Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

Are you feeling overwhelmed and bogged down by life? Have you been waking up and feeling that existential dread a little bit more and more as the days go by? Do you want to scream into the void a lot? Same, let's do that together! My name is Shelby and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, and phase of life transitions. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and integrate cultural humility within all of my sessions. I believe there is no such thing as "TMI" in therapy and that this is your space to be, authentically, unapologetically, YOU!

Throughout my practice, I have worked with clients facing a wide range of mental health concerns. From stress and anxiety to family conflicts, trauma, and abuse, I am well-versed in addressing the complex emotional and psychological issues that individuals face in their lives. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, identify patterns, and develop effective coping strategies. In my therapeutic approach, I draw from evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapy. I tailor my treatment plans to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, utilizing a collaborative and client-centered approach that promotes growth and positive change.

I’m Mercedes Yates-Jones, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and Virginia. I am also the founder of Safe to Say Therapy located in Winfield, IL. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and have spent over a decade helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. Before starting my private practice, I worked with the Department of Veteran Affairs and in several private practice settings, supporting clients with a wide range of needs. I also have experience in inpatient psychiatric care, which has shaped my calm and steady presence when clients are feeling overwhelmed or facing difficult moments. I work with children ages 10 and up, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, academic stress, relationship concerns, life transitions, or periods of feeling stuck. I also have a heart for supporting students, veterans, parents, caregivers, and individuals from underserved communities. I created Safe to Say Therapy because I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and truly supported. My goal is to meet you with warmth and authenticity and walk alongside you as you move toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful change, at a pace that feels right for you.

Through the Woods Therapy & Wellness offers a fresh approach to mental health treatment, combining clinical and spiritual work within the context of a supportive community to promote a space for deep healing. Our clinical approach to therapy is trauma-informed, client-centered, and attachment-based, borrowing approaches from various evidence-based theories to meet our clients’ specific needs. Sense of community, self-care, and spiritual connection are important to us. Beyond our clinical work, we offer additional wellness services and host regular community events.

Life can be brutal, can’t it?! Can you remember that time in life when you were happy, like top of the world scream it from the rooftops happy? In that moment, everything was right in your world and then well, life happened. Now you look back and have so many questions…What happened? Let me tell you, you are not alone! We’ve all been there in some season of life. But who says this can’t make us better! Every person comes to therapy with their own individual needs. Therefore, we adapt our interventions based on a comprehensive assessment of who you are and what you need. We are all trained in a number of different interventions and like to use a combination of our training and expertise to utilize an eclectic approach to best meet the needs of each individual person. We know that every individual is uniquely different and therefore each person should have a unique therapy journey based on their own needs.

Navigating OCD, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions can be emotionally and physically draining. There is little more frustrating than thinking and behaving in the same ways despite knowing they contribute to these issues and other debilitating symptoms. Therapy is a place to safely explore the thoughts, behaviors, and relationships that are interfering with living a more fulfilling and rewarding life. I am a trained OCD specialist and an active member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). I have extensive experience working with college undergrad and graduate students from my time as a counselor at the University of Colorado, Boulder and at Bryant University. Working directly on a college campus has provided me with a unique understanding of the intersection between academics and mental health, as well as how to navigate many campus systems best. Currently, in my private practice, I work with college students from the many different colleges in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Colorado. The majority of clients that I work with are navigating Anxiety or OCD and Related Disorders. My clinical approach to therapy is grounded in ERP, ACT, and CBT. I believe therapy is built around compassion, respect, and trust. I look forward to connecting with you and exploring how we can collaboratively achieve your treatment goals. Send me an email, give me a call, or visit my website (www.smithlicsw.com) to set up an appointment. If you are struggling and are tired of trying to handle things alone, please do not hesitate to get in touch. * I provide telehealth services to clients in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Illinois, Vermont, and Colorado.*

To the outside world, it may appear that you have it all together yet no matter how hard you try you suffer from anxiety, self doubt, people pleasing, burn out, and guilt when putting your own needs first and something needs to change. My role as a therapist is to bring light to those parts of yourself which have been blocking you from making changes and step into a life of wholeness and authenticity. As a trauma focused therapist, I integrate therapeutic techniques that encourage insight-building and guidance on taking actionable steps toward healing. Areas of specialization include trauma, anxiety, systemic abuse, life transitions, attachment wounds, imposter syndrome, identity exploration, women's issues, and college student mental health. My services are telehealth only to provide services in the comfort of your own home.

