Therapists for college students near University of Chicago

In our therapy sessions, we’ll work collaboratively to increase your insight and better understand the deeper roots of the current problems that you are facing. Together, we will increase your ability to better tolerate difficult emotions, more effectively cope with the issues that you are facing, and create a problem-solving style that works for you. My empathic, direct, and empowering clinical style will help you discover the best version of you. Here are some of my specialties: *Generalist *Interpersonal, Relational Style *Adults *Individuals *LBGTQ+ Affirming *Depression *Mood Disorders *Anxiety *PTSD/C-PTSD *Trauma Informed *Substance Abuse *Self-esteem/Assertiveness/Boundaries *Grief/Loss *Relationship Issues *Understanding unhealthy family/childhood patterns & roles and changing how these are repeated in one’s adult relationships *Narcissistic abuse recovery

Birchwood Clinic, LLC provides in person and telehealth mental health services to adults in the Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. Our holistic approach strives to empower each client to achieve balance, clarity, and overall health and wellness.

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.”

Life can bring many challenges that leave you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of your next step. In these moments, having a space where you are truly heard, met with a nonjudgmental attitude, and accepted can make a difference. I believe that acceptance helps us process our experiences and find more meaning in life, and I view therapy as a highly relational process wherein the therapeutic alliance contributes to lasting change. I approach therapy with warmth, empathy, and a deep respect for your lived experiences. Grounded in a person-centered therapeutic perspective, I prioritize creating an environment where you feel safe to explore, analyze, and reflect on your experiences with compassion. Together, we can make sense of your thoughts, feelings, and challenges at your own pace in a way that honors your individuality and personal values. I also understand that everyone has unique experiences and ways of moving through the world, so I approach therapy with flexibility, understanding, and a determination to tailor treatment to your needs. I have four years of clinical experience working in a variety of mental health settings, which has afforded me the privilege of working with people from many walks of life. Specifically, I have experience in helping individuals and couples navigate difficulties such as life transitions, relationship issues, mood-related challenges, betrayal trauma, identity exploration, and adjustment challenges. Additionally, my clinical training has emphasized values of social justice, diversity, and equity, and I strive to provide identity-affirming, anti-racist, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care in all aspects of my work. If you are considering starting or continuing your therapeutic journey, I invite you to reach out and connect with me. I welcome the opportunity to chat to see if working together feels like a good fit for you.

Charissa Simon-Wright earned her BA in Criminal and Social Justice from the University of Arizona (formerly Ashford University), MS in Psychology with a Specialization in Addictions from Perdue University (formerly Kaplan University). Charissa has received a doctoral degree at Walden University- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Health Psychology. She is a member of Psi Chi, International Honor Society in Psychology, since June of 2019. Charissa has also obtained certifications as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), a Co-Occurring Disorder Professional (CODP-I), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Charissa has worked passionately in the behavioral health field for over fifteen years with children and families in multiple roles such as a case manager, housing specialist, family preservation worker, and counselor. While working at the second largest health department in Illinois, Charissa gained vast knowledge and skills that encompasses group counseling, individual counseling, clinical assessments, crisis counseling, addiction counseling, and trauma counseling. Charissa believes in treating the whole person. This means that she takes into consideration the underlying factors that can inhibit a person’s ability to practice healthy habits, so that she and the client can address the root of the issue and not just the symptoms in a collaborative manner. Charissa believes that the client is in charge of their own treatment which creates a sense of autonomy and empowerment that enables the client to move towards identified goals.

I offer a warm and affirming space for you to move away from shame or past traumatic harms toward self-compassion and a stronger sense of agency in your life. My approach to therapy centers the therapeutic relationship and honors the ways that people heal alongside one another. I aim to be nonjudgmental, exploratory, and compassionate in my work with you. In my work, I draw largely from relational, psychodynamic, somatic, and trauma-centered frameworks to help individuals strengthen their relationships to themselves, their bodies, and those near them. Further, I take a social justice approach to therapy that acknowledges the role that power and oppressive systems have in shaping mental health. I have special interest in working with people seeking support for complex trauma, grief, burnout, significant life transitions, or relationship challenges. I welcome all communities but bring lived experience to work with LGBTQ+ and Latine individuals as a queer Mexican-American therapist.

