Therapists for college students near 60614

To me, therapy is about meeting you where you are at. We can 'sit in the suck' and commiserate but from there we will build up! This is a collaborative relationship; we are colleagues working towards the same goal. I won’t try to impress you with fancy medical jargon or bore you with a lecture. I am a simple person with humble beginnings. I started my career in healthcare at 17 years old as a CNA (Certified nursing assistant) working nights at a tiny rural hospital. I moved into the Chicago suburbs to continue my education but maintained my CNA certificate by working afternoons and nights at a long-term care facility. I graduated with my Master’s in Social work in 2016 from Aurora University. During my initial years as a social worker I worked in mental health case management and hospice. Two years later I received my Licensed Clinical Social Work for the state of Illinois. Not even a month later in 2019 I moved to North Texas where it took me several more year of training before I received my clinical licensure for Texas. During that time I took several different positions to gain a better understanding of all the kinds of work a social worker is capable of. Those positions were intensive outpatient for mental health and addictions, intake, utilization review for a psychiatric hospital and home health. After gaining clinical licensure in Texas, I concentrated my focus to one on one telehealth with adults while they navigate difficult life changes. When I am not working I enjoy cooking, hiking, competing in dog sports, and tending to my plants and home with my spouse, 7 dogs, and one very old rabbit. I volunteer with the local animal shelter working with animals at risk of euthanasia due to behavior issues or medical concerns and in rescue rehabilitating struggling pets. As a clinician I use aspects of cognitive behavior therapy and dialectical behavior therapy and am considered person centered. I regularly provide handouts, suggest videos, or give homework to encourage therapeutic thought and action outside of our sessions. I look forward to meeting you and being part of the healing chapter of your story!

My mission is to provide quality individual and group therapy that is accessible and meaningful. Over the years, I have worked with a wide variety of folks and have found that meeting people “where they are at “ and actively listening to their goals is the basic foundation that can be overlooked at times. Clients in my practice are motivated for therapy and committed to the time we set aside for their growth. I am also committed to that time in order to assist clients with meeting their goals and experiencing further well-being. Depending on their own personal preference for more or less structure, I can generally adapt my practice skills to meet that personal preference.

Has it been hard for you to embrace life and feel your best? Are you looking for help navigating a lifelong struggle or recent difficulty? Although your experiences are unique to you, you are not alone and deserve to have your emotional needs met. The therapeutic journey allows you to share the burden and take an active role in making the changes you want to make. Together, we can find what works for you and equip you with the tools to address anxiety, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, and loss. I have often been described as compassionate and positive, which allows my clients to build on their strengths in a safe and accepting space. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults of all ages. With an Art Therapy background, I am experienced in using art to complement the therapeutic experience and express things you can’t say with words. Change happens one step at a time, but it can be difficult to make that first step. I'm here to provide support and guidance for you to trust and believe in yourself.

I graduated from Illinois State University in Normal, IL with my Bachelors of Social Work. I continued my education and graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL with my Masters of Social Work, specializing in mental health. While earning my graduate degree I worked on an inpatient psychiatric floor at Methodist Hospital. Mainly I worked with adults experiencing severe mental illness, however, I was also able to work with adolescents and the geriatric population from time to time. Simultaneously, I worked for a local high school as a long-term substitute teacher which provided me the opportunity of working closely with teens and their guardians. Additionally, I completed my internship in the Behavioral Health Emergency Department at Methodist Hospital where I completed assessments and linked people with resources in the community. Upon graduating, I moved to Virginia with my husband who was serving in the United States Navy, where I worked primarily with women on the postpartum units at Norfolk General Hospital. During my time at Norfolk General, I was able to assist women immediately following birth who were experiencing or at higher risk for postpartum depression and anxiety. I was also able to provide support to families who were experiencing an extended stay in the NICU. Since returning to Illinois, I have been back on one of the inpatient psychiatric units at Methodist Hospital working as a clinician. I have been primarily working with adults experiencing severe mental illness and their families by providing individual, family, and group therapy. In addition to therapy, I have been providing case management which has allowed me to familiarize myself with many of the local resources in the area. My husband and I are in the most amazing and exhausting time of our lives raising two toddler boys. We love spending time experiencing life through the eyes of our little boys. Family is everything to us. In my free time (what is that? ha-ha), I love watching Friends or One Tree Hill on repeat, going shopping with my mom, and playing video games. I believe in a holistic and person-centered approach. It's important to me for you to be the leader of your therapy. We will work as a team to set goals and work on what you feel is most important. I want to create a nonjudgmental and unbiased space for you to talk about the hard things. Your life is worth my time.