Megan Rosecrans Psy.D. LCP received her doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology. Dr. Rosecrans consults with bariatric surgical teams to provide psychological support for patients both pre and post surgery. Dr. Rosecrans specializes in pre-surgical bariatric assessment and spinal stimulator evaluations. Additionally, Dr. Rosecrans offers biofeedback and hypnotherapy treatment options as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy. Dr. Rosecrans uses empirically-supported treatments and a collaborative, directive, goal-oriented, supportive, approach for individual therapy. A customized treatment strategy is designed for the specific needs of each patient. Dr. Rosecrans’ Approach to Therapy: Therapy can be scary as we are knowingly going to talk about topics that are uncomfortable. It takes strength to recognize and admit we need help, and then to open up about the discomfort we feel. Therapy is a safe space to explore these uncomfortable emotions, thoughts, behaviors, pasts, and relationships without judgement, and feeling like you are being heard. Therapy is designed to help you learn new ways to approach difficult experiences and learn tools to aid in coping with the discomfort you feel. It is important for me to make therapy a safe and collaborative process. You are your own expert in life, and I am here to help you in finding the right tools that will work for you. I use a supportive, directive, problem-solving style, applying empirically supported techniques. I approach treatment using the biopsychosocial model and Existential therapies, which allows us to explore the interaction between varying aspects of our lives and how they affect our mental health. A better understanding of ourselves helps promote the change we strive for.

I practice from an insight oriented, relational, and multicultural approach tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual I work with. My priority as a therapist is to create a warm, collaborative, non-judgmental space where you can work through your concerns and make the changes in your life you desire. People seek therapy for a number of reasons, perhaps to alleviate symptoms or distress, improve self-esteem, or address relationship issues. In my experience, symptoms often “mark the spot” of a deeper themes you may be grappling with and I aim to assist you uncover what the root of your concerns may be. Often therapy helps increase self-awareness, develop deeper understanding of how past experiences may be influencing the present, and provides an opportunity to learn tools to address problematic behavior(s). Having spent the majority of my training and professional life working in university counseling centers, I am passionate about working with college and graduate students. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at Pace University in New York City and my postdoctoral fellowship at University of Chicago Student Counseling Service where I gained experience working with life-transitions, relationship issues, eating disorders, and sexual trauma. Other areas of interest include identity development and intersectionality, family dynamics, anxiety, and stress management.

I try to provide a warm but structured therapeutic experience designed to help my clients address their difficulties in productive and forward-moving ways. I use a variety of different therapeutic techniques designed to help my clients gain insight into their behavior and the behavior of others, and together we work toward devising new approaches to past problems that will serve them better. I have over 25 years experience working with young adults. I particularly enjoy working with anxious clients suffering from stress, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety, providing them with ways to manage their stress and thoughts using cognitive restructuring, behavioral calming strategies, mindfulness, meditation, and problem-solving strategies. I also have expertise in working with individuals who have OCD and use an exposure with response prevention paradigm in treatment. In addition, I have also had considerable training and experience in working with individuals who struggle with anorexia and bulimia as well as those struggling with relational problems. I think flexibility and collaboration with clients is the key to a positive therapeutic experience.

Welcome! We at The Celestial Life see clients for nutrition counseling and we specialize in folks who struggle with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image.

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.

Therapists Kellie Masters and Kelly Arensen have openings! Both are equipped to walk with you through the stresses and uncertainty of life. Their compassion creates a safe place for you to heal and grow. Contact either one of them for a brief, free consultation. https://relationshipworks.life/team-member/kellie-masters https://relationshipworks.life/team-members/kelly-arensen The cost depends on whether or not you have insurance. If you have BCBS PPO or Blue Choice and have met your deductible, you should only have a small copay. If you don't have BCBS insurance, we're happy to talk with you about what you can afford to pay for therapy.

Melody Stauffer, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois who has counseled children, teens, and adults for over 10 years. She graduated from Judson University with a bachelor’s in psychology. She then graduated from Argosy University in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Community Counseling. Her areas of expertise include: depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting, children/adolescents, communication issues, stress management, grief & loss, self-esteem issues, self-harm, substance abuse, psychosis, and crisis stabilization. Melody recognizes each client has their own story to tell and specific wounds to heal and will let her clients lead the way on their mental health journey. Melody is also trained in EMDR therapy that is helpful with patients with trauma, old or new. Schedule your appointment with me by simply clicking on the "Visit Website" link below!