Primary Care Psychology Associates (PCPA) is a group practice of doctoral-level clinical psychologists and psychotherapists providing outpatient mental health care and psychological testing for adults, children, and families. What We Do: Psychotherapy: Individual, couples, family, and group talk therapy. Psychological Assessment: Diagnostic testing for ADHD, learning differences, and developmental or emotional concerns. Integrated Medical Collaboration: Co-locating or coordinating care directly with primary care physicians and pediatric groups (such as PediaTrust). Multilingual Care: Offering sessions in English, Spanish, and Bulgarian. What We Do Well: Integrated & Co-Located Care: We excel at embedding behavioral health inside primary medical clinics. This allows for real-time consultation, smoother referrals, and "warm handoffs" where a medical doctor can connect a patient to mental health support immediately. Solution-Focused, Evidence-Based Approach: Our clinicians utilize proven modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with a time-limited focus. We aim for practical skill-building and tangible results within weeks or months rather than open-ended years of analysis. Lifespan & Family Systems Coverage: We manage care seamlessly across all ages (from early childhood pediatric support and parent training to adult and geriatric health psychology) while viewing patients through a broader family or environmental lens. Behavioral Medicine: We handle the psychological overlay of physical illness well—such as helping patients adjust to chronic pain, diabetes, cancer, or cardiac recovery alongside their medical treatments.

Hi, I’m Laura Let’s Explore Who You Are and Who You Can Become I’m here to help you navigate the journey of understanding yourself, especially when it comes to your gender identity. With a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling and a background in Fine Arts and Psychology, I use a creative and thoughtful approach to guide you through this process. At Thrive Ahead Co., I offer a space where you can safely explore your feelings, process your thoughts, and find the clarity and confidence to move forward. Who I Work With You might be feeling anxious or unsure about your identity, and that’s okay. I work with people who, like you, are ready to dive deep into understanding themselves. Maybe you feel like there’s a lot to figure out, and you need a place where you can reflect and explore without judgment. You want to grow, to feel more secure in who you are, and maybe even discover new ways to experience joy and fulfillment. You might not have all the answers right now, but you’re curious. You’re looking for someone who can guide you through this—someone you can trust, who will collaborate with you, and who can bring a little humor into the process when needed. If you’re open to change, even when it feels a little scary, we’ll make progress together. How We’ll Work Together Our sessions will be a mix of traditional therapy and creative exploration, depending on what feels right for you. I believe that growth happens when you have the space to be yourself, explore your thoughts, and express your emotions—whether through conversation, art, or a bit of both. I’ve worked with people in all kinds of settings, helping them unpack what’s going on inside and move toward a clearer, more confident version of themselves. In our work together, I’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll go from there at your pace. Are You Ready? If you’re ready to take a closer look at who you are and where you want to go, I’m here to walk that path with you. This process is about discovering more of yourself, finding your strengths, and moving toward a life where you feel secure and true to who you are. You don’t have to figure this out alone—I’m here to support you on your journey.

I love to support folks in navigating self-image, depression, anxiety, sexuality and identity, stress and trauma, and more. We heal and grow when we are in community with others and when we are supported in finding balance and solidarity. I have been grateful for the opportunity to support my clients in finding rest, joy, and connection in their lives as they cope with the world's stresses and uncertainties. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I am an LGBTQIA+ and poly/ENM-affirming therapist. I welcome you to bring your authentic self - wherever you're at. My therapy style is warm and non-judgmental. I love incorporating systems and parts work to contextualize and find connections in your individual experiences. I provide therapy from an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed focus that values your holistic self, and love to bring social justice themes that are important to you into our work. I believe that joy and laughter can have a place in the room, too. I know that starting therapy can seem daunting. I'm here to make the process as smooth as possible, and to answer any and all questions along the way. I can say from my experience on the "other side of the chair," that it is so worth it to take that step. All inquiries are welcome.

