Therapists for college students near Chicago, IL

Dr. Michael Bricker founded Psychological Services PC in 2013 to reflect a practice of compassionate-minded psychotherapy as an art and science. At Psychological Services PC, we endeavor to provide a therapeutic environment that is sensitive and responsive to the role of culture, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability, spirituality, and other multicultural factors in mental health. We practice 21st Century counseling. Our clinicians’ commitment to ongoing professional development and training helps to ensure that the our services are based upon the latest theory and scientific information, giving our clients the best possible chance at achieving lasting changes and improvements in their relationships and quality of life. At Psychological Services, PC, we see our services as a significant personal investment; an investment that can lead to growth resulting in more fulfilling and harmonious relationships, career satisfaction and success, and long-term improvements in overall mood and well-being. We invite you to learn more about the services we offer through contacting us. Psychological Services, PC has offices in downtown Chicago and in the Lakeview neighborhood.

I am passionate about supporting young adults through the often challenging, confusing and stressful parts of emerging adulthood.

Who I am as a psychologist is deeply tied to who I am as a person. I am a cis Black man. I am heterosexual. I am from rural Arkansas. I was raised in low-income family. I’m first generation. My background taught me the value of community and resourcefulness. These are the things that shape how I see the world and how I serve in this role. I help my clients create sustainable change by working with them to combine knowledge and skills into purposeful action. A cornerstone of my approach involves "me-search". I believe self-knowledge is essential to insight (our ability to identify, understand, and take steps toward our goals). My goal is offering a brave and empowering space to facilitate that transformation. I look forward to helping you explore how your concerns relate to you, your body, social world, and worldview. My ideal clients are folks who are curious, open to ask themselves really hard questions, and have a willingness to approach change in an honest way. I ideally like to work with clients navigating a life transition (academic, work, identity or relationship based), anxiety, and/or healing from traumatic experience. Overall, I enjoy work that’s depth-based and clients who are interested in therapy that focuses the source and solutions. I draw on my clinical-research expertise exploring meaning in life and liberation to approach healing as an integrative process. I believe there is great value in establishing a brave and affirming therapeutic relationship and space to identify, make sense of, and take action to work toward my client’s goals. Overall, I consider myself a “fellow traveler” and practice from a strength-based approach where I invite collaboration, courage, and trust in the process from those with whom I work.

We provide individual, couples, and family therapy and will co-create therapy goals with you. In addition to understanding your experiences from your cultural lens, we are also conscious of the impact of sociocultural dynamics, historical trauma as well as current and past political systems on your life. ​ We recognize that it is not uncommon to be trapped in narratives and roles from your past. If this is the case, we will help you identify contributors to the “stuckness”, and guide you in recreating your narrative, keeping in mind your values and aspirations, to help you feel the authentic version of yourself. ​ ​During the course of therapy, in addition to exploring and helping you recreate your story on your terms, we will also assist you in identifying a repertoire of skills and tools that make you feel more connected and make daily life more meaningful. ​ We specialize in serving immigrants, South Asian, and Middle Eastern communities. Please see our specialization page for more information.

At The Juniper Center, we understand that it takes courage to ask for help. But we also understand asking for help can be hard. It can feel daunting to share your life with someone you don’t know. If you’re considering therapy – whether to improve your mental health, restore a relationship, adjust to a life transition, or to recover from a trauma – finding the right therapist is the first step on your path to achieving your goals. We’re here to help make this process as safe and comfortable as possible for you.

Flourishing Affinity Counseling is a woman founded, small private practice located in the heart of Lakeview. Flourishing Affinity Counseling was created in order to give people a space to feel safe, heard, understood, and affirmed while navigating their concerns surrounding sex, relationships and identities. FAC is a therapeutic space for those to explore individual, couples, relationship and/or sex therapy in order to truly flourish in life and relationships. ​ ​ At FAC we value inclusivity, pleasure, exploration, and embracing your unique sexuality. We also value your autonomy and your therapeutic process. We recognize this work is complicated and challenging. Together we will navigate your concerns at a pace that feels right for you and work towards your own desired growth and outcome. ​​​ Flourishing Affinity Counseling is a sex positive space that is affirming to members of the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, kink, poly, CNM, and sex worker communities.

