Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

English & Conversational Korean/영어 & 일상 회화 한국어 *More availability coming Sep 2025/2025년 9월부터 상담 가능 시간이 더 많아집니다 English & Conversational Korean/영어 & 일상 회화 한국어 “What does it feel like to take up space?” Space can mean the way you walk into a room, how loud your voice is, or how tall you are. But what about emotional space? In relationships, at work, and in yourself? Maybe you’re the one others rely on, the ‘strong one’. Maybe you tend to hold things to yourself because it feels too vulnerable to share and it might burden someone else. Or you’re navigating systems that have made it hard to feel like you belong in a room. I believe healing happens in spaces where you feel safe enough to feel joy and connection. My role is to offer steady attention and help you reconnect with parts of yourself that you might have had to ignore. I’ve seen how cultural misunderstanding in mental health care can lead to misdiagnosis, minimized experiences, or emotional labor to explain yourself. I aim to reduce that burden, so you don’t have to translate your experience just to be understood. Sessions might include moments of light humor and comfort alongside serious work. “공간을 차지한다”는 건 어떤 기분일까요? 공간은 내가 방에 들어올 때의 모습, 목소리 크기, 키 같은 걸 말할 수 있습니다. 그런데 마음의 공간은 어떨까요? 관계 속에서, 직장에서, 그리고 나 자신 안에서요. 혹시 다른 사람들이 의지하는 ‘강한 사람’인가요? 힘든 마음을 혼자 참고, 다른 사람에게 짐이 될까 봐 말하지 못한 적이 있나요? 아니면 내가 있는 자리가 편하게 느껴지지 않는 환경 속에 있나요? 저는 안전하다고 느낄 수 있는 공간에서 치유가 시작된다고 믿습니다. 저는 문화 차이 때문에 잘못 이해받거나, 경험이 작게 여겨지거나, 나를 설명하느라 힘들어하는 경우를 많이 봤습니다. 그래서 있는 그대로 이해받을 수 있도록 그 부담을 줄이고 싶습니다. 상담 안에서는 진지한 이야기뿐 아니라 가벼운 웃음과 편안함도 함께 할 수 있습니다. What is Art Therapy?/미술치료는 뭔가요? As a practicing visual artist, I have a diverse understanding of art materials and techniques that can be incorporated into our sessions. Art therapy is a form of therapy that utilizes art-making and visual expression to deepen or facilitate the therapeutic process. It’s open to everyone, no artistic experience is necessary and the goal is not the end product, but the creative process. Trained in both art and talk therapy, I’m equipped to guide you through both the creative and verbal aspects of therapy. I practice art therapy as a collaborative process where we explore the meaning of your work together. Instead of reading or interpreting your art, we explore what you felt and thought while creating your piece. Kind of like an artist interview! Whether you’re interested in exploring new materials, want to try an activity catered to a particular challenge, something to fidget with during sessions, or using art as a medium to express yourself, I’m here to facilitate a safe, non judgemental space. 저는 현재 활동하는 예술가로서, 다양한 미술 재료와 기법을 알고 있습니다. 미술치료는 누구나 참여할 수 있고, 미술 경험이 전혀 없어도 괜찮습니다. 목표는 완성된 작품이 아니라 만드는 과정입니다. 저는 미술치료와 대화 상담 둘 다 훈련을 받았기 때문에, 두 가지를 함께 진행할 수 있습니다. 미술치료는 함께 의미를 찾아가는 과정입니다. 작품을 만들면서 어떤 생각과 감정을 느꼈는지 같이 나눕니다. 새로운 재료를 써 보고 싶거나, 고민에 맞춘 활동을 해보고 싶거나, 상담 중에 손으로 만질 수 있는 것을 원하거나, 말로 하기 어려운 마음을 표현하고 싶을 때, 안전하고 편안한 공간에서 함께 할 수 있습니다. Experience/경험 In 2020, several experiences pointed me to become an art therapist and counselor alongside my path as an artist. Beginning with the gap in mental health services I witnessed at the time, I saw how many people with marginalized identities were struggling to access affirming, inclusive care. A pivotal moment was when someone I cared about shared the depth of their pain as a way to ask for help, which led to the decision to become a therapist. My own experience of therapy helped me understand how essential representation and cultural understanding are in mental health care. I went on to earn my MA in Art Therapy and Counseling and BFA in Studio Art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My training includes art therapy, DBT, and narrative therapy, grounded in strengths-based, relational, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive approaches. I also bring LGBTQ+ and disability allyship into my work. In my work as a therapist, I’ve supported clients across both clinical and community settings. This has included leading teen wellness groups through UChicago Medicine, facilitating art therapy and psychosocial rehabilitation programs for adults with chronic mental health and intellectual disability diagnoses, and organizing community art workshops. I’ve also worked with immigrants, refugees, neurodivergent adults, and BIPOC/ALAANA communities. These experiences helped me cultivate a trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens. 2020년에 여러 경험을 통해 미술치료/상담사가 되기로 했습니다. 미국에서 정신 건강 서비스에 다양한 정체성을 가진 사람들이 안전하고 더 깊은 상담을 받기 어렵다는 것을 보았고, 제가 아끼는 사람이 힘든 마음을 나누며 도움을 요청한 순간이 큰 계기가 되었습니다. 상담을 받으며 문화적 이해와 대표성의 중요성도 깨달았습니다. 저는 시카고예술대학(SAIC)에서 미술치료와 상담 석사, 그리고 순수미술 학사를 받았습니다. 미술치료, DBT, 내러티브 치료를 배웠고, 사람의 강점을 살리고, 관계를 중요하게 생각하며, 트라우마를 이해하는 방법으로 상담합니다. LGBTQ+와 장애 인식에 대한 지지도 중요하게 생각합니다. 그동안 청소년 그룹, 성인 프로그램, 그리고 커뮤니티 워크숍을 진행했습니다. 이민자, 난민, 신경다양성, BIPOC 커뮤니티와도 함께 하며, 각자의 문화와 경험을 존중하는 상담을 해왔습니다. Languages/언어 한국어를 가볍게 사용하는 것은 환영합니다! 저는 한국어와 영어를 섞어서 대화하는 것이 편한 클라이언트와 잘 맞습니다. 제가 한국어로 일상적인 대화는 할 수 있지만, 심도 있는 대화 주제나 위기 상황, 진단, 치료 계획과 같은 중요한 치료 논의에서는 모든 내용을 명확하게 표현하기 어려울 수 있습니다. 이상적으로는 번역하거나 언어에 적응하는 부담이 클라이언트에게 있어서는 안 됩니다. 이 정도의 언어 능력이 괜찮으시다면, 편하게 연락 주세요! Speaking Korean lightly is welcome! I am a good fit for clients who are comfortable mixing Korean and English. While I can engage in everyday conversations in Korean, it may be difficult to clearly express everything in in-depth conversations, crisis situations, diagnoses, and treatment planning, as well as other important therapeutic discussions. Ideally, the burden of translation or language adaptation should not fall on the client. If this sounds like a fit for you, feel free to reach out!

