Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Hi, I’m Daphne Black — Here to Support You Through Life’s Transitions As a licensed clinical social worker, life coach, and adjunct professor at a prestigious University, I bring over two decades of experience helping individuals—especially college students—navigate anxiety, identity, academic stress, relationship struggles, and major life changes. College is a time of growth, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re balancing coursework with personal responsibilities, managing grief, or facing uncertainty about your future, I provide a safe, supportive space to help you process, heal, and move forward with clarity and confidence. My clinical work is grounded in empathy, evidence-based practices, and a deep understanding of the challenges young adults face. With my background in both mental health and higher education, I meet you where you are—with compassion and insight.

Find individual, couples, family and group counseling, as well as Medication Management & Psychiatry services in person at one of our 6 Chicagoland locations or from the comfort of your home, using a secure, online platform. Find out about Telehealth Services, serving all Illinois and Indiana, here. The Juniper Center is here to help you or someone you love to heal from symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, behavioral issues, relationship issues and more. We work at the forefront of brain science to provide evidence-based results for you.

Gabi is a board-certified, licensed clinical counselor and a Registered Art Therapist. She holds a masters degree in Counseling & Art Therapy from Adler University. Rooted in a passion for fostering community, connection, understanding, and belonging, Gabi is committed to guiding clients through their unique journeys, holding space for their truths and experiences. Through a blend of talk therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, body-centric work, and play, she fosters trust and belonging. Her art therapy encourages intuitive expression, allowing clients to authentically explore emotions, memories, and body-felt experiences, creating a safer inner space for self-discovery. Outside of private practice, Gabi worked as a therapist and clinical supervisor within community mental health, as well as an art therapist with marginalized Chicago youth. She has experience working with the spectrum of age, from as young as 5 into adulthood, as well as families. Gabi has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns, but specifically has a passion for working with 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, those navigating past and present trauma, those experiencing significant life transitions (transitioning into adulthood, college, becoming a parent) as well as those wanting to further connect with the experiences of their body.

Hello! I am Kelly, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have worked in the social service field for over 30 years and enjoy helping clients with many diverse types of issues including anger management, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and stress, among others. I am committed to my clients' personal growth and change and use several modalities including CBT, Strength Based, Compassion Focused, Mindfulness Based, Solution Focused and Eclectic. When working with me you will find that I am passionate about providing you with a safe, empathetic, non-judgmental space to navigate the life altering issues that can take their toll. As clients progress through treatment, they can expect a decrease in symptomology, an increase in coping skills, and an overall feeling of a better existence. Clients can move towards the best version of themselves and realize that they are not alone in their struggles. Choosing a therapist is a very personal process and a good fit is necessary for growth and change. I would like to get to know more about you, what brought you to therapy, what you expect from therapy and discuss how to best meet your needs. If you feel we might be a good fit to work together, feel free to reach out! I am part of the Path referral network, which means that when you reach out, my team will get back to you quickly to schedule our first session. I am committed to making therapy affordable. Through Path, I am in-network for most commercial insurances, so you're only responsible for your co-pay!

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I work with college and graduate students who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted—even when things look “fine” on the outside. Many of my clients are high-functioning, thoughtful, and self-aware, yet struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, relationship patterns, or a persistent sense that something isn’t quite right. My approach is psychodynamic, meaning we look beyond symptom management to understand the underlying emotional patterns, relationships, and life experiences shaping how you feel and function today. Therapy becomes a space to slow down, reflect, and make sense of internal conflicts that often get pushed aside in the pressure-filled environment of academic life. Students often come to me during periods of transition—starting or finishing school, navigating independence, questioning identity or values, or managing the emotional toll of performance expectations. Rather than offering quick fixes, I focus on helping clients develop insight, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of self that extends well beyond college.

My goal as a clinician is to create a safe space where we can work through issues that may be causing you distress. Together, we will explore the patterns in your life that are no longer serving you. I may be a particularly good fit for those seeking support around relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness and pre/postnatal mood disorders. My approach is rooted in trauma-informed, attachment-based and anti-oppression frameworks. I rely on a supportive and collaborative process in setting and working toward your goals. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but it shouldn’t have to. I believe in meeting people wherever they are in their journey and working together to build a path toward wellness. My goal is for you to feel empowered, supported and worthy of positive change. Feel free to contact me to set up an initial appointment so we can start to explore your goals.

