Therapists for college students near 60614
Life can feel overwhelming when emotions seem too big to handle or when you’re trying to figure out who you are. You might feel anxious, misunderstood, or caught between different worlds — wanting to belong, but unsure where you fit. Whether you’re a teen navigating pressure from school and family or an adult balancing expectations, grief or identity, therapy can be a space to breathe, slow down, and reconnect with yourself. As a trauma-informed, DBT-certified bi-lingual therapist, I help clients learn to regulate emotions, build confidence, and recover from experiences that have left them feeling disconnected, grieving or stuck. My approach combines practical coping tools with genuine curiosity and warmth, so you can better understand your emotions and develop resilience in everyday life. Together, we’ll explore your story at your pace, honoring both the pain and the strength that brought you here. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe to be honest, to grow, and to move toward a life that feels authentic, balanced, and your own. You don’t have to carry everything alone — healing begins when you allow yourself to be supported. I graduated in Rutgers University with a BA degree in psychology, 2022. After that, I pursued a mental health counseling master degree in Johns Hopkins University. In therapy, I am solution focused and use approaches that are supportive and effective: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and trauma-informed care. I also incorporate mindfulness and practices rooted in Buddhist and Taoist traditions that honor your unique cultural background. I believe in meeting you where you are, respecting your lived experience, and working together to help you reconnect with your strengths, process your pain, and move toward a more meaningful life. Therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical or distant—it can be collaborative, warm, and deeply healing. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to walk with you. I will be working virtually and from the Lakeview Office. 如果你因为学业感到压力重重，对自己的身份感到迷茫，或者正在努力寻找归属感，请相信你并不孤单——你不需要一个人面对这一切。我专注于帮助青少年、青年和成年人，他们正在经历重大转变、身份困惑、被误解的痛苦，或者在以神经多样性身份生活中挣扎。 无论是学业压力、焦虑、倦怠、失落，还是对自己和未来的疑问，我都会为你提供一个安全、没有评判的空间，让你可以完全做自己。我也特别支持移民家庭、第一代移民，以及在多重文化之间寻找平衡的人。作为一名双性恋的亚裔女性，我深深扎根于中美两种文化，我理解在复杂身份中穿梭所带来的重担——也理解那其中的力量。 在治疗中，我运用既支持性强又有效的方法：接纳与承诺疗法（ACT）、认知行为疗法（CBT）、游戏治疗、焦点解决短期治疗（SFBT），以及创伤知情的治疗方式。我也融入了佛教和道教中与正念相关的文化实践，来尊重并接纳你的独特文化背景。 我相信从你所在的位置出发，尊重你的生活经历，与你携手合作，帮助你重新连接内在力量、处理情绪创伤，并迈向一个更有意义的生活。心理治疗不需要是冷冰冰的或距离感强的——它可以是协作的、温暖的、而且具有深度疗愈作用的。 如果你已经准备好迈出下一步，我会在这里，陪你一起走下去。
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.”
