Therapists for college students near 60637

Being a student or young professional can feel overwhelming. You may be balancing academic demands, career uncertainty, relationship challenges, ADHD, perfectionism, or questions about who you are and what you want for your future. Even when you're accomplishing a lot on the outside, it can feel exhausting to keep up with the pressure. I am a doctoral-level Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience helping graduate students, healthcare workers, young professionals, and other high-achieving adults navigate anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, ADHD, relationship concerns, and life transitions. My clients often come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by patterns they can't seem to change. I have particular expertise working with ADHD and concentration difficulties, as well as the challenges that come with high expectations and demanding environments. Whether you're struggling with procrastination, time management, decision fatigue, stress, or burnout, we'll work together to find strategies that fit how your brain works while building a deeper understanding of yourself. Relationships are another core area of my work. Whether you're navigating dating, communication challenges, family conflict, or friendship struggles, I can help you better understand the patterns shaping your relationships and develop healthier ways of connecting with others. My approach is collaborative, curious, and tailored to your goals. Drawing from CBT, ACT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Gottman Method principles, I combine practical tools with deeper self-exploration to help you create meaningful, lasting change. You don't have to figure everything out on your own. Therapy can help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected as you navigate this chapter of your life.

Therapy doesn't have to feel intimidating. Whether you're questioning your identity, navigating relationship challenges, struggling with self-esteem, or trying to make sense of overwhelming emotions, therapy can be a place where you feel comfortable showing up exactly as you are—without feeling judged or pressured to have everything figured out. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating gender identity, sexuality, relationship and communication challenges, trauma, personality disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and questions about purpose and self-worth. Together, we'll explore the patterns that are keeping you stuck while building practical skills to help you navigate emotions, relationships, and everyday stress with greater confidence. My style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I believe therapy should feel approachable, and I use humor, creativity, and curiosity to make even difficult conversations feel manageable. Along the way, we'll focus on strengthening self-compassion, developing mindful coping skills, and creating a healthier relationship with yourself and the people around you. As a certified yoga teacher and artist, I also incorporate somatic techniques, meditation, mindfulness, and creative expression when they feel supportive. Whether words come easily or not, we'll find approaches that help you process emotions in ways that feel authentic to you. My hope is that therapy helps you feel more connected to yourself, more confident in your relationships, and empowered to move through life with greater self-acceptance and purpose.

Feeling stuck in old patterns, overwhelmed by stress, or unsure how to navigate changes in your relationships or life can be deeply challenging. If you are seeking support to better understand your emotions, strengthen coping strategies, and build more satisfying connections with yourself and others, therapy may be a helpful step. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relational concerns. I approach therapy with warmth, respect, and a focus on the whole person. My work is trauma-informed and grounded in evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, and EMDR, tailored to each person’s needs and pace. I offer therapy in both English and Mandarin, and I am mindful of how language, cultural context, and communication style shape the experience. I understand that there are moments when making sense of what you’re experiencing feels difficult to do alone. My goal is to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can deepen self-understanding and grow in the direction that matters most to you. If you are looking for a therapist who values empathy, collaboration, and steady progress, I would be glad to connect.

Navigating life’s complexities, identity development, trauma, relationship challenges, or cross-cultural experiences, can feel overwhelming or fragmented at times. Therapy can offer a space to piece together your story with curiosity, compassion, and grounded support. I work with individuals and couples seeking understanding and healing around trauma, PTSD, intergenerational stress, inner child healing, identity exploration, life transitions, shame, anxiety, depression, and the pressures of growing up in diaspora and queer/trans experiences. I approach therapy through trauma-responsive, anti-oppressive, and relational lenses, centering you as the expert on your own life. My work is interactive, balancing curiosity and compassion with opportunities for direct feedback. I use an integrative approach that includes psychodynamic methods, Somatic Experiencing, CBT, and DBT to explore patterns that may be hindering your progress and deepen your sense of self while enhancing connection to your body and nervous system. I offer therapy in English and Macedonian, and draw on my bicultural and bilingual experience to support clients navigating cross-cultural and authenticity challenges. I understand how difficult it can be to show up as your authentic self, especially when cultural expectations, identity concerns, or past experiences hold weight. As a queer and trans therapist, I bring lived understanding to this work and aim to foster a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment where you can expand self-awareness, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful change. If you’re looking for a therapist who values curiosity, depth, and collaborative growth, we may be a good fit.

