping you stuck and build the skills needed to create meaningful, lasting change. My approach goes beyond symptom management. I take a personalized, whole-person approach that combines neuroscience, comprehensive assessment, and evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs. Drawing from Neuropsychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) for OCD, Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and somatic techniques, we’ll help your brain and body work together—not against each other. Therapy with me is collaborative, practical, and grounded in real life. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how your mind works, learn effective tools to manage difficult emotions, and build resilience that lasts beyond the therapy room. I believe healing doesn’t have to be cold or clinical—it happens through authentic connection, curiosity, and, when appropriate, a little humor. Whether you’re ready to quiet the mental noise, overcome anxiety, regain confidence, or simply feel like yourself again, you don’t have to do it alone. I offer personalized therapy in both English and Polish through in-person and secure online sessions. Healing is possible, and I’d be honored to be part of your journey. This version is more conversational, premium, and client-focused while naturally incorporating your specialties and approach without feeling like a list of techniques.

Though I am experienced with most general mental health struggles (depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc.), some of my specialties include those grappling with - ⁃ Loneliness ⁃ Toxic relationships ⁃ Setting boundaries with friends/roommates ⁃ Transitioning to college life ⁃ Perfectionistic tendencies and cycles of shame ⁃ Relationship breakups and friendship ruptures ⁃ Procrastination with schoolwork ⁃ Comparing self to others' achievements ⁃ Negative self-talk ⁃ Time management ⁃ Choosing a major

Hi there! My name is Kate, and I’m here to help you learn about yourself. My goal is to build a strong therapeutic alliance with you so we can understand your history, patterns, needs, and desires. I practice therapy with a trauma-informed and neurodivergent affirming lens; I believe in the importance of understanding your story and starting wherever you are. I also use a client-centered approach, meaning you get to set the pace and determine what's most important to you. So whether you’re suffering from anxiety or depression, struggling with change, or simply need a safe place to talk it out, I’m happy to be along for the ride.

I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Case Western Reserve University and my Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. I am passionate about mental health and the people who struggle with it. As a provider, I aim to educate others as well as myself about what mental wellness and illness look like to a variety of people with a variety of life circumstances. I am especially passionate about the stories of marginalized populations and strives to provide accessible care. I am committed to ensuring that my clients have the resources they need to not only overcome their current struggles but to succeed and thrive in the future.

I specialize in helping teens, adults, and parents by creating a space that feels safe, judgment-free, and genuinely compassionate. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about your next steps, you’re not alone and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. In our work together, we’ll explore what’s weighing you down, uncover what truly matters to you, and develop practical strategies to ease your stress. Along the way, you’ll build confidence, self-compassion, and a stronger connection to yourself and your values.

If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re ready to make some changes in your life. Maybe you’re struggling to form deep and meaningful relationships. Maybe you’re tired of constantly making to-do lists but never finishing them. Or maybe you’re tired of being plagued by indecision and self-doubt. As a licensed professional counselor, I’ll help you let go of perfectionism, people pleasing and other related anxieties. I’m a perfectionist therapist who loves working with high achievers, anxious college students and overwhelmed adults. I'm a licensed professional counselor in Missouri, Illinois and Colorado. I also offer Brainspotting.

