Therapists for college students near 60657

Gabriela Leyva is a Licensed Professional Counselor at LifeStance Health, dedicated to providing compassionate and evidencebased mental health care to individuals, couples, and families across Illinois. With over 16 years of experience, she helps children, adolescents, and adults navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Gabriela understands that seeking therapy can feel overwhelming, and she strives to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience. Gabriela has extensive experience working with individuals facing ADHD, PTSD, and grief, supporting them in understanding their emotions and developing practical strategies to improve daily functioning. She also specializes in couples therapy, helping partners strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and navigate relational challenges. In addition, she is passionate about working with clients struggling with sleep disorders and chronic pain, using tailored interventions to promote longterm wellbeing. A strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Gabriela has worked with a broad range of populations, including LGBTQ individuals, those on the autism spectrum, and BIPOC communities.

Brendan Crotty, LSW, is dedicated to helping clients navigate life?s challenges with a collaborative and personalized approach. Brendan starts by meeting clients on their level and working collaboratively to help them identify how they want to improve their lives. He assists clients with creating clear goals and helping them measure their progress over time. He uses a variety of techniques, including CBT and DBT, to help clients develop concrete skills to use in their daily lives. Brendan sees clients across the age span and tailors his appraoch to the unique needs of each client. He uses elements of play to connect with kids and teens, to make therapy feel enjoyable and worthwhile. Brendan has focused on work with individuals experiencing grief. His approach emphasizes active collaboration with clients, empowering them to become experts in their own experiences. His compassionate perspective and evidence-based strategies help foster growth, resilience, and healing. In addition to his clinical focus, Brendan values building strong therapeutic relationships and creating an emotionally safe environment for LGBTQ+ clients, men, and women.

With three decades of experience, Garth helps individuals navigate a wide range of mental health challenges, from everyday stress to complex trauma. His therapeutic approach is thoughtful yet relaxed, fostering an open and meaningful dialogue that empowers clients to explore their thoughts and emotions in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. By creating a space where individuals can openly address their concerns, Dr. Amundson guides clients toward deeper self-awareness, helping them break free from self-defeating behaviors and move toward a more fulfilling life. Dr. Amundson specializes in treating PTSD and trauma-related disorders, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He works closely with clients to address the impact of past experiences on their present well-being, providing evidence-based interventions to foster resilience and recovery. He is also passionate about helping individuals manage anxiety and midlife transitions, offering tailored strategies to promote emotional stability and personal growth. He also offers gender-affirmative medical readiness evaluations and parenting skills interventions, ensuring that his clients receive the guidance they need at different life stages.

Lilian Pumah, PMHNP, AGNP, (Lilly) is dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health journeys with respect, dignity, and compassionate care. Specializing in the treatment of a diverse range of conditions, Lilly serves patients in various stages of life, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors. She provides tailored care that meets the unique needs of each patient, ensuring that they receive the most effective and appropriate treatment for their situation. Lilly is particularly passionate about treating anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, drawing on her extensive experience to offer evidence-based interventions that promote recovery and resilience. She also focuses on helping those with psychosis and schizophrenia, offering support and strategies to manage these challenging conditions. Additionally, Lilly has a deep commitment to working with patients struggling with substance abuse, providing medication management and case management services that address both the psychological and physical aspects of addiction.

Anna Lobanova, LPC, is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care to individuals seeking mental health support in Illinois. Specializing in treating adults and seniors, she employs a strength-based approach, meeting clients where they are to create an empathetic and non-judgmental environment. Anna integrates mindfulness practices with goal-driven therapy, helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, and grief. She has a particular passion for supporting women through various life transitions, including reproductive challenges and midlife changes, which are common in her Illinois practice. Anna is deeply committed to helping clients facing anxiety, depression, and trauma. Her extensive experience and training enable her to offer effective treatments tailored to each individual's unique needs. She uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients build resilience and overcome emotional obstacles. One of Anna's most profound specialties is supporting individuals through grief and loss.