The decision to seek therapy is a very important decision, but choosing the right therapist is even more important since one of the best predictors of a positive therapy outcome is the fit between client and therapist. I strive to provide the people with whom I work an environment that is comfortable, nonjudgmental, and genuinely validating. My job is to provide a space for you to access your strengths and attributes, and with this I can provide psychological approaches to help you address the concerns that brought you in for therapy. I have extensive experience in treating anxiety disorders, (GAD, phobias, panic). I also have extensive experience in treating mood disorders, such as depression. I also have extensive experience in treating trauma. Additionally, I treat academic challenges, such as procrastination and perfectionism. Finally, I also treat psychosis, anger management issues, relationship problems, and tough life decisions, and a host of other issues. Initially, my job is to listen and help us understand the problem. Also during this time, I'll share diagnostic and other relevant information, and then give options on how we might address the problem. We will also periodically evaluate our progress in therapy to ensure that your goals are being met.

Are you facing anxiety, depression, navigating significant life changes, or grappling with LGBTQ-related challenges? If so, I'm here to help. I'm an empathetic student therapist with a year of experience, working under the supervision of a licensed clinician. My ideal client is someone looking to address these issues and seeking a safe, supportive space for personal growth. My approach to therapy is integrative, drawing from person-centered, psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, and feminist theories. I tailor my methods to your unique needs, ensuring that each session is a personalized journey towards healing and self-discovery. You're not alone in your journey. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, facing life's transitions, or navigating the complexities of LGBTQ-related issues, I'm here to walk alongside you. If you're ready to embark on this path of self-discovery and growth, I invite you to reach out to me and I'm here to answer any questions you might have.

Through creativity and warmth, we work with clients to facilitate personal growth to help navigate an often confusing world. Together we will increase your self awareness, support you in finding the best answers to life- changing questions, and guide you to a more enjoyable life. ‍ We specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Relationships & Couples Counseling, Quarter Life Crisis, Life Transitions, Trauma, & PTSD and more.

With three years of experience in the mental health field, my passion is helping individuals overcome challenges, heal from trauma, and work toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. I specialize in trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, crisis intervention, and using a multi-therapeutic approach to ensure that each client receives the personalized care they need. Whether it's dealing with stress, anxiety, family dynamics, or a traumatic event, I strive to provide compassionate, understanding support that respects each person’s unique journey. My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from multiple therapeutic theories to best meet your needs. I believe that healing is a process that takes time, effort, and a safe space to grow. That’s why I work closely with my clients to build trust and a strong rapport, creating a collaborative partnership where your voice is always heard, your concerns are validated, and your growth is the focus. I am deeply motivated by the desire to help people understand that they are not alone in their struggles. I want every client I work with to know that change is possible and that with the right support, they can take the steps needed to build resilience, heal from past experiences, and lead a life of greater fulfillment. Working with me means engaging in a process that is open-minded, flexible, and rooted in respect for your individual experiences and goals. I take the time to understand your needs and adjust my approach to best support your healing and growth. Together, we will focus on developing coping strategies, building self-awareness, and setting achievable goals that empower you to make meaningful changes. If you are ready to begin your journey toward emotional well-being, I am here to support you with compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to your growth. You don’t have to go through this alone—I would be honored to be part of your path to healing.

Susan offers online therapy for ADHD, depression, and anxiety for students within Illinois. She offers coaching, for which insurance will not pay, to provide accountability toward the student's goals. Using a strengths-based and solution-focused perspective, she helps students calm their minds so they can focus, stay organized, and coach themselves toward their social and academic goals. Susan works with college and graduate students with the following concerns: -social anxiety -perfectionism -self-criticism and self-compassion -talking out career or graduate program decisions -relationship concerns -family issues, including anger, grief, developing an identity that may conflict with parents' identities. Sessions can be held during the weekday or Saturday morning. Sessions are typically 50-minutes long.

I can work with a variety of clients who are looking for an empathic connection which allows them to understand themselves better and solve problems. Students I have seen are dealing with academic pressures, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, transitions, self esteem etc. Each situation is unique.