Melody Stauffer, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois who has counseled children, teens, and adults for over 10 years. She graduated from Judson University with a bachelor’s in psychology. She then graduated from Argosy University in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Community Counseling. Her areas of expertise include: depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting, children/adolescents, communication issues, stress management, grief & loss, self-esteem issues, self-harm, substance abuse, psychosis, and crisis stabilization. Melody recognizes each client has their own story to tell and specific wounds to heal and will let her clients lead the way on their mental health journey. Melody is also trained in EMDR therapy that is helpful with patients with trauma, old or new. Schedule your appointment with me by simply clicking on the "Visit Website" link below!

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I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Serenity Way Therapy Services, LLC. I work with individuals navigating unresolved childhood experiences, life transitions, and the stress that can come with balancing responsibilities and identity. Many of the clients I support appear to be functioning well on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected internally. My approach is both supportive and direct. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences while also being challenged in ways that promote growth. I focus on helping clients build self-awareness, improve relationships, and develop practical tools they can use in their daily lives. Whether someone is adjusting to a new phase of life, managing stress, or working through deeper emotional patterns, I aim to help them move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.

I earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree specializing in Psychiatry from The University of Texas at Arlington. I am proud to say I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am a true believer that not one of my fellow humans is immune to stress, anxiety, and feelings of sadness at some point in their life. We all find ourselves feeling vulnerable at times. It is completely normal to question why we feel the emotions that we do, why we seem to fall apart at times, and better yet, how we can get through it all in one beautiful piece. I think the first step to meaningful recovery from anxiety, depression, complex mental illness, and/or substance use is to reach out and ask for help. It is a difficult, but very brave action. I am not one to judge, look down on, question your past experiences, or current situation. I am very good at rationally breaking down a situation and I can offer practical advice and medication suggestions depending on your goal in mind. Schedule your appointment with me by simply clicking on the "Visit Website" link below!

I strive to help people find Wholeness. Strength in Mind, Body and Spirit. Sometimes we feel broken or weak. Sometimes we need a helping hand to rebuild an area in our lives. I have assisted many clients who have difficulty adjusting to life's stress or a loss. Some may struggle with chronic mental illness. Some may want more from their relationships, and everything in between. We can start where you are! I believe you are the expert of your life, yet might need encouragement to find the tools to rebuild. I strive to edify my clients and focus on their innate strengths. Are you ready to meet in-person? Are you more comfortable connecting via Video? Whatever your comfort level, We can do either!

Our Collinsville, Illinois office location is a quick ten-minute drive from downtown St. Louis. We offer appointment availability seven days a week and can provide up to two or three appointments per week, if needed. Our other offices are located in Lake in the Hills, Schaumburg, and St. Charles, Illinois. Two current therapists at Owens Counseling can offer telehealth services across the Illinois/Missouri state line (Lori Kaniewski and Michael Peila). Our Collinsville office is part of a large group practice with multiple therapists, with varying clinical backgrounds and expertise, to offer support with any mental health concern. Two other therapists are available to offer bilingual services in Spanish, Polish (Craig Janowiak), and American Sign Language (Amber Kay). Our admin team is very helpful in navigating insurance and establishing an initial appointment. We work with many insurance companies and offer self-pay options to qualify for. Our main office and admin office is located in Lake in the Hills, Illinois.

