Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Dr. Sarah Sanders is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and life transition issues. Dr. Sanders individualizes her treatment approach to the specific needs of each client, often combining dynamic-relational, cognitive-dialectical-behavioral, and systemic-cultural approaches. Her priority is helping you work through your concerns and make changes in your life in a way that feels effective, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. Dr. Sanders completed her predoctoral internship at Northwestern University and her postdoctoral fellowship at Harper College, gaining significant experience working with life-transition issues, identity development, relationship concerns, eating disorders, and student mental health. Areas of interest also include family dynamics, anxiety, and mood disorders. Dr. Sanders' practice location is just east of Michigan Avenue on Wacker Drive. If you're ready to schedule, you are welcome to do so directly by visiting the Allow Wellness website: www.allow-wellness.com.

We meet you wherever you are on your journey and assist in helping you navigating anything and everything so you can feel empowered to create the life you want to live. We offer you a space to to feel held and heard so you know you are not alone. We see mental health care as everyday wellness where we radiate warmth and foster connection.

As a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), I am committed to helping adolescents and young adults navigate the challenges and transitions of life. My practice is built on a foundation of client-centered therapy, with a focus on empowering my clients to achieve their full potential and emotional well-being. I have spent 8 years in the mental health field, and during this time, I have had the privilege of working with numerous young individuals as they face the unique pressures and uncertainties of adolescence and early adulthood. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, respect, and understanding, creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions freely.

Innovative and experienced therapy group with offices in both Illinois and Michigan. Also taking appointments virtually. Specializing in young adult mental health treatment. Specializing in crisis counseling, first responders, women's mental health, substance treatment and overspending. Provide counseling for animal/pet loss and ESA assessments.

Chicago Counseling Collective is an inclusive, downtown Chicago-based group practice offering collaborative, culturally informed care for individuals, couples, and groups. We provide both in-person and virtual sessions.

Ashley (Evans) McTaggart is a Registered Dietitian and a alumna of Northern Illinois University. With over six years of experience in the eating disorder field, Ashley is deeply passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery journey. She began her nutrition career at a residential eating disorder facility in downtown Chicago and later expanded her expertise through roles in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. Ashley’s nutrition philosophy emphasizes building a healthy and positive relationship with food, integrating mental, emotional, physical, and social health.

If you've ever felt misunderstood, struggled with recognizing your worth, grappled with questions about your identity, or faced challenges in relationships, we're here to listen to you. If you find yourself weighed down by deep-seated emotional experiences, memories that are confusing, unclear, conflicted, or downright painful, we can help you. We understand the importance of processing and unpacking trauma. Sometimes you need to explore the deepest and darkest aspects of your experiences in order to find the inner strength that will push you forward. These moments can produce actual healing and growth which occurs most often in a safe therapeutic relationship with a therapist who listens carefully and responds with genuine acceptance and empathic understanding. Our approach centers on you, providing a nurturing environment where you can delve not only into topics like self-image, self-esteem, sexual and gender identity, and relationship difficulties, but also into those complex emotions and memories that might be lurking beneath the surface. Those who find our approach most beneficial often seek a space where they're free to be themselves without fear of judgment, a place to sift through their emotional landscapes with care and attention. If you're looking for a therapeutic experience where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to explore your emotions, memories, and challenges at your own pace, then our client-centered approach might just be the right fit for you. Our psychologists offer individual, family, relationship and sex therapy that is affirming and sensitive to all aspects of diversity. We also offer affordable neuropsychological assessment and evaluations for attention, memory, learning, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and Autism. If you are uninsured or paying out of pocket, please ask us about sliding scale fee options for students so we can accommodate your needs.

