Terapia para adultos jóvenes

Specialized Counseling Services for Young Adults Ages 18-30 in North Riverside, Illinois

If you are a young adult and you are struggling, you are not alone. This phase of life can feel very overwhelming because there are many major life changes happening at once. People are making big decisions during this time in their lives. Young adults (ages 18-30) are gaining independence, new freedoms, new responsibilities, changing relationships, and new roles. But there is also a lot of uncertainty at this time of life, and working with a young adult therapist who specializes in helping young adults can be a valuable tool to help you sort it all out.

At Shift Counseling, PC, all of our therapists have training and experience to help young adults navigate these challenges effectively. Our young adult therapy services in North Riverside, Illinois, provide the specialized support you need during this pivotal time in your life.

Understanding the Young Adult Experience Today

Durante esta fase de la vida, es posible que se redefinan las relaciones con los miembros de la familia, que se formen o terminen relaciones románticas serias, que se formen nuevas amistades y que cambien las antiguas. La juventud es una etapa en la que algunas personas tienen sus primeras experiencias laborales. También es posible que viva solo por primera vez, que vaya a la universidad o que forme una familia.

Some young adults may even be feeling unprepared to deal with these challenges, so they are avoiding changes as much as possible. It can be very hurtful to watch as people you grew up with meet milestones that you cannot imagine for yourself. There is a wide range of experiences that are normal, despite what you see on social media. If you are feeling stuck, counseling for young adults can help.

Why Young Adults Are Struggling More Than Ever

Young adults today are facing some extra challenges in addition to the usual stressors because of the volatility and uncertainty our society has experienced in the past few years. It is a tough time to be a young adult.

While things like disease, war, economic issues, and political issues have always been part of the human experience, right now does feel especially fraught. Inflation, economic insecurity, and political chaos have become distractions and barriers for young adults who are trying to make a life for themselves. Many young adults seeking psychotherapy for young adults are wondering "what is it all for?" Many are voicing feelings of uncertainty, hopelessness, anger, and frustration.

There is a valid sense amongst young adults that they are not being afforded the same opportunities as previous generations. Many young adults are not happy with their jobs, their living situations, or their relationships. Some young adults desperately want a traditional life (work, home, marriage, family) but feel it is out of reach no matter how hard they try. Other young adults are wondering if these things really matter, or if they even want to follow the old traditions.

Signs That You May Need Young Adult Counseling

We are hearing from our young adult clients that they are feeling stressed, confused, lonely, and tired. Others are feeling insecure, or poorly equipped to handle the challenges of adult life. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seeing a young adult counselor can help:

• Panic attacks or overwhelming anxiety

• Feelings of hopelessness or depression

• Persistent irritability or mood swings

• Physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension

• Gut issues or digestive problems

• Difficulty with sleeping or sleep disturbances

• Substance misuse or unhealthy coping mechanisms

• Burnout or chronic exhaustion

• Feeling stuck or directionless

• Relationship difficulties or social isolation

How Our Young Adult Therapy Can Help

Our mental health therapists for young adults use evidence-based treatments specifically tailored to address the unique challenges of this developmental stage. We understand that young adults need therapeutic approaches that respect their growing independence while providing the support and skill-building they need to thrive.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Young Adults

Our young adult therapists use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help with depression and anxiety. We will help you learn to focus on what is in your control and what is not, so you feel less overwhelmed. We will help you improve your connections with others and develop better coping skills. We can also help you clarify your values and identity to help you find the path that is right for you.

Trauma-Informed Care

If you have experienced your own trauma, or are looking to heal from generational trauma, our trauma-informed therapists can help with this work. Unprocessed trauma may start to come up during this phase of life, and young adults may feel unprepared to start dealing with this trauma. Our mental health counselors for young adults can help you develop a therapeutic relationship where you can start talking about difficult subjects without getting overwhelmed.

Specialized Services for Young Adult Concerns

Identity Formation and Self-Discovery

Our therapists are familiar with the challenges of identity formation that are common for young adults. As a young adult, you may be trying to figure out who you are, how you fit into the world, what is your purpose, and how to like yourself. It is normal to feel somewhat insecure as a young adult, because you are having your first experiences, and the first few tries don't always go well.

You may also be noticing tension with your family of origin as you lean into your own preferences instead of living life according to your family's expectations. Our young adult counseling services can help clients process their feelings, gain clarity, learn to appreciate themselves, learn about self-care, and learn how to recover from challenging experiences.

Work Stress and Career Navigation

Young adults are often getting their first jobs, which are likely entry-level positions. These jobs are often low paying and low in status, which can be very frustrating for young adults. Young adults are also having to navigate relationships with co-workers and bosses for the first time.

Our therapists can help young adults recognize the lessons of challenging entry-level positions, and use what they have learned to gain a sense of direction for the future. We can also help you learn about how to navigate boundaries in professional relationships, how to set reasonable expectations for yourself, how to advocate for yourself in the workplace, and how to achieve work/life balance.

Educational Stress and College Transitions

Those young adults who go to college or grad school may also face a major life transition that can cause depression or anxiety. For many students, this is their first time living outside of the home, so figuring out time management, finding healthy sleep and meal routines, and learning about stress management are keys to success. Our young adult counselors understand that needing support with these challenges is normal, and can help you build skills for independence.

Dealing with roommates and professors, and making big decisions such as choosing a major can be stressful. Managing peer pressure is also a major issue for many college students. Counseling for young adults with anxiety can help college students by helping them find balance, learning to dismantle perfectionism, improving self-care, and setting achievable goals.