Background Holly (She/Hers) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University. She is a Certified Trauma Professional and received sexual assault and crisis intervention training through the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA). She brings clinical experience from the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center in Skokie, IL as well as a variety of evidenced-based therapeutic trainings to the practice. She is also a Certified Tele Mental Health Associate. In addition, she is an active member of state and national professional counseling associations. Prior to the counseling field, Holly worked in corporate, as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ukraine, as a refugee resettlement worker, and received a Master of Science in International Public Service from DePaul University. Holly has had the privilege of dedicating much of her career to helping people. Therapeutic Approach Holly’s priority is to build a trusting therapeutic relationship with each whole person. In this relationship, she can attune to each person and naturally hold a gentle and safe space for individuals to deal with and heal from unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, life stressors, adverse childhood experiences, and trauma. Holly believes healing is a collaborative and egalitarian process where clients should feel safe and validated. She is warm, dedicated, intentional, direct, and passionate about her work as a therapist. Holly is a culturally sensitive, relational therapist who is drawn to working from attachment, feminist, and systems lenses. She received training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Trauma-Focused-CBT. She uses a strengths-based, client-centered, and compassionate approach in working with her clients. Holly integrates a range of therapeutic techniques and methods to meet her clients where they are at in the present moment. Other areas of therapeutic focus include Somatic modalities, Breath work, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). Specializations and Clinical Interests: anxiety, attachment issues, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, chronic illness, coping skills, cultural and societal oppression, depression, dissociation, divorce, emotional abuse, emotional regulation, first responder work, food allergy adjustment counseling, gender and sexual identity development, life transitions, men’s issues, parenting, parent-child relationships, relationships, school performance, self-esteem, self-harming, sexual assault/abuse survivors, stress/stress-management, trauma/PTSD, women’s issues. Currently working with: All genders and sexual orientations, older adolescents, and adults. She works with trauma survivors of all ages (3 and up). Individuals and families. “It is an honor to sit with you and witness your healing journey”-Holly
Introduction: Ryan is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who received a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in dance movement therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Therapeutic Approach: Ryan specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults in the pursuit of mental well-being. Having worked with individuals from various backgrounds, I recognize that each client’s story is unique. I utilize a trauma-informed and collaborative approach when working with client’s to understand the holistic impacts on an individual’s symptomatology. I assist individuals explore how their early relationships, inner conflicts, and past experiences shape their current lives. For children and adolescents, I provide a safe and supportive environment to navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, identity development, trauma, and family dynamics. I utilize play and other creative therapies to build trust and rapport and further the safety of the therapeutic relationship. For adults, my practice is centered around helping individuals better understand the root causes of emotional distress, relationship struggles, and life transitions. I believe that healing is possible when clients can access their inner strength, build resilience, and transform negative patterns into opportunities for growth. Specialization: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, emotional regulation and expression, grief, divorce / blended family dynamics, ADHD, and coping strategies Currently working with adults, adolescents, and children Theoretical Lens: Psychodynamic, Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR (SAFE), Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered, Motivational Interviewing
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Our practice prides itself on being affirming, accommodating, and accessible. We are empathic story containers, encouraging clients to work through their life narratives. We offer services to meet the needs of those we serve. We offer individual, group, family, and couples services in both in-person and virtual formats. We accept many forms of insurance and offer sliding scale and pro bono to those who qualify. We are a small private practice comprised of 40% women of color and 60% marginalized identities. Many of the clients we serve share our identities and benefit from our lived experiences and shared cultures. We offer expertise in a range of needs, including anxiety, ADHD, depression, gender, substance misuse, and trauma. We are trained in art therapy, IFS, substance misuse, and group counseling theories. I am a queer, bicultural, first-generation Cuban-American born and raised in the Midwest. I have been enriched by purposefully surrounding myself with diversity. My personality is direct and approachable. Curiosity, humor and compassion are central. I approach therapy collaboratively and compassionately, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, insight-oriented, and relationship-focused methods. I find that art making can assist with the physical impact of our daily stressors and can open up new and creative ways to see life’s challenges. I work in ways that are both supportive and challenging.
As a therapist, I work closely with young adults as they navigate the challenges of college life (identity exploration, academic pressure, major life shifts etc.) drawing on proven methods suited to this stage of development. My background in university counseling informs a focused, strengths-oriented style that helps students gain direction and build confidence. My specialty areas include navigating life transitions, managing anxiety and depression, understanding self and others, and exploring immigrant/second-generation identities. As a Chinese-American, I provide therapeutic services in both English and Mandarin Chinese. In sessions, I strive to create a cooperative environment where we can engage in meaningful conversations that foster positive growth. In session with me, students might notice that we begin with examining thought patterns, identifying existing strengths, and focusing on concrete steps to support lasting change. Based on each student's values and lived experiences, I draw upon various clinical approaches, such as: - Strength-Based Therapy - Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Narrative Therapy Pronouns: He/Him