You may feeling like you are not supported, seen or heard by others. You could be feeling alone, frustrated or hurt. Perhaps you’ve been putting others’ needs first and allowing no space for yourself. This could lead to burnout, frustration or even depression. You deserve to have someone listen to you, and someone to talk to who is not judging you, your feelings or your situation. You can have space and time for yourself. I have always been drawn to helping people since I was a very young age. I know what it is like to feel frustrated with your everyday reality and fumbling to figure out what is the next best step forward. Through my own experience and work environment, I can firsthand confirm how helpful it is to lean on someone. I provide a warm, understanding, and grounded presence. I strongly encourage people to have self-love and acceptance as we begin to talk through problems and concerns. I'm dedicated to helping people shift towards the changes they want to see. I understand how difficult it is not to feel like yourself or be understood by others. You are not alone and deserve to be heard. I am dedicated to creating a healing space where we can explore your unique experiences, perspectives, and obstacles. I am here to support you no matter what you are coping with. Let’s work through things together.

Therapy is a unique opportunity to find peace within ourselves. While it may be difficult to find the right therapist to work with, I find my warm, empathetic, friendly, straight-forward approach helps my clients work through issues to find transformation and purpose in their life, as we collaboratively work to find the right approach that fits for you. I work with different types of clients. Some may struggle with challenges of anxiety, depression or mood disorders and the impact it has on their lives, or perhaps not feeling good enough. Others may be working through different life transitions, career struggles or relationship issues. We will work together to help you find self-acceptance of who you are. I also enjoy working with clients trying to navigtate different challenges unique to the LGBTQ+ population. Additionally, I have a special interest and experience working with athletes during different phase-of-life transitions with the uncertainty that comes when having to carve out a new path while struggling the loss of identity of being an athlete.

Areas of Expertise (include but not limited to) Anxiety, Depression, and Psychological Trauma Stress Management Life Transitions (academic, occupational, relational, familial) Relationship Challenges Identity and Expression

Resilience Psychological Services is a private practice in Chicago which offers psychotherapy services to adults in our community. Our like-minded team of therapists is dedicated to responsibly providing compassionate and competent care to all who walk through our doors. While our therapists have multiple areas of specialty and utilize various empirically supported treatment modalities, we share a common intention of helping our clients to recognize and enhance existing strengths, while working together to develop new strengths which can help them to successfully navigate life’s challenges.