Introduction Dr. Victoriya Tsaran completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology at Loyola University, and completed both her Master’s and Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Schaumburg. Currently, Dr. Victoriya Tsaran is the owner and clinical director at Progressive Psychological Healthcare. Dr. Tsaran’s multicultural background allows her to utilize the awareness and understanding of diverse client needs, and utilizes multicultural sensitivity and appreciation in her therapuetic approach. Dr. Victoriya Tsaran provides therapy services in both English and Russian. Experience Dr. Victoriya Tsaran has worked in a wide range of professional settings, including behavioral health hospitals, community mental health centers, skilled nursing facilities and medical rehabilitation centers providing mental health services. In addition, Dr. Tsaran has worked in school settings as well as therapeutic schools and private group practices. Dr. Tsaran’s clinical experience includes working with hundreds of unique, complex and diverse clients. She believes that the client’s success is born out of a trusting and supportive relationship that the client and therapist build together. This is not an easy task since many components play a role in the type of relationship that is allowed to be developed in the therapeutic relationship. The relationships that Dr. Tsaran has developed with her clients and patients was based on her ability to empathize with their developmental needs and understand their unique environment, their perspective of the world around them, and the way they view themselves and others while maintaining healthy professional boundaries. Providing a safe and nurturing environment that encourages a trusting relationship is the goal Dr. Tsaran has for her clients, especially during the early stages of therapy. Therapy Approach Dr. Tsaran’s clinical work revolves around being supportive, flexible, and progressive. Dr. Tsaran approaches her patients and their problems from an individualized perspective and utilizes an individualized treatment plan that is tailored specifically to her patient’s individual and unique needs. Over the years, Dr. Tsaran has developed an eclectic perspective to therapy and utilizes a unique combination of psychotherapy, mind-body awareness, family systems therapy, emotion focused therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques. Her wide range of knowledge and competency in various psychological theories allows Dr. Tsaran to be flexible in her individualized treatment approach with every client. Dr. Tsaran’s areas of specialty include: working with children, young adults, adults, families and couples therapy. She is experienced in treating various clinical presentations including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, adjustment disorders, behavioral problems, relationship conflict and parenting stress. “I aim to revive my patients from the current positions in their lives and help bring in the much needed harmony and infused positivity that will allow my clients to progress in their minds, their mental health and their overall life.”

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.

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.

For Real Therapy is a culturally, creatively and community inspired group practice. We value and emphasize clients coming from diverse / intersectional backgrounds including: QTBIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and first generation immigrants. For Real Therapy is rooted in the belief that therapy is a political act -- where resilience and rest are supported simultaneously. It is a practice for people who recognize the ripple effect of their impact on the world at large, and why it is integral to commit to the work of intentional self-healing to relate to yourself so you can best relate to others.

We are here to help people. It’s what we do and who we are. We don’t feel the need to rattle off clinical jargon, write for academic journals or pretend we’ve got all the answers. Our therapy specialties include anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, conflict & trust. We listen with an open heart and help you see options, find clarity, address issues. Your concerns guide our therapeutic approach. We each have diverse specialties so you can choose one of our licensed therapists that fits you. Sometimes you instantly click with a therapist. Other times, you don’t. We want to make sure people get the help they need, even if that means referring you to a mental health therapist outside our practice. Our Chicago community has counted on our psychotherapy practice for over 20 years. The on-site & online therapy services we provide range from individual therapy, couples therapy, mindfulness and child therapy. It’s a true privilege knowing that we have created a highly respected resource for our neighbors. We are an inclusive practice serving individuals, couples and families of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races and ethnicities. All are welcome.

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College Life—Balancing classes, relationships, family expectations, and your mental health can feel like too much. Have you ever felt like everyone else has it figured out while you’re just trying to keep it together? You’re not alone. College is an exciting chapter, but it can also bring stress, anxiety, loneliness, and pressure to succeed. Sometimes you need a space that’s just for you—where you can process everything without judgment. ✅ How I Help I help college students: ✔ Manage anxiety and overwhelming stress ✔ Cope with relationship issues or breakups ✔ Navigate homesickness and adjusting to campus life ✔ Set boundaries and prioritize self-care ✔ Build confidence and self-identity My approach is supportive, down-to-earth, and solution-focused. Whether it’s your first time in therapy or you’re coming back, I’ll meet you where you are and help you create practical strategies for relief and growth.