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.

Retake On Life, LLC offers a comprehensive counseling program. We work with diverse populations with special sensitivity to ethnic/cultural backgrounds. Our practice values providing therapy that is accessible, diverse, and evidence based. We are here to support those seeking answers and/or a new take on life.

My name is Jenny Logan (She/Her/Hers), and I have over a decade of professional experience in my field. I am dedicated to supporting clients in cultivating more meaningful and fulfilling lives, even in the face of mental health challenges. I am passionate about helping clients strengthen their relationships, heal from attachment wounds and trauma, navigate parenting challenges and life transitions, and address issues such as perfectionism, substance use, grief and loss, social anxiety, and self-acceptance. My work focuses on supporting clients living with chronic pain and conditions, substance use, trauma, and mood related disorders. I am deeply committed to creating affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+, parents, women, young adults, BIPOC, and neurodivergent clients. We focus on fostering a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable at your own pace. I know that opening up can take time. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my cats, embracing my role as an aunt, and watching true crime documentaries. I also love road trips, exploring new restaurants, & singing along to music in the car.

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.

I specialize in helping college and graduate students manage anxiety, stress, and navigate relationships. My approach to therapy is rooted in wellness, incorporating mindfulness techniques that are both practical and powerful. Whether you're dealing with the pressures of academics, relationship challenges, or personal stressors, I’m here to support you in finding balance and clarity. In our work together, I integrate a variety of mindfulness exercises—some that you can use in the moment when you're feeling overwhelmed, and others that, with practice, will help you build long-term resilience. My goal is to equip you with tools that not only address immediate concerns but also foster your overall well-being. I offer both virtual and in-person therapy in Chicago, allowing us to create a space that fits your needs. Whether you're on campus, at home, or balancing a busy schedule, therapy is accessible and fits into your life. If you're ready to take a proactive step toward managing your stress, anxiety, or relationship challenges, let’s connect and work together to create a meaningful path forward.

Hi, I'm Lucy, LSW (she/her)! I believe that our environment, community, and positionality work together to shape our mental health. I view therapy as a collaboration between the therapist and the client, as you are the expert of your own experience. Together, we will explore the approaches and skills that best fit your needs to support you in navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, ADHD, neurodivergence, identity and LGBTQ+ related concerns, as well as relationship challenges, family dynamics, and major life transitions. I approach therapy from an integrative and holistic, trauma-informed lens to recognize the importance of the client’s self-determination when engaging in therapy and trauma work. I primarily utilize CBT and DBT when working with clients with anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and depression. In my work with couples, I primarily utilize IFS (Internal Family Systems) and narrative therapy to identify the roles and stories within a relationship. As your therapist, I am here to help you challenge negative thoughts and look at situations through different lenses, while also providing a space for you to express your vulnerabilities and reflect on past experiences. My hope is that our work feels meaningful and that you feel comfortable and seen in the space we create together.