My therapeutic style is one of flexibility, active engagement, and a commitment to helping my clients cultivate change in areas of their lives in which they feel stuck. Although people come to therapy for countless reasons, common themes that emerge in my work include relationship concerns, life transitions, identity issues, existential distress, and anxiety and depression. I value helping my clients develop self-compassion, interpersonal awareness, intentionality, and balance in their lives. With an appreciation for the many facets of identity that shape each person’s worldview, I offer a holistic and culturally-informed approach to therapy. Genuine curiosity and cultural humility are guiding forces as I prioritize understanding people within their unique contexts. Prior to private practice, my professional life included experience in university counseling centers and community mental health. As a former professional musician, I continue to maintain a passion for creative endeavors, which I integrate in my therapy work, especially with professional and emerging artists.

Cira Center for Behavioral Health (CCBH) is a group practice that has a Team of Psychologists, Social Workers, Professional Counselors, Doctoral Level Therapists, and Post Doctoral Fellows that serve the age and gender spectrum and specialize in Trauma and Women’s Issues/Health.. Therapy is based on research and science, both of which are incredibly important, but at CCBH, we believe that nothing is more important than feeling heard and understood without any judgment. When a strong, supportive relationship is combined with direct feedback and skill-building, people change, and lives improve CCBH specializes in treating trauma. Trauma includes things that you would typically think of as trauma (war veterans, car accidents, rape, physical assault, etc.) as well as difficult childhoods that may have included: physical, sexual, verbal, and/or emotional abuse; divorce/separation; a caretaker who struggled with their own physical/mental illness; a caretaker who suffered from addiction, etc. CCBH also focuses on treating women’s health issues such as perinatal and postpartum depression/anxiety, relationship difficulties, eating disorders and/or disordered eating, body image struggles, etc

We all experience moments where life feels overwhelming, sometimes accompanied by worry about what comes next or how to change patterns we find ourselves repeating again. While some relationships may be sources of stress and pain, relationships where you are able to be your true self can allow for healing and transformation. It is my belief that the more we experience our authentic self, the easier it becomes to remain in connection to others and the world around us. Therapy is a space where you can begin to explore yourself, while doing so within a relationship that is validating, supportive, and centers your goals and needs. I believe that healing in the context of an attuned relationship is important, and work to create a therapy space that is safe and welcomes authenticity. Psychotherapy works best when it’s collaborative and strength-based, incorporating your personal culture and working towards goals that move beyond symptom reduction, resulting in more lasting changes in all areas of life. My approach to therapy is relationally based, incorporating attachment theory, CBT, and systems perspectives. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have experience working with a range of presenting concerns, with a special focus working with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and trauma-related disorders. I have experience providing individual, couple, and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I also provide psychological assessment services and can provide support related to receiving academic accommodations. Please feel free to contact me for a brief consultation or to schedule your first appointment.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by constant striving, anxiety, or the pressures of perfectionism? Do you feel like you’re stuck in the backseat of your own life? I’m here to help you break free from these patterns and reclaim the driver’s seat of your life. In therapy, I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space, blending empathy with constructive challenges to help you address what's keeping you stuck and empower you to move toward your goals. My goal is to empower you to achieve your personal goals and develop greater self-compassion, which I believe serves as a foundation for growth and resilience. I use an integrative therapeutic approach tailored to your unique needs, helping you gain a deeper understanding of your experiences. By examining how past experiences and relationships shape your current challenges and perspectives, we’ll work towards meaningful, value-driven change. I am passionate about supporting young adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, perfectionism, depression, relational issues, life transitions, eating disorders, and body image concerns. I believe in your capacity for change and would be honored to join you on your journey toward healing and personal growth.

At Restorative Collective, we are a dedicated team of compassionate professionals committed to supporting your mental health journey. Our diverse expertise allows us to provide personalized care, ensuring that every client feels heard, valued, and empowered. We believe in a holistic, client-centered approach that fosters healing, growth, and resilience.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Revolution Counseling & Wellness is a private practice created by and for the queer community. Daria Hoey is a gender-nonconforming Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in work with Illinois' LGBTQIA+ and TGNC communities. In addition to work exploring gender and sexual identity, Daria is certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a 12-session method of trauma recovery. Daria also practices Behavioral Therapy (primarily Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) to help clients manage strong emotions, forge stronger connections with themselves and others, and maintain healthy boundaries. Accepting Illinois clients only. Telehealth available.