Ali King, LCPC, earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She went on to work as a behavioral therapist for children with Autism at the Minnesota Autism Center before moving to Chicago and earning her master’s degree in Community Counseling from DePaul University. After graduate school, Ali worked as a therapist at Insight Behavioral Health Center’s residential facility for people struggling with eating disorders, as well as mood disorders. She led groups and supported people with everyday living tasks, as well as general skills coaching and meal management. Ali recently stepped down as the Director of the Young Adult PHP and IOP programs at Compass Health Center where she worked for 8 years in many different roles helping to build the Young Adult program and support the growth of the organization. While at Compass, Ali provided supervision and mentorship to newer clinicians and helped establish the group curriculum they currently use, as well as instituting effective policies and protocols. While at Compass, she received the award for Continuous Improvement, which highlights her drive and dedication to learning and growth. For over a decade, she has been providing person-centered, solution-focused, skills-based care. Her direct though nurturing, fun, and empathetic approach, is well received and has shown tangible results for her clients. With consistent encouragement and support, clients feel safe to explore their values and to learn successful coping strategies to improve their lives. While Ali has a passion for working with young adults through the tough transitions they face, she also appreciates working with adolescents and adults. She is well-versed in helping people manage struggles with self-esteem, relationships, low motivation, and simply feeling “stuck”. Ali is adept at working with clients with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, psychosis and substance use struggles. She has extensive experience working with DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and often incorporates these modalities into her eclectic therapeutic approach. Ali is currently accepting new clients virtually and at the downtown Chicago location.

Flourishing Affinity Counseling is a woman founded, small private practice located in the heart of Lakeview. Flourishing Affinity Counseling was created in order to give people a space to feel safe, heard, understood, and affirmed while navigating their concerns surrounding sex, relationships and identities. FAC is a therapeutic space for those to explore individual, couples, relationship and/or sex therapy in order to truly flourish in life and relationships. ​ ​ At FAC we value inclusivity, pleasure, exploration, and embracing your unique sexuality. We also value your autonomy and your therapeutic process. We recognize this work is complicated and challenging. Together we will navigate your concerns at a pace that feels right for you and work towards your own desired growth and outcome. ​​​ Flourishing Affinity Counseling is a sex positive space that is affirming to members of the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, kink, poly, CNM, and sex worker communities.

Whether you're navigating a major life transition, battling anxiety or depression, facing burnout, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you—I offer a space where you can feel safe, supported, and truly seen. Therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical or cold. My goal is to create an open and honest connection where you feel comfortable being vulnerable and showing up exactly as you are. Clients often describe me as kind, collaborative, and real—with a sense of humor that brings ease to even the hardest conversations. I bring my full, authentic self to every session because I believe meaningful change happens when you feel truly connected and understood. I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Therapy. I also integrate strategies from my background in sport psychology to support focus, confidence, and performance under pressure. Together, we’ll clarify your goals, explore what’s holding you back, and move toward lasting growth.

Hello. My name is Bridget Montgomery, I am a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist. I specialize in treating stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, Borderline and OCD tendencies. If you are looking to improve your mood, make change, accomplish new goals, process your past, or learn ways to improve your life or your relationships- please reach out. I am available virtually or at my Chicago office. I offer a free phone consultations. Thank you.

In my sessions, I strive for that comfy, familiar feeling, like wrapping yourself in your favorite sweater—warm, cozy, and uniquely tailored to you. I'm all about building genuine connections, where you feel truly seen, heard, and supported. My therapy approach is a blend of warmth, authenticity, and teamwork, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where we can navigate life's challenges together with compassion and understanding. I believe in being direct yet gentle, sprinkling in a dose of humor and lightness when it fits, to craft an experience that's supportive and transformative, just like you deserve. I offer support across various areas, with a particular passion for guiding individuals and couples through grief & loss, trauma, relationship dynamics, cultural differences, body image issues, anxiety, and depression. Your journey is unique, and my commitment is to create a therapeutic experience that meets your specific needs, empowering you to thrive. I view therapy as a collaborative journey, where we navigate life's complexities together. I understand that reaching out can be hard, but I believe that you deserve this space—to be heard, to be seen, and to explore without judgment. It would be an honor for me to hold space for you and support you in your journey.