Therapy can be a space to slow down, untangle complex feelings, and better understand patterns that influence how you relate to yourself and others. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families seeking support with emotional challenges, life transitions, relationship concerns, stress management, and identity-related questions. I approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, and collaboration. My work centers on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore emotions, experiences, and long-standing patterns at a pace that feels right for them. I draw from evidence-based approaches and tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs. I offer therapy in both English and Polish and am mindful of supporting clients navigating cross-cultural experiences. I understand that reaching out for support can feel both hopeful and uncertain. My goal is to offer a respectful, warm, and supportive therapeutic relationship as you work through challenges and move toward meaningful change. If you are seeking a steady and compassionate therapeutic partnership, I invite you to reach out.

Feeling understood and supported can make a meaningful difference when emotional patterns, relationship concerns, or questions around identity begin to feel heavy. Many people seek therapy when they want a space where their experiences, background, and story are taken seriously. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples seeking support with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and curiosity, shaped by my multicultural and bilingual experience. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore emotions, patterns, and relationships at a pace that feels right for them. I draw from evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-informed strategies tailored to each person’s needs and goals. I recognize each person carries a unique context that influences how they experience themselves and their surroundings. Taking time to reflect on that can open space for change. My goal is to meet you with warmth, respect, and presence as we work together toward clarity, balance, and meaningful growth. If you are looking for a therapist who values curiosity, connection, and empowerment, I would be glad to connect.

Therapy can be a space to explore feelings that have been hard to express, step out of patterns that no longer serve you, and build stronger connections with yourself and others. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, and stress related to identity, self-worth, or major life changes. I approach therapy with warmth, curiosity, and evidence-based care, focusing on your lived experience and growth. My work is trauma-responsive and rooted in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where we collaborate to understand patterns, build insight, and develop skills that support meaningful change. I draw from modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and relational methods, tailoring strategies to each person’s needs and goals. I understand that feeling supported in therapy begins with patience, respect, and genuine presence. The therapeutic relationship matters, and my goal is to walk alongside you as you work toward clarity, balance, and forward movement. If you are seeking a therapist who values collaboration, curiosity, and human connection, I welcome you to reach out.

Life’s obstacles can feel overwhelming, chaotic, or unmanageable, especially when emotional, relational, or professional stressors pile up. Therapy can be a place to find safety, clarity, and support as you make sense of what you’re facing and begin to build coping skills that fit your life. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, eating disorders, domestic violence recovery, relationship concerns, and life transitions. I bring curiosity, compassion, humility, and a measured, evidence-based approach to the therapeutic process. My work is grounded in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore emotions, relational patterns, and thoughts at your own pace. I draw from CBT, DBT, and Acceptance and ACT, and I work with clients to develop coping strategies and meaningful insights, including personalized assignments that support their growth. As a therapists, I see how therapy can bring up both openness and hesitation. My goal is to walk alongside you with respect, patience, and authenticity as you navigate life’s challenges and work toward goals that matter to you. I value genuine therapeutic relationships and honor the courage it takes to begin this work. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, compassionate partner in your growth, I’d be glad to connect.

When emotions feel overwhelming, patterns feel stuck, or relationships become difficult to navigate, therapy can offer a supportive space to gain clarity and stability. Some people seek support for themselves, while others reach out around concerns related to their child or family. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional dysregulation, relational concerns, and life transitions. My approach is trauma-informed, eclectic, and collaborative, grounded in creating a safe, non-judgmental space for exploration and growth. I draw from insight-oriented Psychodynamic Therapy to better understand emotional and relational patterns, and integrate evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, and the Gottman Method. In my work, I focus on supporting emotional regulation, communication, and connection across individual, couple, and family systems. Reaching out for support can bring up a mix of thoughts and emotions, especially when you are facing personal challenges or concerns related to your child or family. My goal is to offer a compassionate, steady presence where you feel heard and supported as we work toward meaningful change. If you are looking for a therapist who values connection, curiosity, and collaboration, taking that first step can open space for growth.

I believe in every person’s worth and capacity for change and connection. This belief guides my work, and I lead each session with unconditional positive regard, leaving judgment at the door. This foundation shapes the work I do and the people I support in therapy. I specialize in working with adults, adolescents, couples, and children navigating hurt and harm across different areas of their lives, including interpersonal relationships and larger social systems. My work includes support for relationship conflict, communication challenges, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity-related concerns. My approach to therapy is integrative and relational, meaning I draw from a variety of evidence-based practices while tailoring our work to fit your unique needs, goals, and lived experiences. I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I am also particularly interested in the power of narrative, how we make meaning of our experiences, and how reauthoring those stories can be a source of growth and empowerment. In the therapeutic space we will build together, we work to reflect with intention and honesty. My goal is to help you reconnect with your authentic self in therapy and apply that work in ways that feel real, practical, and lasting outside the therapy room. Along the way, I will challenge and support you in becoming the version of yourself that best aligns with your values, needs, and goals. My work is always grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own experience. That doesn’t mean you have to navigate your healing journey alone.