The process of starting therapy can be awkward and scary but life-changing. It is a relief to speak with someone who doesn’t know you to form judgments. This environment is understood as a safe space that you will be provided with. A place where you can feel heard, express your emotions, and receive psycho-education. We all have the ability to change with the right tools. My goal is to meet you where you’re at and grow from there. At Hope and Prosper, I tend to utilize an integrative approach with cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy for an effective, personalized treatment. Clients often describe me as insightful, humorous, enthusiastic, and caring. These natural characteristics that I exhibit embrace my personality as a clinician. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with experience therapizing children, adolescents, teens, and adults. I obtained my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I graduated with my M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in trauma. Currently, I am pursuing my doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) to further my career.

Intuit Healing is for people who are ready to take initiative of their own life. We’re more than a spa, where after your 90 minute massage you’re back to your same old life. No, our goal is that you find true life-long healing. At Intuit it is all about you. We are your oasis, your getaway place. We will give you the tools you need to become your best self. How exactly do we make this promise? We provide healing modalities to take care of your body, mind, & spirit. We have everything you need for your self care journey all under one roof. So you can have talk therapy followed by a massage. Or maybe a reiki session followed by a sound healing class. From experiencing physical pain, to healing grief, to dealing with burnout, we are here to support you through all of life’s transitions. If you’re on your pregnancy journey, we’re there for you too. Our perinatal classes & our maternity massages ensure that you will be physically & mentally ready for baby. We’re a home for people who are looking to better themselves. Feeling like you have so much more to offer but you’re stuck? Make an appointment with us & we’ll help you sort things through.

Young adulthood can be both exciting and overwhelming—full of choices, change, and uncertainty. Whether you're graduating from school or navigating college, starting your career, facing relationship challenges, or feeling stuck, anxious, or down, therapy can be a grounding space to sort through it all. I understand the complex stressors that come with early adult life, and I am deeply passionate about supporting adults navigating a range of emotional and psychological challenges, such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, academic concerns, relationship troubles, and grief. My therapeutic style is compassionate and empathetic—I work to create a safe, supportive environment where you feel seen and heard. I also believe in the importance of being direct and gently challenging when needed, to help you grow and move toward meaningful change. I tailor my work to meet your unique goals and with respect to your lived experience.

We are dedicated to offering Mental Health Services which are easily adaptable and low-stress and that combine strategies for assisting with the many difficult aspects and challenges that have become normal in our daily lives. Clients are encouraged and taught to actively learn about themselves and are challenged to explore new ways of being and thinking, all in a safe and comforting environment.

Dr. Carrera is a licensed clinical psychologist. She works with adults and adolescents to help them understand the impact of their thoughts, feelings, and actions on their wellbeing. She offers an active and empowering space to navigate issues such as anxiety, low mood, family of origin concerns, identity confusion, and cultural adjustment and transitions. She also provides therapy and coaching for work and school-related struggles, including low motivation, attention difficulties, and time management concerns. Clients working with her will strengthen their awareness of ways that their life experiences may affect their ability to cope with challenges effectively. Dr. Carrera provided psychotherapy to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at Northwestern University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, where she completed her clinical training (Postdoctoral Fellowship). She completed her Doctoral Internship at the University of California, Berkeley. She graduated with her doctorate in Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.) from Iowa State University, a program accredited by the American Psychological Association. She is an active member of the National Latinx Psychological Association and the Society of Counseling Psychology. Born and raised in an Ecuadorian-American home, Dr. Carrera is bilingual and bicultural. Clients can speak English, Spanish, and Spanglish in their work with her. She lived and studied for several years in England and Italy; these life experiences, as well as her identity as a woman of color working in several professional settings, fuel her empathy for clients navigating various cultural messages and social pressures at home, work, and school. She is committed to fusing clinical work with social justice advocacy alongside clients who may feel silenced, marginalized, and disempowered.

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.

At Birch Tree Psychotherapy (Chicago, Northwest Suburbs), we provide general mental health care, with a focus on outpatient eating disorder treatment. Our team provides outpatient size and gender inclusive treatment to adults, youth, & families. With a commitment to weight neutrality, body liberation, and radical self acceptance, our therapists and dietitians work within an intersectional feminist, Health at Every Size (HAES) framework. Birch Tree Psychotherapy, founded by Dr. Catharine Devlin, is a private , woman-owned, psychotherapy practice located in the Chicago Loop and South Barrington. The South Barrington location is convenient to Palatine, Inverness, Schaumburg, and Hoffman Estates, Illinois.