My ideal clients are queer, neurodivergent folks with a history of trauma. They may struggle with self-acceptance, navigating relationships, or managing emotional overwhelm. Their needs include validation, trauma-informed care, coping strategies, and support in embracing their unique identities. Their goals are healing, reclaiming their power, and building a sense of community. They want to feel empowered, seen, and safe—so they can live authentically, cultivate self-trust, and thrive despite the challenges they face in a world that often marginalizes them. I specialize in EMDR, somatic therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients process trauma, regulate emotions, and heal from past wounds. Using these modalities, I guide clients in reconnecting with their bodies, integrating fragmented parts of themselves, and fostering self-compassion to create lasting emotional transformation. I understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate trauma, identity, and emotional struggles on your own. You deserve a space where you’re seen, heard, and supported. Together, we can explore healing through trauma-informed techniques like EMDR, somatic work, and IFS. You don’t have to do this alone—I'm here to support you when you're ready.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you struggling with the transition to college while navigating new responsibilities? You’re bright, creative, and motivated and yet finishing anything feels impossible. You call yourself “lazy” when tasks pile up and feel ashamed that simple things seem hard. You want clarity about your brain, tools that actually work, and a therapist who gets it. I am passionate about working with college students untangle executive-function struggles, perfectionism, trauma, and low self-esteem. I’m especially passionate about supporting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks. Together we’ll kick shame out of the driver’s seat and build self‑compassion, understanding, and systems that fit you. Sessions are flexible and center your needs: if we need to laugh, move, play, or cry—we will. We explore the “what” with curiosity, not the “why can’t you just…”. I use strengths-based reframes, coping tools, and psychoeducation so you understand how your brain works and can actually use the skills between sessions. Fit matters. If you’re craving relief from shame, clearer systems that fit your life, and a space where all parts of you are welcome, let’s talk. I offer virtual and in-person sessions, a free 15‑minute consult, and accept insurance/sliding scale options when available.

Providing culturally sensitive and inclusive therapy services to adults, including college students. "To care for another individual means to know and to experience the other as fully as possible." - Irvin D. Yalom, M.D. As a South Asian therapist, I understand the deep value of family and the intricate meanings tied to being an immigrant and a woman of color. I believe that every person's lived experiences uniquely shape their life and perceptions, which is why finding congruence and meaning in one’s life is important. This helps align one's actions with their true values, reducing internal conflict and enhancing overall well-being. As a therapist, I understand that building trust and rapport are critical for effective progress and meaningful change. To do so, I provide my clients with a safe and supportive environment for them to explore their inner thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, to foster personal growth and healing. In my practice, I utilize an integrative approach that blends systems, humanistic, and multicultural frameworks. My goal is to empower you to achieve your personal and psychological goals while providing a safe, non-judgmental, and culturally sensitive space where you can explore your inner self. I am committed to creating an environment where you can feel at ease, be your authentic self, and build a trusting relationship with me. Together, we'll work collaboratively to build insight, draw on your strengths, process difficult emotions and experiences, and form a meaningful narrative for your life. With a kind, empathetic, and compassionate approach, I strive to create a therapeutic environment where you feel supported and empowered to achieve your goals. I look forward to accompanying you on your path to well-being and self-discovery.

I specialize in working with millennial women who are struggling with various life transitions. Maybe you're having a difficult time adjusting to college and new routines. It might be that you are wanting help navigating new friendships and relationships. You might have noticed that you're feeling stressed or down more than you'd like and are hoping to better understand your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I'm here to help you gain stronger self-awareness, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilling life.

I believe therapy should be a space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. I hold a BA in Psychology from Marquette University and an MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University, with several years of experience working with children (ages 3+), adolescents, and adults in various therapeutic settings. I have a passion for supporting neurodivergent and queer clients.
 My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I draw from CBT, DBT, feminist theory, and narrative therapy, and I also enjoy using creative and nontraditional methods such as play therapy, art therapy, and even walk-and-talk sessions. No matter the approach, my goal is to create an affirming space where clients can explore their story and take meaningful steps forward.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My goal as a clinician is to create a safe space where we can work through issues that may be causing you distress. Together, we will explore the patterns in your life that are no longer serving you. I may be a particularly good fit for those seeking support around relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness and pre/postnatal mood disorders. My approach is rooted in trauma-informed, attachment-based and anti-oppression frameworks. I rely on a supportive and collaborative process in setting and working toward your goals. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but it shouldn’t have to. I believe in meeting people wherever they are in their journey and working together to build a path toward wellness. My goal is for you to feel empowered, supported and worthy of positive change. Feel free to contact me to set up an initial appointment so we can start to explore your goals.