College Students
Located close to many downtown college campuses, our office has been providing therapy to college students since 2010
Therapy for College Students in Chicago
When we typically think of college towns, we often envision small towns in rural America with a large student population. It often goes unnoticed that Chicago has one of the largest college student populations in the U.S.
Chicago, at any given time, is estimated to have around 650,000 college students year after year. Many of the colleges and universities have either main or satellite campuses in the Chicago Loop.
Our office is located very close to many of downtown college campuses. And for students who are not directly in the Loop, Chicago has a reliable public transportation system, with buses and “L” trains, that can be a cheaper option than calling for a ride.
The blue line “L” gets out at our front door and the red, brown, green, and pink lines all have stops within 1-2 blocks of our building.
Do you have experience with therapy?
When a college student reaches out to us, it can be common for that person to have had a negative experience with therapy as a child or adolescent. Experiences such as difficulties in school, a parent’s divorce, bullying and break-ups can land someone in a school counselor or therapist office. Often, a person’s first experience with therapy is not entirely their choice. Unfortunately, these experiences can prevent someone from reaching out and getting the support they need.
The demands and transitions in childhood and adolescence are difficult. When decisions are made for us, even if well intentioned, they are not always the most helpful or meet the needs of the moment. As a college student, you have the opportunity and authority to choose a therapist that is the right fit for you. Engaging in therapy as an adult is meant to be collaborative and support. Both you and a therapist will meet to discuss what is important for you to share and together discuss how to find solutions and healing.
It is also very encouraging to hear when college students share stories of past therapists and school counselors that were very helpful. Past experiences that were supportive can inform you as you make a decision about who is the right type of therapist for you now.
If you have never been to a therapist and do not know how to make an informed decision, our intake coordinator can help guide you through this process. Also, all of our therapists offer a 30 minute consultation, at no charge, over phone or video, to clarify any questions that arise, and also so you can get a feel for what the interaction is like between the two of you.
In Person or Virtual Appointments
Therapy appointments generally last for an hour and meet routinely once a week. You and your therapist can discuss what is the best schedule for you and your situation. Appointments are available Monday - Saturday in the morning, during the daytime, and in the evening.
If you have never been to a therapist and do not know how to make an informed decision, our intake coordinator can help guide you through this process. Also, all of our therapists offer a 30 minute consultation, at no charge, over phone or video, to clarify any questions that arise, and also so you can get a feel for what the interaction is like between the two of you.
Parents and Health Insurance
Our office accepts all commercial insurance plans. This includes plans that are issued for in-state residents as well as out of state plans. A student who is on their parent’s plan in another state is still able to be covered by their insurance when meeting with a therapist at our office.
Will my therapist understand me?
Check out our therapist bios to see who may be a good fit. While looking at a therapist picture and reading through a brief synopsis of experience, you may find yourself wondering something to the effect of, “will this person understand me?”
The most effective approach to address any concerns is to ask. All therapists on staff offer a 30 minute consultation at no cost. Therapists typically get into mental health because they are compassionate people who want to help those who are struggling. Acceptance of who a person is, as well as their symptoms and behaviors, is where therapy starts.
We value everyone that comes through our door as a unique individual. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all clients that come to our office, for our staff, and we also extend these values to our other professional relationships.
We believe everyone should be treated equally regardless of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.
Confidentiality
A student who does use a parent’s insurance plan, is still afforded the confidentiality of an adult. With any medical information, and this includes mental health, all conversations and information shared is protected health information. Even if a college student is on a paren’t plan, that parent does not have the privilege or access to student’s therapist unless agreed upon with the student and in writing.
It is not our goal to exclude family from therapeutic treatment. If it is helpful to the student to have family members involved, this can be discussed and agreed upon. It is also common to have a written release of information for “billing only”, such that the student agrees to allow knowledge of their appointments sent back to their family, and also agrees to the family paying the student’s invoices.
Getting Started
To schedule an appointment call us at:
(312) 360-1983
You may also use the form to start the intake process or answer any questions. An intake coordinator will return your call within 24 hours.
We have appointments 6 days a week (Monday - Saturday) in the AM and PM
At Higgins & Carter LLC, we accept most major insurance providers. Please contact us to inquire about coverage.