Beth Cappelli is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. She earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Chicago, and her internship training was completed at Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital Behavioral Health. Beth's approach to therapy is collaborative and focused on your unique needs, goals, and life experiences. Your personal values will guide your work together and help create meaningful ways to manage whatever life challenges you are facing. Together you and Beth can gain insight to problems, discover ways to reduce stress and worry, and develop a greater sense of wellbeing. In her free time Beth enjoys attending live music events with friends, playing with her rescue beagle mix Bella, and working on home DIY projects.

Natasha Mahmood, LSW, provides a compassionate and supportive environment for clients across Illinois. Specializing in evidence-based therapeutic techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and play therapy for younger clients, Natasha tailors her approach to each individual's unique needs. She focuses on helping clients set realistic goals and develop coping skills to manage symptoms and improve their day-to-day lives. Natasha is especially skilled in working with children, adolescents, and young adults, providing individual, family, and group therapy to address a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Passionate about working with diverse populations, Natasha has a special focus on ADHD, childhood behavior issues, and PTSD/trauma. She understands the importance of cultural sensitivity and brings a unique, empathetic perspective to her practice, which is informed by her own experiences as a biracial individual. Natasha is also adept at supporting clients with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and those within the LGBTQ+ community.

Dr. Karyn Cihak is a Psychologist in Illinois who has been practicing since 1999. They completed their undergraduate degree in Psychology at Augustana College. Their first Master?s Degree focusing on behavioral and family systems as related to clinical psychology is from Eastern Illinois University. After working in the field in inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, Dr. Cihak went on the earn their second Master?s degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Their training focused on neuropsychology and health psychology. Training across a spectrum of orientations including client centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, health psychology, and neuropsychology provides Dr. Cihak with an eclectic base to assist clients in reaching their goals. They sought out additional training to assist clients in navigating their fertility journey. Throughout their career Dr. Cihak has been involved with clients managing acute and chronic medical conditions including oncology, multiple sclerosis, head trauma, orthopedic injury, diabetes, and dementia. Outside of work, Dr. Cihak enjoys experimenting with gourmet cooking, travel, reading, and aquatic fitness.

Specialties: Palliative care (comfort care) for individuals and families coping with terminal illnesses. Bereavement/grief issues due to expected and unexpected losses. Loss due to suicide, drug overdose, and accidental deaths. Post traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, panic and anxiety disorders and anger management. Adult patients. It is essential for people to feel they are able to manage their emotions and their emotions are not controlling their lives. I'm bad, I'm weak, there is something wrong with me, are mistaken ideas people have when they are suffering emotional pain. There is often shame and fear when individuals feel they need or are told to get help. It is no different to seek counseling for emotional pain than to call the doctor when one breaks a leg or has the flu. I have experience helping people get back in their drivers seat regarding their emotions. When people are confused or suffering with emotional pain they are particularly vulnerable to fear, anger, and helplessness. This is often accompanied by a sense of purposelessness and not caring about much. As a therapist, I provide education, support, and comfort to maintain and improve functioning as well as maintain a person's sense of feeling normal.

Noel Tapia is a Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Noel helps his clients by focusing on a treatment plan that is tailored specifically for the individual. In his spare time, Noel enjoys running, fishing, and weightlifting.

Laura Rae Venditti is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Iliinois who has been practicing since 2016. Laura Rae approaches therapy within a client-centered climate, using the tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), through a solution-focused lens. She helps clients identify obstacles and explore solutions, believing that if one wants something to change, one has to be willing to foster change. Laura Rae and the client will explore barriers and remove roadblocks that have denied them their joy. Laura Rae works with her clients to explore their version of a better life in a quest to make it their reality. In essence, they are on this journey together. Outside of work, Laura Rae enjoys time spent with family, and especially finds joy spending time with her grandchildren. One of her favorite pastimes is attending baseball games and is especially loyal to her Chicago White Sox. She takes advantage of the benefits of exercise, as it greatly contributes to attaining balance and minimizing stress in her life. Therefore, she loves the advantages of living in the city where she can walk, run, or bike, most anywhere she needs to go.

I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, Media and Theatre and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My formal training in the counseling field ranges from working with children with trauma, adults with depression and anxiety, couples therapy, substance abuse counseling, and wellness groups. I have worked with clients who want to change and with mandated clients. I have helped clients set and accomplish their goals. I consider myself to be an eclectic counselor. I use different therapeutic approaches depending on the need of the client. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential, Person-Centered, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I treat each client as unique and help them set and meet treatment goals. In my free time, I love to watch sports, fish, travel, work out, read books, walk my dog, hang out with my family, and enjoy a good meal.