I earned my **Master’s degree in Counseling from Freed-Hardeman University in 2008** and became a **National Certified Counselor (NCC #247220) in 2016**. I have been a **Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois (LCPC #180.011277) since 2017**. With more than **14 years of counseling experience**, I have worked with adolescents, college students, and adults facing a wide range of mental health and life challenges. I specialize in helping individuals manage **anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma/PTSD, substance use concerns, stress, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions**. I understand that the college years can bring unique pressures—academic stress, uncertainty about the future, balancing relationships, adjusting to independence, identity exploration, and feeling overwhelmed by expectations. My goal is to provide a supportive space where students can build confidence, strengthen coping skills, and develop practical strategies to succeed both personally and academically. My background includes work in **outpatient, residential, in-home, rehabilitation, foster-care, correctional, and telehealth settings**. I have experience providing **individual, group, and family therapy**, with a strong focus on helping clients improve emotional regulation, executive functioning, stress management, communication skills, decision-making, and healthy relationship patterns. I take a **collaborative, nonjudgmental, and strengths-based approach** to therapy. Together, we will identify your goals and create a treatment plan that fits your needs and values. I want clients to feel safe, heard, and respected throughout the counseling process. My therapeutic approach is tailored to each individual and may include evidence-based methods such as: * **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)** * **Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)** * **Mindfulness-Based Interventions** * **Solution-Focused Therapy** * **Motivational Interviewing** * **Attachment-Based Therapy** * **Behavioral Activation** * **Person-Centered Therapy** * **Positive Psychology** To help students get the most out of therapy, I often provide **practical exercises, skill-building activities, and between-session strategies** that can be applied in daily life, academics, and relationships. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and I would be honored to work with you as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of your college experience.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just not feeling like you’re firing on all cylinders? Maybe you're feeling burnt out from life or work. Life throws heavy stuff at us, and sometimes, we need a partner to figure it out. That’s where I come in; I’m just a real person helping other real people. The idea of talking to a therapist can be scary- maybe you’re not ready to share your whole story, and that’s okay. My job is to help you figure out what you want to work on and go from there. I believe therapy is a safe place where we can come up with solutions to some of the challenges you may be experiencing. I take a strengths-based approach and will pepper in some humor as well. I am skilled at helping clients with various challenges, but I consider my expertise to be helping people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, caregivers for others, healthcare workers, people dealing with chronic illness, and people going through life transitions. My goal is to help you feel like the best version of yourself. If you are looking for a real and authentic person who will be your partner in this shitshow we call life, and not just someone asking you "how does that make you feel" and head nodding, then I'm your girl! Setup a free consultation to see if I'm a good fit for your needs.

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I have had the privilege over the past 30 years to work with incredible people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, family and relationship conflict, and other difficulties. Together, we've found their resilience and healing. Our time together is about you. You know yourself best and we will pair that with 30+ years of my professional and personal experience, to help you achieve what you want from therapy - more joy, more peace, better communication, etc. I will work with you in a compassionate, inclusive, productive way to help you get to where you want to be. Taking the first step is brave. Please call or email and schedule an initial meeting. Currently providing in person and virtual therapy in PA, and virtual therapy in IL, RI, and MI.

Therapy is a unique process, one that aims to guide you through challenges and roadblocks, helping you move towards a healthier and more meaningful life. My goal is to create a space where growth is safe and cultivated. Using an evidence-based approach, I work to help you gain awareness of your emotional experience, working to understand the way you experience and interact with the world. I help you explore parts of yourself you may not be completely comfortable with, learning to tolerate the discomfort that surfaces during this process. I challenge clients to try something different, encouraging a more intentional approach. Change can be hard and scary; it takes courage and willingness to say you need help. I see individuals with a wide range of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, and identity development. I also maintain a strong commitment to cultural humility. Life can throw out some pretty tough things, and while we don't always have a choice in what comes our way, we do have a choice in how we respond. Let's work together to find out how you want to respond to the challenges in your life.

Do you feel stuck? Perhaps you recognize that something in your life isn't working and you've tried to fix things or make changes, but it didn't work and you find yourself feeling exhausted, defeated, confused, helpless, hopeless, or overwhelmed. Or maybe you have no idea where to start. You've landed in the right place because getting unstuck is my specialty. Reaching out for help is a courageous choice. I am honored to provide a safe space for clients to pause, reflect, process, learn, and grow. My goal is to empower clients to live fully and embrace a lifestyle that sustains a sense of well-being. I am licensed in NY, PA, IL, and NH, which allows me to support students year-round who may live in one state and go to school in another, or who plan to move to another state following graduation. Transitions are often a time of increased stress so finding a therapist who can be present *virtually* throughout is important. In addition to our work together in session, I make use of an app that is free to my clients to provide resources between sessions and collect data to create a personalized approach to treatment.

Parkside Psychological Services is dedicated to serving people of all ages and needs. Our team of diverse, talented providers is committed to understanding the root of client’s concerns and working with them to bring about effective changes for recovery. Different providers are available 7-days/wk including daytime, evening, and weekends to suite your needs. We are currently accepting patients with a wide spectrum of symptoms. Able to connect in-person (Lake Forest, IL) or virtually (PsyPact membership connecting to 42 states nationwide!). We are in-network with BCBS PPO and Medicare. Out-of-network rates can be discussed as needed with option of superbills to support your request for reimbursement. Please reach out to Dr. Smiley directly to discuss your needs and preferences, and get started right away! Ideally an initial appointment will be scheduled within a week.