I am a board certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that treats adults and adolescents. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky and received my graduate degree from Northern Kentucky University. I began my career as a registered nurse working at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. I treat patients with a variety of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. I believe in the importance of building a long lasting relationship with my patients by providing an individualized approach to treatment. I always encourage my patients to be an active participant in their treatment and I am committed to working together with them to reach their unique goals. I understand that seeking treatment for mental health disorders is difficult but encourages those in need to do so, as everyone deserves to be happy and healthy. I am focused on providing evidence based treatment through the use of medication and nonpharmacologic treatments. I take the time to understand each patient’s unique situation and offer my support through their mental health journey. While not working, I enjoy being active outdoors, traveling, and spending time with my family, friends, and pup! Schedule your appointment with me by simply clicking on the "Visit Website" link below!

Keeping it all together in college can be exhausting. When things like anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, panic, and stress get in the way, it can be incredibly overwhelming. Whether you struggled with these things before coming to college, or the transition to college has brought on new stress or anxiety - you're not alone and you deserve therapy that works. I specialize in compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals with anxiety, OCD, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, phobias, and related challenges. I'm passionate about helping college students to cope effectively with these challenges so that you can make the most of your college experience and feel like yourself again on campus. My style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth, while staying anchored in truly effective, research-back principles. Finding the right therapist can be a deeply personal process. Taking that next step to put yourself first is so worthwhile. If you'd like to learn more, feel free to reach out and let's chat. I look forward to learning your story, understanding your goals, and getting started.

Beth Thornton is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing from the University of Louisville in Kentucky and completed her specialized psychiatric training at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. Beth’s approach to care is grounded in patient-centered practice, where your unique needs, experiences, and values guide the treatment process. She is committed to creating a compassionate and supportive environment, emphasizing respect, empathy, and empowering you to actively participate in your mental health journey. Beth integrates the latest research and evidence-based practices to tailor treatment plans that address your individual needs. Passionate about demystifying psychiatry, she welcomes all questions and strives to make the process clear and approachable. "Empowering you to take an active role in your care is my passion. Every session provides an opportunity to review and adjust your treatment plan to ensure your concerns and goals are met. Life brings changes, and you deserve a flexible treatment approach that supports you through every season. Please note, I generally do not prescribe controlled substances during an initial consultation." Sessions are designed to be low-stress, and questions are always encouraged. You are unique, and we will take the time to thoroughly discuss your needs before crafting a plan that supports you in achieving your goals.

With over 20 years of experience as a therapist and school counselor, I am dedicated to supporting students as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. My approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and evidence-based practices, with a deep understanding that every individual’s journey is unique. I specialize in providing meaningful support for individuals with ADHD, anxiety, and/or special needs. Whether a client is struggling with focus and organization, feeling overwhelmed by worry, or needing tailored emotional and academic support, I strive to create a safe encouraging space where growth and confidence can flourish. Drawing on two decades of experience in educational and therapeutic settings, I can help clients of all ages build practical skills, emotional resilience, and self-awareness. My goal is not only to address immediate concerns, but to empower individuals with tools they can carry forward—at school, at home, and in everyday life.

Are you burnt about life in general? Life can be demanding at times and can often feel overwhelming especially as college students. I am a first generation Latinx, Spanish speaking therapist! I work with a lot of students, children, adolescents, young adults, couples, families, etc. to explore their mental health needs. I am here to guide you and support you on your healing journey. I have experience in trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, and much more. I am an eclectic therapist and use a lot of therapeutic approaches. Some examples are, Psychodynamic, CBT, Trauma- Informed CBT, EMDR, and many more according to what I see you need. You don't have to be alone in this, lets talk about ways to create new coping skills and work through those challenges. Book your appointment on the website! I'm excited to hear from you!