Perhaps you’re tired of not feeling good. Your relationships or career may be draining you and there could be a felt sense that there is more to life or something better for you out there. You might even be carrying a deep, nagging pain that needs release and yet, when the tears come, you hold them back in. Your struggles could leave you feeling unable to think clearly, experiencing tightness in your chest or your body, or even feeling like you weigh a million pounds. Over time, you could find yourself completely numb and not wanting to get out of bed in the morning. Whether these feelings are coming from the distant past or from something happening currently, this does not need to be your “normal”. With support, you can find relief and have greater peace in your life. I know what it’s like to feel empty or to question “how did my life get here?”. My experience with various mind body therapies, blended with traditional counseling, taught me that with compassion and determination, we can find our way out. I believe when we can openly share about ourselves without pressure and with knowing that everything is welcome, we are able to take small steps towards lasting change. From a young age, I had been fascinated with human behavior, introspection, and understanding our inner world. I became a therapist to help people explore all of the crevices where we hold our pain, not only to help connect the dots, but to expand awareness in both the mind and body. I believe this helps us to allow our tears to flow and hold our messiness with tenderness and grace. Working at the Family Institute at Northwestern University, showed me firsthand that change begins when we let go of labeling our thoughts, feelings, or sensations as “good/bad”, “right/wrong”, or “should/shouldn’t”. I am dedicated to helping people step away from these rigid beliefs and approach themselves with a gentle curiosity. I believe when we let go of the labels, we can learn to accept and integrate all parts of ourselves and our experiences with greater compassion. I also learned how important it is to blend a sense of lightheartedness and tough love during my role at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center. I know change is not easy, and although we may never feel ready, it’s in doing it anyway and taking the first small steps that we begin to uncover our true nature. I understand how difficult it is to hold the uncertainty or pain in your life. You have the innate ability to regain a sense of balance and create internal space for any emotional experience. You deserve more and there is more for you out there. I am here to help you uncover and discover how big and free your life can be. Let’s connect now.

I am passionate about working with adolescents, teenagers, and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, body image challenges, life transitions, and more. I value being able to support people through the variety of challenges life may bring to help process, guide, and problem solve. I strive to create a warm, welcoming space where clients feel heard, valued, supported and empowered. Deeply committed to helping people navigate life‘s challenges, I work collaboratively to explore patterns, process behaviors, strengthen coping strategies, build resilience, increase emotional regulation skills, and promote self-growth. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to be the best version of themselves through healing and growing from their experiences. As a clinician who utilizes a variety of approaches with my clients, I incorporate modalities specific to each individuals needs, often incorporating skills from ACT and CBT to help support clients shift negative thoughts. At the center of all of my interactions and interventions, I understand the importance of keeping a person centered and focusing on strengths. I am passionate about creating an authentic, collaborative and understanding environment where we work together toward meaningful goals to promote lasting growth.

As a biracial, first-generation American, I know what it’s like to sometimes feel torn in different directions and unsure how to navigate. I care deeply about helping people accept and embrace multicultural and/or queer identities. I firmly believe we all deserve to be represented, feel seen, and live truthfully without being weighed down by guilt. I use a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to support people in addressing challenges with curiosity as we explore questions of how and where we fit in.

Do you struggle with anxiety that affects your daily life? Do you feel overwhelmed just getting through the day? Do you hope that life could be better? Now more than ever, people are feeling uncertain in life. I believe there is hope. I offer a safe, holistic, and client-centered approach to therapy, so you can get the help you need. I am passionate about helping young adults learn to cope with anxiety, depression, body image/eating, and life transitions. I will guide you to accomplish your goals.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or just not like yourself lately, I can help you find your way forward. As a compassionate & experienced therapist, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate these challenges in a safe space. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, eating disturbances, work-stress, relationship struggles, trauma, or self-esteem issues, I work collaboratively with clients to create treatment plans that promote healing. I specialize in helping individuals with relationship challenges, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, LGBTQ+ issues, & grief. I provide a non-judgmental space for healing & growth.