I have extensive experience in the field working with college students. I specialize in working with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma and PTSD. I have helped many college students navigate transitions into young adulthood, career exploration, and academic stressors.

Are you tired of struggling with constant thoughts about food, your body, and exercise? I'm passionate about helping you to achieve a balanced relationship with food, find peace and acceptance in your body, and take steps towards a more fulfilling life. I will provide you with support, guidance and compassion as we navigate the growth and changes that come with eating disorder recovery. My approach to treatment is personalized for the unique needs of each of my clients and incorporates a number of evidence-based modalities. As a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, I know that eating disorders are NEVER just about the food. I will also work with you to identify the underlying issues; including depression, anxiety and life stressors that have contributed to your distressing thoughts and behaviors. I believe that no matter what stage of life you're in, therapy can be beneficial. If you’re ready to work through the challenges that have kept you stuck, I'd love to be that safe space and provide the accountability, support, and empathy you need. If you'd like to talk more before scheduling a session, I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to answer any questions you have and see if we might be a good fit to work together.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My practice is heavily rooted in mindfulness-based interventions, proven effective for depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, focus and attention, emotion management and cultivating self compassion. In our work together, you’ll develop practical coping strategies, learn to interrupt unhelpful thought patterns, build the psychological resilience to live more freely and create a relationship to your emotions that allows you to remain grounded in the face of stress and overwhelm.

I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals. I have experience assisting people in working on mood and anxiety disorders, grief and identity exploration.

I’m a licensed psychologist with specialty training in exposure therapy for OCD and anxiety disorders, evidence-based trauma treatments, and transgender and queer healthcare. My passion is engaging in short-term, collaborative change processes with people—helping them make their lives bigger and more fulfilling, while providing the skills to better weather the stresses of life. It’s a hard world to live in for many of us, and I believe one of the best things we can do is get connected to the people and things that make our lives matter, even when it’s hard. In my experience, the thing that usually makes us the most miserable is when we avoid our internal experiences and move away from the things we actually want and value. Therapy can build your resilience, help you get past the barriers to living the life you want, and give you tools to manage or overcome the symptoms that get in your way. My style of practice is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a treatment modality which can improve the symptoms of many problems in 12-16 sessions and emphasizes the practice of therapy skills in between sessions to maximize gains. My passion in CBT is exposure therapy: approaching the risks we are avoiding and learning, by living, what we are capable of. I have completed exposure therapy training at the Trauma and Anxiety Disorders Clinic at Central Michigan University as well as a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for OCD and Anxiety Disorders in St Louis. Another passion of mine is improving access to, and quality of, healthcare for LGBTQ+ people. I helped develop a specialty queer & transgender mental health program at St Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute and served as the clinical director of that program prior to beginning my work at CBT Solutions. In addition to CBT, in therapy I also incorporate strategies from Acceptance Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Mindful Self-Compassion. In couples work, I use the Gottman Method of Relationship Therapy. The integration of these strategies can address both short-term change and longer-term self-exploration work. I work with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, trauma and PTSD, people coping with sexual assault, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Specific Phobia, perfectionism, and unhelpful personality patterns. I particularly enjoy working with LGBTQ+ clients, and I welcome ethical nonmonogamy, nontraditional family structures, and kink lifestyles in my practice. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples / relationship partners. I look forward to getting to know you better! Schedule a free 20-minute consult so we can discuss what you want out of therapy and whether I am a good fit for helping you move towards your goals.

I've spent years helping kids and families navigate life's challenges, and I love supporting college and graduate students because I know growing up doesn't stop after high school. School brings new pressures, relationships, and responsibilities. It's normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes. I strive to create a space where you can be yourself, talk openly about what's on your mind, and build the confidence and skills to handle whatever comes next. No one has it all figured out. We can work through it together.

Kenna is a licensed clinical professional counselor with over 10 years of experience. She is a nationally certified counselor and independently licensed in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. She is currently accepting clients virtually only at this time. She specializes in treating anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. I accept several different insurances. You can visit my page below for the most up-to-date list of these insurances and to get started with me.