I conduct neuropsychological testing with young adults and adults to understand how they learn and assess for ADHD, learning giftedness or challenges, as well as neurodivergence. I also coach young people entering into the therapy or counseling field. I also very much enjoy coaching people about relationships, dating relationships and boundaries in relationships.

You've been trying to keep everything together, but lately it feels like the pressure is catching up with you. Maybe you're feeling anxious, emotionally overwhelmed, burned out, or constantly questioning yourself. You may be juggling school, relationships, family expectations, or major life changes while wondering why it all feels so much harder than everyone else makes it look. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, trauma, relationship challenges, emotional regulation, and life transitions. Together, we'll better understand what's contributing to your distress while building practical skills that help you feel more confident, grounded, and connected to yourself. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I integrate CBT, DBT, Emotion-Focused Therapy, somatic practices, and Motivational Interviewing to help you strengthen emotional regulation, navigate difficult relationships, and respond to life's challenges with greater self-compassion. I also enjoy supporting neurodivergent students, including those on the autism spectrum, in ways that honor their unique strengths and experiences. As a second-generation Indian American woman, I'm especially passionate about supporting South Asian students and women of color navigating cultural expectations, family dynamics, and identity. You won't have to explain the pressure to succeed, code-switching, or balancing different cultural values. Those experiences are welcomed and understood here. My hope is that therapy helps you feel more grounded in who you are, more confident in your relationships, and better equipped to navigate this stage of life with resilience and self-trust.

Anxiety doesn't always look like panic. Sometimes it looks like overthinking every decision, constantly questioning yourself, feeling like you have to get everything "right," or struggling to quiet your mind long enough to enjoy the present. If fear, perfectionism, or self-doubt have been keeping you stuck, therapy can help you build confidence and move forward with greater clarity. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), low self-esteem, identity development, family-of-origin challenges, and major life transitions. Together, we'll identify the patterns that keep you feeling stuck, better understand the fears driving them, and develop practical strategies to help you live with greater confidence and flexibility. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you better understand yourself while building on your strengths. Rather than letting anxiety make your decisions, we'll work toward creating a life that feels more aligned with your values, goals, and the person you want to become. I also work with couples navigating communication challenges, intimacy concerns, relationship transitions, and sexual wellness. Whether you're seeking support as an individual or in a relationship, my goal is to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful, lasting changes. My hope is that therapy helps you trust yourself more fully, strengthen your relationships, and move through life with greater confidence, self-compassion, and purpose.

Relationships can be messy, identity can feel complicated, and figuring out who you are while balancing school, family, friendships, and your future isn't always easy. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, questioning your identity, navigating conflict with loved ones, or trying to feel more confident in yourself, therapy can help you better understand what you're experiencing and create healthier ways of moving forward. I work with college students, graduate students, and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship and family challenges, life transitions, body image concerns, self-esteem, and identity exploration. Together, we'll explore the patterns shaping your relationships, strengthen your communication and boundaries, and help you build greater confidence in yourself and your decisions. I strive to create an affirming, inclusive space where LGBTQIA+, queer, transgender, and gender-expansive students feel safe, respected, and fully seen. I also recognize that culture, privilege, family expectations, and social systems shape how we experience ourselves and our relationships, and I welcome those conversations throughout our work together. My approach is warm, collaborative, and relationship-focused. Drawing from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman-informed strategies, and Imago Relationship Therapy, I'll help you develop practical tools for navigating conflict, strengthening relationships, and creating deeper connections with yourself and others. I also specialize in supporting women through major life transitions, including perimenopause and menopause, while continuing to support students and young adults as they navigate the many changes that come with this stage of life. My hope is that you'll leave therapy feeling more grounded in who you are, more confident in your relationships, and empowered to create a life that feels authentic to you.