Dr. Juliana C. Nwauwa, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois, stands at the forefront of mental health care, blending her extensive education with a compassionate approach. Armed with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, Dr. Nwauwa has honed her skills and knowledge to provide the highest level of care to her clients. With full-practice authority (FPA), Dr. Nwauwa possesses the autonomy to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication independently, empowering her to deliver comprehensive and timely interventions tailored to each individual's needs. Drawing on over six years of clinical experience since earning her certification in 2018, Dr. Nwauwa is deeply committed to offering client-centered care. She embraces diversity and inclusion in her practice, ensuring that every person receives holistic and individualized treatment that respects their unique background and circumstances. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Nwauwa finds fulfillment in her passions outside of work. Whether she's exploring new destinations through travel, experimenting with flavors in the kitchen, cherishing moments with loved ones, or pursuing ongoing education, Dr. Nwauwa approaches life with a spirit of curiosity and growth.

Nina Pieroni, LCSW, is dedicated to helping individuals across Illinois navigate life?s challenges and work toward improved mental health. With extensive experience in various care settings, including emergency rooms, hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, Nina provides compassionate, individualized therapy tailored to meet each client?s unique needs. She serves adults and seniors, helping them address a wide range of mental health concerns and guiding them toward personal growth and resilience. Nina specializes in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and grief, utilizing evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is particularly passionate about assisting clients through significant life transitions, including midlife and later-life changes, reproductive challenges, and postpartum depression or anxiety.

Lasma Maher is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. She has an MA in Fine Art and Design from Latvian Art Academy and an MA in Art Therapy/Counseling from Adler University. Lasma helps patients unlock and develop their creative thinking which paves the way for learning and applying effective coping skills in their daily lives. Outside of work, Lasma enjoys folk dance, painting, drawing, yoga, and traveling.

I support students experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD/C-PTSD, and life transitions using CBT, ACT, DBT, and trauma-focused therapy. My approach is collaborative and reflective, creating a safe space to explore emotions and build coping skills. I also draw on holistic wellness practices so you feel seen as a whole person. My goal is to help young adults and emerging students move through challenges and grow with strength. My pronouns are she/her.

I use a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach with CBT and solution-focused strategies to support students dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, and behavioral challenges. I believe every student has inner strengths, and my role is to help you recognize and build on them. Therapy with me is collaborative and compassionate, creating space to talk openly without judgment. Whether you're coping with trauma, relationship struggles, or life transitions, I'm here to support your healing and growth. My pronouns are she/her.

I support LGBTQIA+ students navigating identity concerns around gender, race, and sexuality, as well as anxiety, bipolar challenges, and relationship struggles. My approach is solution-focused and strength-based, integrating Gottman, DBT, and family systems work. As a queer woman of color, I value creating inclusive spaces that affirm all identities. My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself with courage and purpose. My pronouns are she/her.

I'm a bilingual (Spanish/English) therapist supporting students navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, identity concerns, and life transitions. My style is culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and LGBTQIA+ affirming, creating a safe space where your background and identity are respected. Together, we'll build coping tools and confidence so you can move forward with support and resilience. My pronouns are she/her.

Hello, and welcome! I am a board-certified psychiatrist who values building meaningful connections with my patients. I attended medical school at Touro University College of Medicine in California, then completed a 4 year residency in psychiatry at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia, totaling over 17,000 hours of clinical training before practicing independently. As a proud U.S Navy veteran with 9 years of active-duty service, I bring a deep understanding of resilience, attention to detail, and compassion to my work. Before joining Skylark, I worked as a psychiatrist at Naval Station Great Lakes and the VA hospital in North Chicago. My clinical interests include ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, autism, and personality disorders. I am known for my direct, yet gentle, style and my collaborative, down-to-earth approach. I believe therapy is the cornerstone of psychiatric care and integrate it into each session, ensuring my patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their treatment. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring Illinois with my husband and 3 children. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to helping you meet your goals!