Therapists for college students near 60614

Alexandra (she/hers) specializes in the treatment of adults, marital and pre-marital couples, college aged individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, experiences of trauma, problematic drug and alcohol use, and relational difficulties. Additional specialties include: complicated family systems, emerging adulthood, significant life transitions, disordered eating patterns, and building self confidence. Alex’s approach to therapy is collaborative and she incorporates ACT/ DBT, mindfulness, Imago relational work, motivational interviewing, solution-focused, and narrative therapies into her practice.

I am a relational, trauma‑informed therapist who honors the healing process with warmth, creativity, and deep compassion. I walk alongside individuals as they navigate their unique paths toward healing, believing that the challenges we face can create distance from our truest selves. Therapy offers a space to realign with our deepest values and most authentic identities, fostering greater connection and meaning. For those who are interested, I also incorporate therapeutic writing, mindfulness, and somatic practices as supportive tools for embodied integration and empowered living. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, loss, life transitions, shame, abandonment, and relational distress, helping them reconnect with awareness, intuition, and insight. My focus is on both the internal work and living infrastructure that can help individuals strengthen trust in themselves and navigate toward lives of authenticity and meaning. Additionally, I specialize in supporting women as they heal childhood wounds, move through the losses and disruptions of major life transitions, and recover from relational dynamics of all kinds. I have worked with adults across the lifespan, offering a space to honor and explore life experience to uncover the wisdom and resilience that lie within. Together, we co-create a space to slow down, listen inward, and rediscover strength, clarity, and insight. My work with individuals focuses on nurturing self-compassion, healing, and growth so they can move forward feeling more grounded, whole, and authentic.

I believe that healing happens through authentic human connection. As a relational, trauma-informed psychologist, I bring warmth, curiosity, and true collaboration to therapy. Together we’ll create a safe space where you can explore your experiences openly and connect with yourself more deeply. I offer compassion and support while also challenging the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, helping you build greater self-understanding and feel empowered to create lasting change. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, ADHD/AuADHD, eating disorders, identity exploration, relationship concerns, substance use, and trauma, including intergenerational, developmental, and complex trauma. My approach is deeply informed by the understanding that our identities, cultures, families, communities, and social experiences shape how we move through the world. I am committed to creating an affirming, culturally responsive space where all parts of your identity are welcomed and respected. Together, we can explore the messages you've learned about yourself, hold onto what aligns with your values, and let go of what no longer serves you. I draw from insight-oriented and evidence-based approaches, including psychodynamic therapy, DBT, CBT, and ACT. I also incorporate mindfulness, meditation, spirituality, and a focus on the mind-body connection. Together, we'll explore the connection between your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and lived experiences, helping you develop new ways of relating to yourself and others. My clinical experience includes work in community mental health, private practice, inpatient hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, and juvenile justice settings. Most recently, during my internship, I worked exclusively with tweens and teens navigating severe mental illness, substance use, trauma, and complex family dynamics. Combined with my interest in juvenile forensics, this work highlighted how uniquely receptive adolescents are to positive influence and growth, reinforcing my passion for guiding youth through these pivotal years. I've had the privilege of working with people from a wide range of racial, cultural, socioeconomic, gender, sexual orientation, and ability backgrounds. These experiences have continually reinforced the importance of meeting each person with humility, flexibility, and deep respect for their unique story.

I am a queer feminist therapist who is passionate about centering her client’s personal power and autonomy. Ruby aims to build therapeutic relationships that are genuine, supportive, nourishing, collaborative, and creative. Ruby’s professional work has been centered around gender, sexuality, race, and systemic inequity. She draws from relational, humanistic, narrative, and trauma-informed approaches in her clinical work. Ruby is outgoing, enthusiastic, humorous, and dedicated to creating a dynamic that is non-judgmental and empowering for clients.

Bella is a relational therapist who brings curiosity, compassion, and humor to co-create a space where clients feel seen, supported, and free to be themselves. Believing that healing happens through authentic connection, she collaborates with clients to explore their experiences, celebrate growth, and navigate life’s challenges. Bella’s integrative approach weaves together mindfulness, somatic awareness, and creative, interactive methods. She frequently works with clients exploring identity, processing trauma, and navigating mood-related challenges, while remaining attuned to what each person brings to therapy. Deeply committed to fostering inclusive and affirming spaces, Bella invites open dialogue around culture, power, and privilege—both within and beyond the therapeutic relationship. Her work centers clients’ perspectives and supports a deeper connection to a grounded, authentic sense of self.