You spend so much time showing up for everyone else that it's easy to forget to care for yourself. Whether you're balancing school, work, family, motherhood, or a major life transition, you may be feeling anxious, emotionally drained, or unsure of who you are outside of the roles you fill. Therapy can be a place to reconnect with yourself and begin creating the life you want. I work with college students, graduate students, and women navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship stress. I have a special passion for supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and the emotional changes that come with motherhood, while also helping women build confidence, healthy boundaries, and a stronger sense of self. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and empowering. Together, we'll identify what's getting in your way, develop practical tools to navigate life's challenges, and celebrate the progress you make along the way. I believe healing happens when you feel supported, understood, and encouraged to recognize your own strengths. I'm especially passionate about helping women heal from trauma, including generational trauma, strengthen self-worth, and reconnect with their purpose. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you feel more confident in your voice, more connected to yourself, and better equipped to move through life's transitions with resilience and intention.

I have experience working with people facing anxiety and depression, and individuals struggling with patterns of codependency and conflict in their intimate relationships. I have also worked with people who feel disconnected from their bodies, their creativity, and their sexuality. I have helped people navigating difficult life transitions, as well as those surviving trauma and loss. In my practice, I am sensitive to how marginalization and stigma impact mental health, as well as the ability to seek support. My style as a therapist is marked by openness, curiosity, and warmth. I sincerely believe in this work, and view therapy as a collaborative effort. With time and trust, we’ll explore the underlying feelings, beliefs, and conflicts which have made it challenging to live a meaningful and satisfying life. In turn, what once felt inescapable begins to shift, and something new emerges.

You might be feeling distress, restlessness, or unease. You might be wondering what’s driving your interactions with others, questioning where certain emotions or motivations stem from. You might be feeling a lack of purpose, anxiety, a pressure to perform, or that you are not living your life as authentically as you once did. You may have even had a moment of, “Well, how did I get here?” If this is you, I may be able to help. I have experience working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, childhood trauma, and complex PTSD. I help individuals and couples who have experienced family issues, struggles with relationships and attachment, women’s health and fertility issues, sexual abuse, and experiences of incarceration. I also work with those in search of individual meaning, identity, and authenticity.

Dr. Michelle Okolita completed her Doctorate in clinical psychology at Illinois School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University. She completed her internship at South Campus Therapeutic Day School in Palatine, IL. She has extensive training providing evidence-based therapy and conducting psychological evaluations with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Okolita’s clinical interests include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, identity, relationships, and behavioral problems. She uses a holistic approach to therapy, drawing from humanistic, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness techniques. She believes in the importance of adjusting to a client’s needs and maintaining flexibility in therapeutic interventions. In addition to therapy services, Dr. Okolita performs psychological assessments with children, adolescents, and adults. During her free time, Dr. Okolita enjoys baking, crafting, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.

Derek completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and is a graduate of the Masters in Counseling program at Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Before joining Progressive Psychological Healthcare, Derek worked in a variety of clinical settings including an outpatient private practice, residential group home for teenagers, IOP/PHP programs and a community mental health center. He also has significant experience working for an Employee Assistance Program providing therapeutic support and coping skills to professionals in a variety of industries. Therapy Approach Derek collaborates with clients to form individualized, goal-oriented treatment plans that help clients get from where they are to where they want to be. Derek incorporates appropriate empirically supported treatments to help clients understand themselves more fully. He provides them with skill sets to achieve their current goals, and to empower them in future life challenges. Specializations: Generalized Anxiety, Work/life balance, Depression, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Social Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Specific Phobias, Life- transition issues, Trauma, Grief/loss, Excoriation Disorder (Skin-picking) Currently working with: Children, Adolescents, and Adults Theoretical Lens: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Psychodynamic, Person-Centered, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SBFT)

Samantha Parker completed her Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. She received her bachelors in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and her Masters in Gerontology from Concordia University River Forest. Samantha has experience working with individuals dealing with numerous psychological illnesses. She has spent the last twenty-two years working at Catholic Charities Older Adult Services in Chicago. She has done case management and her most recent position was Supervisor of the Choices for Care Program. Samantha also has experience providing individual, group, couples and family therapy in a private practice setting. She strives to help clients overcome emotional challenges by utilizing evidence-based therapies that are tailored to meet clients’ individual needs. Samantha is an enthusiastic and dedicated clinician who believes feeling stuck is a part of being human. She uses a strength-based approach to help clients grow, reflect, and heal. Samantha strives to create a judgement-free safe space where people can feel comfortable being their genuine selves. Samantha’s therapeutic style is nurturing, nonjudgmental and respectful of each individual’s needs. Her therapy style also includes viewing clients from a systemic perspective while using Narrative and Solution-focused techniques. Her clinical interests include working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, people recovering from past traumas, those who are facing changes in life stage, grief and loss, and people who are looking for guidance in finding their true self. As a clinician, Samantha is goal oriented and works collaboratively with clients to aid them in transcending the anxieties and stressors of what is holding them back.