Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

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.

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Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling school, relationships, identity questions, and pressure to “have it all together.” My role is to offer a grounded, compassionate space where you don’t have to perform or explain yourself perfectly to be understood. I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience working with college students and young adults navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, identity development, relationship concerns, self-worth struggles, and life transitions. I’ve worked in a variety of settings including higher education, group therapy, and community-based car. My approach is collaborative, relational, and trauma-informed. I don’t believe therapy is about fixing you. It’s about helping you understand yourself more deeply, unlearn patterns that no longer serve you, and build a life that feels aligned with who you actually are. Together, we work at your pace, honoring your history while focusing on practical tools that support emotional regulation, boundaries, confidence, and resilience. Students often tell me they appreciate that sessions feel both reflective and grounding. We can explore the “why” behind your experiences while also building skills you can use day to day. I welcome clients who feel stuck, disconnected, emotionally overwhelmed, or unsure how to trust themselves again. Reaching out for support is a meaningful step, not a sign of weakness. If you’re looking for a therapist who is thoughtful, honest, and genuinely invested in your growth, I’d be honored to work with you.

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I am passionate about supporting young adults through the often challenging, confusing and stressful parts of emerging adulthood.

Evolve Wellness is a private group practice in the Lakeview/Lincoln Park area of Chicago but with the expansion of telehealth services (HIPAA-compliant video calls) Evolve has been able to expand services to the whole state of Illinois. Therapists at Evolve Wellness work with individuals, those in relationships (couples), and families. Accepted insurance varies by provider, and includes BCBS PPO, BCBS HMO (Amita), BCBS Blue Choice PPO. Please feel free to contact us if you would like help verifying insurance benefit coverage, more information about clinician availability or to set up a free phone consultation prior to scheduling an initial session with one of our clinicians.

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I am Anita Rao, MD, an ABPN board-certified psychiatrist trained in adult psychiatry at Northwestern University, where I had the honor of being a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, recognized for teaching medical students. I earned my MD from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and obtained my undergraduate degree in International Health from Georgetown University. I adopt an approach that goes beyond treating disorders to focus on mental wellness and whole-person health. I utilize holistic treatment modalities, including evidence-based medication management, and collaborate with other members of our treatment team to ensure comprehensive mental health care. My specialization lies in anxiety and depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, with a particular focus on populations that are new to psychiatric care. I take pride in delivering accurate diagnoses, including second opinion evaluations, and am committed to educating and empowering my patients to understand their illnesses and themselves.

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to knowing yourself. If you allow it, I’d be honored to join you on this journey. I utilize various holistic approaches such as somatic based techniques, guided meditation, and neurobiological education to help you gain insight into yourself. This integration of health and wellness paired with an individualized and authentic framework, will allow us to explore some of the many elements that may hold you back from living a life that you are truly deserving and worthy of.

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I support people experiencing life transitions, stress, and relationship issues. I personalize treatment to each client using our relationship, scientific approaches, and collaboration to meet your goals. I also provide trauma centered therapy and EMDR.

I believe therapy should be a space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. I hold a BA in Psychology from Marquette University and an MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University, with several years of experience working with children (ages 3+), adolescents, and adults in various therapeutic settings. I have a passion for supporting neurodivergent and queer clients.
 My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I draw from CBT, DBT, feminist theory, and narrative therapy, and I also enjoy using creative and nontraditional methods such as play therapy, art therapy, and even walk-and-talk sessions. No matter the approach, my goal is to create an affirming space where clients can explore their story and take meaningful steps forward.

The distressing problems that bring you to therapy will later be revealed as the unlikely pathways towards a well-lived life. Pervasive sadness, suicidal thoughts, the heaviness on your shoulders are your psyche’s misunderstood messengers to summon you on a healing journey. Your symptoms have meaning and we will work together to understand them. In therapy, we will first work together to establish a sense of stability: from the first session, we’ll build a trusting relationship that offers a much-needed space for your concerns. You may benefit at this initial stage by simply having a trustworthy ear to hear. As a psychotherapist, I hold the tension of psychotherapy as a mysticism and a science. But it is no snake oil: community, storytelling, and self-exploration are the elixirs which lead to healing. If you would like to learn more about my approach, see if we may be a good fit, or schedule a session, please contact me today by call, text message, or email.

Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago provides exceptional counseling and therapy services to individuals of all ages, couples, and families from a faith-based perspective. We would love to work with you to find a counselor well-suited to talk with you about your life situation.

If you are someone who is wrestling with perfectionism, adjusting to college life, struggling with classes and peer relationships, I can walk alongside you as you organize and process those feelings. Many college students do not discuss the grief and loss that may come up when they move away from loved ones. This can also be a complex time as you begin a new chapter of your life while also trying to appreciate a newfound independence as you enter adulthood. I want to provide my clients with the necessary coping skills and tools to better equip themselves for the obstacles ahead, while also taking the time to understand behaviors and habits in their daily lives that they want to enhance or limit!

"I help adults navigate through their depression and anxiety by using humor and authenticity, so that they can successfully cope with whatever life throws at them." Part of the MQA family since 2020 Presenting Concerns; Categorized under the following core areas of concern and title: – Adults; ADHD, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Depression, Grief/Loss, Life Transitions, OCD, Peer Issues – Social Skills, PTSD/Trauma Presenting Concerns – - Children: Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Depression, Peer Issues, Social Skills I earned my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University in 2018, and completed my clinical practicum and internship at Family Behavioral Health Clinic in Des Plaines, IL. I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents,and adults of all backgrounds, who were coping with a wide range of concerns ranging from depression and anxiety, to trauma and PTSD. I believe that one of the most powerful approaches to overcoming life’s tricky obstacles is resilience, and that working with my clients from a genuine and supportive place of connection is the key to overcoming even the most difficult of times. I gravitate towards a humanistic style of counseling while utilizing cognitive-behavioral tools in order to give clients research-supported, “take-home” coping strategies. I enjoy incorporating aspects of mindfulness, humor and art into my therapeutic work. Outside of work, I enjoy riding roller coasters, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. I also love to travel! I have traveled to over 10 different states and four countries. One of my life goals is to visit all 50 states as well as many more countries that our world has to offer. Culture is a big aspect in the work that we do as counselors, and I strive to experience as much of it as I possibly can. I am fluent in Greek and I enjoy learning new languages whenever I get the chance! Please feel free to contact me via email at dstathopoulos@mqatherapy.com with any questions and inquires for scheduling appointments. Thank you and I look forward to working with you!

Everyone has a story. We want to understand yours. Everyone's life is a unique and powerful story – one that deserves to be heard. At Elevate Counseling, our purpose is not just to listen but to uncover the individual narrative of every person we work with. With this deep understanding, we are able to move clients toward enhanced emotional health and balance in life. At Elevate Counseling, we believe that beauty, comfort, diversity, equity and inclusion are the keys to providing stigma-free mental health services for our clients. These ideals are held in deep regard in order to help ensure an environment that is positive, welcoming, effective, and completely stigma-free so that we can deliver exceptional results for all of our clients.

I work with adolescents and adults. I specialize in working with ADHD, with a focus on executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, motivation, emotional regulation, and follow-through. I also specialize in treating social anxiety, using exposure-based approaches to help clients gradually face feared situations, reduce avoidance, and build confidence in social and performance settings. We will work at your pace, creating structured and manageable exposures while also addressing the thoughts and physical sensations that keep anxiety going. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence based practices including CBT, ACT and ERP.

Our team of licensed clinicians, social workers and supervised counseling students offers individual, couples and group therapies. To request counseling services, please call a member of our Social Services team at 773-525-1777 ext. 244 or email mentalhealth@nourishinghopechi.org. We will make every effort to get you scheduled for an appointment as soon as possible. Certain times of year are busier than others and a short wait may be necessary. The only residency requirement for our mental health program is that you live in the city of Chicago. As a free, private resource, your goals and hopes determine our course of action.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.