I am a queer-affirming, trauma-informed therapist who practices from a feminist multicultural lens. I care deeply about creating a safe, comfortable space for my clients, and I believe we heal through connection with others. My approach is gentle but honest, always going at the client’s pace. I bring my whole self, lived experience, and humor to the therapeutic relationship. I believe mindfulness, self-compassion, and connection to our bodies are an important part of the healing process. I strive to create a collaborative, strengths-based environment, where the client is the expert of their own experience. I love helping clients connect to their inner wisdom or strengthen their inner voice. I believe that people are inherently good, and that we are all capable of change. It’s an honor to walk alongside clients, witness their pain, and help them shape more fulfilling lives. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Utah. As a therapist in training, I completed practicums at a Rape Recovery Center, working with sexual assault survivors, and the University of Utah School of Medicine, working with medical students. After graduating, I spent three years working in university counseling centers, primarily working with college students. I believe in an individualized approach to therapy, shaped to each client’s unique needs. I draw from Feminist and Humanist approaches, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. For trauma processing, I utilize Cognitive Processing Therapy, combined with somatic and feminist practices. I operate from an anti-oppressive, anti-racist approach, considering systems of oppression and the impact of both my client’s, and my own, intersecting identities. I enjoy bringing in creative activities, such as art projects or letter-writing, as well as somatic practices (breathwork, grounding exercises, sensory practices).

Alissa (she/hers) specializes in the treatment of a mood, identity, and relationship struggles with adolescents and adults in their 20s and 30s. Alissa works with her clients to help them resolve difficulties with connection, build insight, and establish healthier relationship patterns. She helps her clients find meaning in their struggles, understand their symptoms, and find ways to get development back on track. She believes that the process of growth and healing is deeply connected to the relationship between the therapist and the individual seeking therapy. Alissa is trained in EMDR and has completed the Fundamentals of Psychoanalytic Thought program of study at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute.

Sunflower Clinical Group is an in-office and telehealth (online) therapy practice located in downtown Evanston, Illinois. Sunflower serves Illinois residents state-wide with a particular focus on emerging adults as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community, including those who identify as Trans or Nonbinary. We take most commercial insurance plans including plans. Sunflower has multiple providers with experience in working with undergraduates and grad students to help them navigate stress, anxiety, family conflict, and life changes related to college life and adulthood. All of our providers are trained in helping adults who are managing ADHD symptoms. Bios for each of our providers can be found on our website.

Healing is never a straight line, there will be ups and downs, and sometimes moments where one can feel stuck. Counseling is an important component of our healing journey and I hope to be of service to my clients to walk along their healing path. Looking deep inside can make one nervous and scared, but to look deeply inside is a very courageous step. Creating a safe space where my clients can feel seen and heard is very important to me. I obtained my B.A. in Psychology in 2011 and my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2023. I provide services in both English and Spanish. I actively engage in ongoing research on ADHD and neurodivergence and draw on both professional knowledge and personal insights and lived experience, as I have ADHD, along with my husband and one of my children, to support clients working through ADHD related concerns.

My practice is guided by curiosity and nonjudgment. Therapy is a place to let go of shame, where all topics can be brought to the table. My goal is to provide a safe space where we can question, cry, laugh, and feel it all together. My style is deeply empathetic and introspective with a sense of playfulness and lightheartedness. I practice from an emotions-focused, attachment, and psychodynamic lens. My approach also includes existential, narrative, trauma-informed, and harm-reduction frameworks. As a Certified Yoga Instructor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) who has trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE), I enjoy incorporating somatic work to deepen the therapeutic process via movement, breath work, and somatic mindfulness. I work with folks with ADHD/neurodivergence.

Liz Casaclang Melo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. She graduated from Argosy University with an MA in Clinical Psychology. Liz is a very open and empathetic person who values having a therapeutic relationship with her patients. Liz has had the opportunity to work with patients from different backgrounds, ethnicity, and BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Outside of work, Liz enjoys the outdoors, especially biking and swimming. She loves hanging out with her family and their 3 dogs, and barbeques. She admits she is a foodie.

Steve Schreiner is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2008. He has a BS in Education from De Paul University and an MA in Counselor Education from Northeastern Illinois University. Steve helps his clients by assisting them in identifying goals, as well as potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil. Steve seeks to improve communication and teaches practical coping mechanisms which can help the client immediately to deal with their specific symptoms. Steve promotes behavioral change and optimal mental health. Outside of work, Steve enjoys running, writing, reading, theater, movies, playing and watching sports, fitness and nutrition, and outdoor activities.