Welcome to my practice! If psychiatric symptoms are causing you pain and limiting your life, I want to help. I offer telepsychiatric medication management services to adult patients (ages 18 years+) who reside in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington state. Specialties include treating members of Sexual and Gender Minorities / 2SLGBTQIA+, emerging/young adult populations, creative professionals, and educators. I bring to clinic an abiding commitment to offering my patients kind, affirming, personalized psychiatric care. I do not prescribe controlled substances. The practice is in-network with select insurance companies in CA, IL, MA, NY, OR, and WA. I also accept self-pay patients from CA, IL, MA, NY, OR, and WA who may be able to collect reimbursement from their insurance companies, if they have out-of-network benefits.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist and Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. For me, being a physician is more than a profession—it is a vocation to help indviduals flourish. My practice is devoted to students and young adults seeking thoughtful, individualized psychiatric care that extends beyond symptom relief. I provide comprehensive evaluations that consider medical, nutritional, lifestyle, and psychological factors—including laboratory testing when clinically appropriate—to identify the contributors to emotional and cognitive health. I also specialize in evidence-based de-prescribing for patients who wish to reduce or discontinue psychiatric medications for anxiety, attention difficulties, or substance use disorders. My approach is guided by precision, humility, and restraint: using the least intensive intervention necessary while drawing upon the full breadth of evidence-based medicine. Depending on each patient's needs and goals, I integrate psychotherapy, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, exercise, targeted supplementation, and, when appropriate, carefully selected medications into a personalized treatment plan. In addition to my clinical work, I have presented internationally on psychiatric deprescribing and medical ethics. My work has been recognized with awards from the American Psychiatric Association, the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions, the American Psychoanalytic Association, and other leading professional organizations. I am the Founder & Medical Director of Verigrate Health. I am licensed to serve patients in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Lousiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin.

Hi, I’m so glad you’re here. Working with me is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I might be a good fit if you’re an over-functioning perfectionist, people-pleaser, or eldest daughter ready to strengthen boundaries and take back your life. I specialize in supporting individuals transitioning to life with Type 1 diabetes, inner child work, recovering from a relationship, or leaving narcissistic abuse behind. My background in family therapy includes parent coaching, supporting caregiver burnout, adolescent therapy and play therapy. My intention is for you to feel supported, validated, and inspired to grow, while making space for deep self-exploration. My approach is relational and trauma-informed, grounded in Health at Every Size and social justice. I integrate IFS, narrative therapy, and somatic experiencing to support meaningful, lasting change. I believe therapy is a tool to help you feel free, empowered, and fully yourself.

You’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and you don’t know how to manage everything. You feel like no one understands and it seems as though life keeps getting harder. It seems like you’ve tried everything and nothing is working. Do you often ask yourself what can I do to feel better? Do you find yourself wanting to connect with someone? Everyone deals with a hardship at one point in their lives. During this time it can be difficult to feel heard, understood, supported. I understand that reaching out for the initial session can be difficult, but take the first step, it’s the hardest. I am here to support and guide you in creating positive change. Imagine understanding your triggers, so you have a better understanding of how to manage them. No matter what you’re dealing with or what age you are, I can help you with the difficulties you’re facing. I’ve spent years helping clients learn about themselves and make positive life changes. I offer a safe space for clients to feel comfortable and confident about managing life‘s challenges. I look forward to working together.

I have worked with higher education students extensively and am deeply understand the unique challenges this population faces. I am trained in CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Insomnia) and provide structured interventions that can be incredibly beneficial for those suffering from insomnia, including children, adolescents, and adults. I am currently providing telehealth services in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Florida, Alabama, and New Mexico. I specialize in sexual trauma, child and adolescent trauma, play therapy, and parenting. I am currently accepting clients age 2y and up for individual therapy, in addition to parenting and family therapy. Please feel free to call, text, or email with any questions and to schedule an initial appointment.