Hello and welcome- I’m so glad you’re here! Starting therapy is a courageous and meaningful step, and I want to recognize the strength it takes to prioritize your mental health. Whether this is your first time seeking support or you’ve been in therapy before, I’m truly honored to walk alongside you on this journey. As a licensed social worker, my goal is to meet you where you are and create a space that feels safe, affirming, and grounded in trust. I strive to build a therapeutic relationship that is rooted in compassion, empathy, and authenticity- one where you feel heard, empowered, and supported. Our work together will focus on your unique strengths and goals, with room for self-reflection, growth, and sometimes even a little humor along the way. As a biracial woman, I am especially passionate about working with diverse individuals. I bring a deep respect for identity, culture, and community into the therapeutic space. I have experience supporting children and teens through anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, identity exploration, relationship concerns, and academic/life transitions. I bring a culturally responsive lens to therapy and aim to create an inclusive, judgment-free space where diversity is celebrated and your lived experiences are honored. Before transitioning into private practice, I worked as a school social worker and a clinician of a non-profit organization. Within those roles, I supported students and families in areas such as executive functioning, social-emotional development, IEP/504 processes, and behavior intervention plans within the public school system. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the systemic barriers that impact mental health and have strengthened my commitment to culturally responsive, equitable care. Modalities: ● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) ● Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) ● Strength-Based Therapy ● Mindfulness-Based Therapy ● Solution-Focused Therapy ● Trauma Informed Therapy ● Motivational Interviewing ● Play Therapy Specialty Areas: ● Anxiety ● Depression ● Childhood Traumas ● Life Transitions ● Grief/Loss ● Conduct and Behavioral Concerns ● ADHD ● Emotional Regulation ● Relationship Skills If you're looking for a therapist who will support you with compassion, consistency, and care- I'm here, and I look forward to working with you! Jiana is in-network with Aetna and BCBS PPO. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I am so glad you're here! Starting therapy can often feel like a massive undertaking, so please take a moment to acknowledge the significance of accomplishing this first step. Regardless of whether you are a regular in therapy or a first-timer, my goal in every session is to be approachable, safe, and non-judgmental. I believe that you are the expert on yourself, so I will always be curious about your experience and collaborate with you in sessions. My clinical approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and holistic, since you are more than the issues that inspired you to seek therapy. As an art therapist, I know firsthand the power of both verbal and non-verbal communication. Whether or not you choose to make art in our sessions, I will focus on all forms of communication and connection. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone has the potential for change within themselves, and I am passionate about helping my clients discover that power. While I have experience with many different ages and diagnoses, I am particularly interested in working with children, young adults, and adults who are experiencing anxiety, stress, life transitions, and relationship challenges. When collaborating with clients, I pull from various therapeutic modalities: Art Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Motivational Interviewing Play Therapy Strength-based Therapy Person-Centered Therapy pronouns: she/her/hers Julia is in network with BCBS PPO and Aetna
Dr. Schmitt is a dual board certified Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist. She treats psychiatric conditions in adults. She has experience treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder She values compassionate all-encompassing care.
Hector values a compassionate and supportive dynamic that is conducive to healing and growth. He has experience providing individual and group therapy services with specific focus on depression, anxiety, OCD subtypes, co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, and severe and persistent mental illness. Hector applies a practical approach to the helping relationship and incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and existential theories in his work.
Nikolette believes that successful therapy requires authenticity and depth. She works in a highly relational way and practices on the foundations of Adlerian principles. She is an art therapist who is well versed in CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic theory. She believes that art can help bring out what’s going on beneath the surface, giving both the therapist and client a window into the unconscious. She also enjoys working on attachment issues and a whole family systems approach. She practices through a trauma informed lens and bases methodologies on the client’s individual needs. Nikolette’s areas of specialty are CPTSD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, addiction and co-occurring disorder, self esteems issues, and spiritual crisis.
Starting therapy while navigating everything that brought you here in the first place can feel daunting. Whether this is your first time or you’ve been in therapy before, it takes courage to sit with someone new, let down your walls, and share parts of yourself you’ve learned to protect. Wherever you are, I’ll meet you there with respect for the insight you already carry and a commitment to helping you explore new tools and perspectives for growth. I enjoy working with adults, young adults, and teenagers struggling with life transitions, anxiety, depression, mood swings, trauma, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and relationship challenges. I also enjoy working with individuals who identify as neurodivergent and/or LGBTQ+, and I am non-monogamy affirming. I love to support individuals who want to feel more authentic, release shame, and reconnect with their sense of self or inner child. In my work, I value the power of the therapeutic relationship and how sharing humor, creativity, and interests can support connection and self-expression. Together, we can focus on building self-compassion, stepping out of the noise in your head, or embracing the full human experience. I aim to co-create a space that is both serious and lighthearted, challenging when needed and always compassionate. I hold a BS in Psychology from Indiana University Bloomington with a minor in Counseling and a certificate in Clinical Psychology. I am currently pursuing a MA in Counseling at Northwestern University. My approach is trauma-informed and integrative, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness and somatic practice, psychodynamic theory, and narrative therapy. Therapy can be a place to challenge old stories, reconnect with yourself, and build something new. If you're curious about what that could look like, I’d love to meet with you.