School can be some of the most rewarding years of your life but they can also be overwhelming. Between classes, internships, work, relationships, family expectations, finances, and figuring out who you are and where you're headed, sometimes it's good to have some extra support. Therapy gives you a place to talk openly about what's going on, without judgment. Whether you're feeling anxious, stressed, burned out, stuck, lonely, or simply trying to make sense of a major life transition, you don't have to navigate it alone. I work with college and graduate students on concerns such as anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, identity exploration, gender identity, academic stress, life transitions, binge eating, and body image. Many of my clients are also learning how to manage life on their own for the first time and are discovering that no one ever really taught them how to handle the emotional side of money. As a Certified Financial Social Worker, I can help you develop a healthier relationship with money, spending, debt, budgeting, and financial decision-making. Together, we can explore both the practical and emotional aspects of financial wellness so you feel more confident and in control. My style is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. I'll meet you where you are, help you build on your strengths, and offer practical tools along the way. If you're curious about working together, I'd be happy to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit.

I prioritize seeing a holistic view of a person. I find joy in helping assist individuals find their meaning and finding balance in every aspect of their life. Whether that's physically, mentally, emotionally, and/or spiritually. I find it to be a great privilege to listen to someone’s story, and for the past eight years I’ve worked with children, adolescents, and young adults for experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and overall life transitions, especially when it comes to going to college. I would be happy to work with you whether that may be in person or virtually. I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri!

You're more than just a client—and therapy is more than a place to vent. It’s a space for healing, growth, and transformation. I offer a warm, supportive, and empowering environment where you can safely explore who you are and where you're going. I’m a faith-affirming and culturally responsive therapist with over ten years of experience working with adults, teens, and families. My approach integrates evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, and Solution-Focused Therapy with attention to spiritual well-being, generational healing, and identity development. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, I’m here to help you move from surviving to thriving. Together, we’ll work toward peace, clarity, and lasting change.

Hello! As a mental health therapist, I'm here to offer a supportive and confidential space for you to navigate the unique challenges of college life. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed by academic pressure, social changes, and the process of figuring out your future. My goal is to work with you to develop effective coping strategies and build confidence so you can thrive during this important chapter. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, or just need someone to talk to, please know that reaching out is a sign of strength. I look forward to connecting with you.

Hello! My name is Megan Little, I am a passionate individual who enjoys building a connection with those I work with. I am a licensed social worker who has experience working with adolescents, young adults, and older adults who face a variety of struggles throughout their lifetime. My areas of specialization include anxiety reduction, grief counseling, relationship issues, occupational issues, Christian counseling, learning disabilities, parenting issues, and woman’s issues. I began my career working at a behavioral hospital and as a school social worker. Through many different focuses throughout my career, I truly fell in love with one-on-one based therapy. I truly believe that every person has a story and deserves to be heard. Life can be difficult, but with a helping hand, nothing is impossible to achieve. As a therapist, I feel very passionate empowering my clients to gain control of their lives back and the goals that they once wanted to pursue. Throughout therapy, I may utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) focuses along with holistic and existential therapy approaches to help my clients further explore their goals, beliefs, and their own personal values. I am a strong advocate that everyone brings their own unique life experiences and strengths to the table, and that there is no true exact replica approach to therapy. My goal and purpose is to individually invest in each person who I meet with and to utilize my strengths, expertise and approach to each individualistic client’s needs. Languages Spoken: English Professional Photo:

At Personal Balance Counseling, we work with students who may look like they’re managing everything on the outside but feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or exhausted underneath it all. You might be adjusting to college, struggling with relationships, feeling pressure to succeed, questioning what comes next, or simply realizing that the ways you’ve always coped aren’t working as well anymore. Our therapists work with students experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship concerns, difficulty managing emotions, eating and body-image concerns, and major life transitions. We also understand that college can bring a unique mix of independence and uncertainty—balancing classes, work, family expectations, friendships, dating, and figuring out who you are along the way. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Our goal is to provide a comfortable, supportive space where you can be yourself, understand what’s going on beneath the surface, develop practical ways to cope, and build healthier patterns that actually fit your life. Personal Balance Counseling offers both in-person and telehealth therapy, with a team of clinicians who bring different personalities, specialties, and approaches to therapy. We’ll help you find someone who feels like the right fit for you.