I am Isa Bogart (they/she), a queer and nonbinary therapist with a background in survivor advocacy and sexual education. I am a provisionally licensed therapist practicing in the Chicagoland area with a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. I take a compassionate, creative, and anti-oppressive lens to approaching mental wellness, meaning that I center autonomy, self-expression, and authenticity. As a queer individual, I am passionate about working within the LGBTQ+ community and supporting individuals in navigating their queerness and other identities. Also as a survivor of sexual violence, I find purpose in working with survivors and supporting them in healing and reclaiming joy. I believe every individual should have access to mental health resources not only in times of crisis, but also when they want support in thriving. I am interested in an integrative, relational, and creative approach to counseling, utilizing skills from Internal Family Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Somatic/Body-Based Practices. Reaching out for support and prioritizing your well-being isn’t easy – I hope you’re proud of yourself. If you’ve found yourself here, maybe you are looking to try something new with your mental health and self-care. Maybe you are looking to reclaim your life by unlearning harmful past scripts formed by trauma, upbringing, and societal expectations. Maybe you are looking to explore new or pre-existing identities that you hold. Perhaps you are looking to grow in self-compassion and want to honor and celebrate all parts of yourself. Or maybe you just need a safe space to process all the pain, trauma, and grief that exists in the world today. Whatever feelings and experiences have brought you here today, you are seen here. Together, we can build a space full of warmth, compassion, and authenticity that allows you to safely explore the patterns in your life that contribute to pain and distress. In our space, I will integrate specific approaches to guide our work together - utilizing Internal Family Systems, Feminist and Queer Theory, Liberation Psychology, somatic practices, and creative expression just to name a few. I am passionate about meeting you where you are at and creating an environment that is collaborative and resonates with your unique needs and life experiences. I promise to bring my authentic self with me into the therapy room and will support you in doing the same! By making room for your whole self without judgment, we will work through feelings of shame and work towards valuing your whole, genuine self. In my clinical work, I make space for my clients to process, grieve, rage, and organize around the systemic violence and oppression they face. This looks like asking my clients how they are feeling and processing global atrocities, naming systemic oppression when it shows up in the therapeutic space whether in our clinical relationship or in the client's experiences, supporting the client in unlearning internalized forms of supremacy or oppression, and being clear about my values. I fundamentally believe that mental health and wellbeing is political, and that in order to be truly supportive, counselors must consistently weave racial justice and social justice into their work. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my community and loved ones (ideally outside and in the sun), cuddling my two cats, cooking delicious meals, rock climbing, and browsing local shops. I am a lover of horror movies, reality TV, tarot, astrology, and tattoos. I welcome you bringing your own interests into our therapy space! Additionally, I am a certified domestic violence and sexual violence counselor. Before starting my training as a counselor I worked in advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and relationship violence, as well as in sex education for teens and young adults, two issues I am extremely passionate about. As a queer and non-binary person, I am passionate about working within the LGBTQ+ community and supporting individuals in navigating their queerness, relationships, and other identities. I take private insurance (Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Evernorth, UnitedHealth) as well as private pay ($130/session). In addition to working individually, I also work with relationship systems, couples, and families! To anyone reading this, I am sending caring energy your way and hope to hear from you soon!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I offer engaged, purposeful therapy on relationships, work and school-related issues, life transitions, and stress management. I specialize in working with adults as they navigate increasing responsibilities at school and work, while also managing life transitions such as dating, marriage, parenthood, and losses. Many of my clients describe feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed. I integrate current research and traditional approaches: many benefit by learning skills for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness; others explore bigger-picture issues related to values and sense of purpose. I completed my clinical training (Doctoral Internship and Fellowship) at Northwestern University after having graduated with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School. In my previous life, I obtained a Ph.D. in Economics from Princeton University.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi, I am Lily, MA (she/they)! Life is often unpredictable. We’re never given a script for “how to best live our lives,” and it can feel daunting and lonely to navigate without one. Therapy can be a space to explore the stories you’ve lived and what you want to write next, with greater trust, confidence, and attunement to yourself. As a Latinx and queer clinician, I understand the systemic challenges of living in our current environment. I’m guided by values of cultural humility and LGBTQIA+-affirming care, and I’m passionate about acknowledging systemic barriers while working alongside you to keep finding ways to cultivate hope in your life. I work with children, young people, adults, couples, and families and support them in navigating trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, ADHD, identity and culture-related experiences, and more. In my practice, I use a humanistic, person-centered lens, integrated with trauma-informed and Internal Family Systems perspectives, to explore how you see yourself, others, and the world around you. I also draw from DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, and culturally responsive approaches to offer tools that can support you in making sense of past or present wounds. There can be something profoundly meaningful in having someone you can confide in, and I aim to provide a space that feels safe enough to explore what’s difficult, as well as what’s possible. I would be deeply humbled and honored to walk alongside you.