Ben prioritizes establishing authentic relationships with clients as the foundation for therapeutic growth. He practices from a client-centered approach, providing individualized care based on each person’s needs. In therapy, he is highly collaborative, providing skills and empowering clients to overcome life’s difficulties. His therapeutic foundation is Rogerian in nature, while pulling from CBT, DBT and mindfulness-based practices. Ben specializes in working with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance-abuse disorders, and problem gambling. He has also worked with couples and has co-authored academic papers on the treatment of depression through couples counseling. Regardless of the concern, Ben works closely with clients to provide best-in-class therapy for his patients.
John is deeply committed to helping individuals navigate the transformative process of change with compassion, clarity, and resilience. With a focus on complex trauma, anxiety, relationship negotiation, social and family role dynamics, and co-occurring disorders, John believes that meaningful change begins with deeper self-understanding and authentic connection. John works from a cognitive-integrative perspective, drawing from object relations and self-psychology to explore how early relational experiences shape current patterns of thinking, feelings, and relating. His approach is exploratory, helping clients build cognitive insights while also attending to the deeper emotional and developmental needs that influence present-day struggles.
We are well-trained, warm, and thoughtful clinicians who thoroughly enjoy getting to know our clients. Our therapy is based on working with you in a collaborative, genuine and productive manner. As counselors, it’s important to us that you feel comfortable and connected so that we can build a positive working relationship where growth and change happen. We offer personalized sessions, flexible scheduling, and are available for both individuals & couples. We accept BCBS PPO, Anthem PPO, Cigna, United Healthcare, self-pay, and sliding scale options. **A few pro-bono (free) slots may be available.
Olivia Palumbo is a Clinical Intern at Ace Counseling Group who provides trauma-informed, body-based therapy using cognitive behavioral therapy, Internal Family Systems, and the Gottman Method. She works with adults and couples experiencing life transitions, identity exploration, relationship concerns, or disordered eating and offers LGBTQIA+ affirming, nature-based and mindfulness-informed care. Olivia draws on experience in inpatient psychiatric settings and is completing her clinical training while pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling.
Our therapy services for individuals aged 18-25 are designed to address the unique challenges faced during this transformative phase of life. Whether you're navigating the transition to adulthood, managing academic stress, dealing with relationship changes, or exploring personal identity, our compassionate therapists are here to support you. With flexible scheduling options and a commitment to understanding your experiences, we aim to empower you to find clarity, build self-confidence, and develop effective strategies for life’s ups and downs. Take the next step in your mental health journey, connect with us today!
College and graduate school can bring exciting opportunities, but they can also leave you feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or unsure of how to handle everything that's coming your way. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, relationship conflict, academic stress, identity questions, or feeling stuck in patterns you can't seem to change, therapy can help you better understand yourself and build the skills to move forward with confidence. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, relationship challenges, identity development, and neurodivergence. I have extensive experience supporting first-generation, international, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent students, and I'm committed to creating a culturally responsive space where every part of your identity is welcomed and respected. My approach is relational, collaborative, and trauma-informed. Together, we'll explore the experiences and patterns that have shaped the way you relate to yourself and others while building practical tools to help you manage difficult emotions, strengthen relationships, and feel more grounded in everyday life. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy, somatic approaches, mindfulness, and Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP) to support meaningful, lasting change. Along the way, you'll gain practical strategies you can use outside of therapy while developing greater self-awareness, resilience, and trust in yourself. My hope is that therapy helps you feel more confident navigating relationships, managing emotions, and creating a life that reflects who you are and where you want to go.