Julia has always maintained the belief that we, as humans, are all worthy and capable of healing. Our life experiences, backgrounds, and circumstances play a significant role in the way we feel and express our emotions. Julia strives to create a comforting therapeutic space, characterized by acceptance and cultural humility. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in strength-based treatment, intending to guide the client in understanding the strong influence our thought processes have on our behaviors and emotions. Additionally, Julia understands the impact of childhood experiences and relationships through life and the role they play in our emotional expression. Julia has received training in a variety of treatment modalities. She has experience working with individuals and groups, assisting clients in managing challenges related to trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and difficulties within relationships. Julia is LGBTQIA+ affirming, seeking to provide a safe space to heal and grow, for all people. She honors multicultural humility, consistently seeking to expand her knowledge and understanding of our diverse world.

If you feel depressed, anxious, emotionally overwhelmed, stuck or simply need somebody to talk to, I can help. If you are considering making life changes or have a sense that something needs to change, let's work on it together. It has been my life's work to try to understand people and, beyond understanding, help people grow & change. If any of this sounds like you, I hope we can meet to talk it over together. For over 16 years, I taught psychology to therapists & counselors in training. I am certified in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy & informed by Attachment, Mentalization & Evolutionary Psychology based therapies. I am also formally educated & trained in spirituality & religion. Through engaging conversation we will find ways to understanding, growth & change. Working with people during their college years has been a central part of my life. I understand the challenges of coming into the adult life and coming up against personal challenges. I want to help.

Grey Area Therapy is a small, private practice conveniently located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood with easy access to public transportation and an emphasis on building meaningful, authentic connections with clients. As a therapist with Grey Area Therapy, I work with clients on needs related to anxiety, depression, OCD, vocational stress, and life transitions. I have a special interest in working with individuals who identify in the LGBTQ+ community. I offer both in-person and virtual appointments. I accept Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna insurance and offer free 15-minute phone consultations to help you find a therapist that works for you!

You might feel like you’re drowning, overwhelmed by troubling thoughts. Or you might be struggling with the sense that no one really “gets” you. You might want to connect, but you don’t know how. Maybe you feel like you don’t know who you are or what’s important to you. This could lead you to feeling frustrated, alone or possibly even hurt. You deserve a space to explore and express yourself, feeling fully seen and accepted for who you are and who you are becoming. I know what it’s like to feel hopeless and like life will never get better. I know it can feel like the whole world is stacked against you and no one wants to help. I am passionate about supporting individuals during stressful and transitional periods in their lives. As a lawyer with more than 10 years of government experience before becoming a therapist, I am familiar with the pressures of student and early professional life, and I am committed to supporting you in finding your own ways to cope.

You are capable of change and deserve to be heard with empathy and compassion. Understanding that starting therapy can be daunting, I create a warm, non-judgmental environment where you'll feel comfortable sharing your challenges. Together, we’ll collaborate to overcome obstacles and achieve personal goals, building tools to navigate life's difficulties while nurturing self-love and confidence. My client-centered, trauma-informed approach is tailored to each person. I value exploring thoughts and feelings in a supportive space, encouraging self-reflection and growth.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist working at the group practice, Emily Hanneman LCSW PLLC. Our office is located in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago and is accessible by Metra and public transit. As a therapist, I believe that everyone deserves access to quality, affirming mental health care. This is especially important during major life transitions, like starting college! I identify as a queer, neurodivergent therapist, and I'm experienced in helping students manage depression, anxiety, and alcohol or substance misuse. My therapy style is warm, collaborative, and relatable. I enjoy utilizing humor as a way to connect and build comfortability within our sessions. It's my goal to ensure that every client feels seen, heard, and valued during our work together. If this approach sounds like it could be a good fit, feel free to reach out for a free consultation.

College can feel overwhelming — between classes, internships, friendships, and trying to figure out who you are and where you’re headed. Many students I work with describe feeling anxious, burnt out, or stuck in old patterns that don’t change no matter how hard they try. Others notice that underneath the stress is a sense of loneliness or pressure to have it all together. I work best with students who are curious about going deeper — not just learning coping strategies, but really understanding themselves and healing the patterns that get in the way of feeling connected and confident. If you’ve tried surface-level tools and still feel like something’s missing, this may be a good fit. Together, we’ll create a space that feels supportive, creative, and real — so you can grow in ways that last well beyond college.

I specialize in treating young adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, low self-esteem, and OCD. I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs, utilizing evidence based practices such as CBT, ACT, and ERP.