Cara McGhee, LPC takes a holistic eclectic approach to therapy. With the holistic aspect, Cara addresses symptoms as one way an individual's cognizance can convey consideration to an individual's advance perception. In the eclectic aspect, Cara uses various theoretical approaches to meet client's needs. Cara also addresses the therapeutic relationship with the belief that a stable relationship incorporates trust, authenticity, autonomy and optimistic outcomes. Cara has experience with survivors and offenders of domestic violence, substance use, parenting, and ran a court ordered anger management program. Mood disorders, anxiety, and depression are some of the main areas Cara treats. Cara earner her M. A. in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Veronica Pena is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. There are joys of being a parent and there are also the difficult, confusing, frustrating, and exhausting moments where you might feel like you don't know what to do to help your child. Kids struggling with behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem sometimes need an extra hand to help them navigate the difficulties in life. Veronica understands both childhood development and the complexities of parental struggles, and she can help your child have a better experience of their life. Veronica utilizes play therapy interventions with children ages 3-12 years old that allow them to develop and practice skills to cope with difficult experiences and emotions, have a better understanding of themselves, and tune into their natural resilience. Veronica tailors her approach based on the needs of the child, teen, or family - truly meeting them where they're at. Starting therapy can be difficult and vulnerable for anyone, and with the right therapist and approach, positive change is possible. Outside of work, Veronica enjoys painting, baking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Andy Benson, LCSW and CADC, offers a compassionate and non-judgmental space for clients in Illinois, providing individualized and effective evidence-based treatment. Specializing in the treatment of substance abuse, PTSD/trauma, and co-occurring disorders. Andy has extensive experience working with first responders, older adults, and other diverse populations. His approach involves deep listening and understanding, meeting clients where they are to facilitate their healing and growth. At LifeStance Health, Andy Benson is dedicated to helping adults and seniors navigate the complexities of their mental health. He employs a range of interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couples/Marital Counseling, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to address various mental health concerns. His expertise includes dealing with midlife and later life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and men's issues, ensuring that each client receives tailored care that addresses their unique needs and circumstances. Andy is particularly passionate about addressing alcohol and drug use.

Layla Byrnes is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Master of Social Work, and a Master of Arts in Public Policy. Layla provides a safe space to authentically learn and grow, to feel capable within one's own autonomy and community. Layla offers time and space to consider suspending beliefs that are no longer serving you, and to do so within your boundaries. It can be hard to see the "forest for the trees," and it can be helpful to have some assistance. Outside of work, Layla enjoys simple things like a feel-good yoga stretch or her tea light candles. She also loves big moments like Madonna's Blond Ambition tour in the 90s, and graduation ceremonies. Her close friends and family are her everything, not to mention her beloved cat, Athena.

Katarina Berin, LPC, believes that change starts with reciprocity and respect in the therapy relationship. She encourages self-expression, affirmation, feedback, learning, and self-awareness to help clients set goals and make new behaviors possible. Katarina earned a graduate degree in community counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She works with clients age 7 to 76 and, while delighted by all life stages, has a special place in her heart for adolescents and young adults. Katarina helps individuals facing various challenges learn to live with energy, flexibility, and peace. In therapy, Katarina combines a warm and calm presence with evidence-based practices to help clients understand, tolerate, grow, and thrive. She uses techniques that are attentive to the body and emphasize the power of self-awareness in affecting change.

Anissa Murphy, LPC, is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for clients. With her empathetic approach, Anissa meets individuals where they are, helping them navigate their personal challenges and achieve their goals. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, or PTSD/trauma, Anissa offers compassionate and tailored care to address your unique needs. Anissa has extensive experience working with diverse age groups, starting with elementary aged children through the lifespan to older adults. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to help clients manage and overcome their mental health concerns. With children, Anissa incorporates play and art therapy techniques to help them explore their feelings that they may not be able to express with words. She also includes parents and provides family therapy to address the full system. Anissa's clinical expertise extends working with children who have been adopted or involved in the foster care system.

Stephen Sullivan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. He has a bachelor's degree in theology and a master's degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University. Stephen sees huge value in building a trusting relationship with his clients and providing them with an objective and non-judgmental point of view during sessions. As a therapist, Stephen prioritizes creating an open space for clients to safely share their story. He finds that this gives people permission to develop a loving and secure relationship with themselves. Stephen specializes in working with adolescents, adults, and couples who are dealing with challenges in their lives. He has a wealth of experience working with people who are going through anxiety, addiction, depression, trauma, mood/behavioral challenges, and couples/relationship issues. He utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches, personalized to each client?s needs. Some strategies he uses are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and trauma-informed therapy. Stephen can also provide spiritual counseling, specifically Christian-based counseling.

Jonathan McIntosh, LPC, is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care to clients across Illinois. With a warm and non-judgmental approach, he works with clients in individual and group therapy to address a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and substance use. Jonathan helps clients build self-understanding and resilience, fostering a therapeutic space where they feel supported as they navigate life's complexities and challenges. Jonathan has a particular passion for helping clients manage issues related to ADHD, grief, and trauma/PTSD. His expertise also extends to working with the LGBTQ+ community, individuals facing military and veteran-related challenges, and those in adoption or foster care. Jonathan's commitment to understanding and honoring each person's unique background and experiences allows him to offer effective and empathetic support tailored to their needs. Jonathan utilizes psychodynamic psychotherapy to help clients explore the underlying emotional roots of their issues. By facilitating deeper self-awareness, he supports clients in achieving lasting personal growth and improved well-being. Outside of his practice, Jonathan enjoys playing guitar and keyboard, reading, and spending time with his pets.