Relationship Counseling for Young Adults

Relationship counseling for young adults addresses the complex dynamics of romantic relationships during this developmental stage. Whether you're navigating your first serious relationship, dealing with communication challenges, or working through relationship transitions, our specialized approach helps you develop healthy relationship skills.

During young adulthood, relationships with family members are being redefined while serious romantic relationships may be forming or ending. We help young adults learn how to communicate effectively, set healthy boundaries, and maintain their individual identity while building intimate connections. Our therapists can also help you navigate decisions about commitment, cohabitation, and future planning with partners.

Mental Health Support for Depression and Anxiety

Counseling for Young Adults with Depression

Our young adult counselors recognize that depression in this age group often stems from the overwhelming nature of multiple life transitions happening simultaneously. Young adults may feel hopeless about their future prospects, especially given current economic and social challenges.

Our approach combines practical skill-building with emotional support to help you regain a sense of hope and direction. We work collaboratively to identify what's contributing to your depression and develop sustainable strategies for managing symptoms while working toward your goals.

Counseling for Young Adults with Anxiety

Our young adult therapists addresses the various forms anxiety can take during this life stage. From performance anxiety in academic or work settings to social anxiety in new environments, we help young adults develop effective tools for managing anxious thoughts and feelings.

Many of our young adult clients experience anxiety related to:

• Making major life decisions about career, relationships, or living situations

• Financial stress and economic uncertainty

• Social media comparison and peer pressure

• Fear of not meeting expectations or falling behind peers

• Uncertainty about the future and global issues

Help with Social Media and Modern Challenges

Social issues and the impact of social media can be very overwhelming for young adults. Peer pressure and comparing themselves to others on social media may leave young adults feeling that they are not good enough. Young adults are also being exposed to a lot of vicarious trauma on social media.

We are living in challenging times and young adults may be feeling distraught, hopeless, or even paralyzed. Our therapists can help young adults process their feelings, make sense of it all, recognize what they are in control of and what they are not in control of, and find a way to move forward even when the future is uncertain.

Help with Substance Use and Learning Healthy Coping

Many young adults may be experimenting with substances as a way to fit in, connect to peers, or self-medicate to cope with the pressures they are facing. Our therapists provide an objective space to talk openly about substance use and to explore patterns, and assess risks and consequences.

We can help young adults find ways to cope with the symptoms that may be causing the substance misuse, find other ways of connecting to peers, and set healthy goals for themselves. Our approach is non-judgmental and focused on harm reduction and healthy decision-making.

Culturally Sensitive Counseling that can Address Generational Trauma

Young adults from diverse backgrounds may have been "othered" or experienced hateful behavior that can leave them feeling inferior, afraid, and angry. Growing up with parents who suffered from racism or intergenerational trauma may have internalized negative messages about themselves and may have unintentionally passed these messages on to their children.

Our young adult therapists are from diverse backgrounds, are trained in cultural sensitivity, and are open to talking about these kinds of issues. Talking to a therapist and unpacking generational trauma can help young adults learn to challenge the inner critic that they may have inherited from their parents.

We can help young adults overcome experiences of stigma, persecution, fear, anger, feeling "less than," hopelessness, or perfectionism/compulsive achievement. Our young adult therapy services can help you overcome barriers and learn to thrive despite adversity.

Why Choose Shift Counseling, PC for Young Adult Services

Several of our counselors are young adults themselves, so they are in a special position to understand the challenges of this group. Even our older counselors have extensive experience working with young adults. We believe it is important to use our positions to mentor and support younger people. We want to see young adults thriving, despite our current societal challenges.

Our Therapeutic Approach

We utilize various evidence-based approaches specifically chosen for their effectiveness with young adults:

Strengths-Based Treatment: We focus on identifying and building upon your existing strengths, resilience, and resources while addressing areas of concern.

Collaborative Partnership: You are the expert on your own life experience. We work together to develop treatment goals and strategies that align with your values and priorities.

Practical Skill Building: Therapy should provide you with concrete tools and strategies you can use in your daily life. We emphasize developing practical skills for emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, and stress management.

Cultural Responsiveness: We recognize that young adults come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our approach is inclusive and respectful of different cultural, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Future-Focused Planning: While we address current symptoms and concerns, we also help you develop a vision for your future and create realistic steps toward achieving your goals.

FAQs About Therapy For Young Adults:

How is young adult therapy different from regular therapy?

Young adult therapy addresses the specific developmental tasks and challenges unique to this life stage, including gaining independence, forming identity, navigating first serious relationships, starting careers, and managing the transition from adolescence to full adulthood.

Do I need young adult therapy or can I see any therapist?

While any licensed therapist can work with young adults, seeing a therapist who specializes in young adult issues ensures you receive treatment tailored to your specific developmental stage and the unique pressures facing your generation.

What areas do you serve for young adult counseling?

We serve young adults living within 10 miles of North Riverside, Illinois, including surrounding communities and suburbs in the Chicago area.

Do you offer evening or weekend appointments for young adults?

Yes, we understand that young adults often work traditional 9-5 schedules. All of our counselors set aside evening and weekend appointment times specifically to accommodate working young adults.

Is young adult therapy confidential?

Yes, therapy is completely confidential for clients 18 and older. We cannot share information with parents or anyone else without your written consent, except in rare safety situations.

Can I do therapy online or do I need to come in person?

We offer both in-person and telehealth options to accommodate your preferences and schedule. Many young adults find online therapy convenient for their busy lifestyles.

What happens in the first young adult therapy session?

Your first session involves discussing your current concerns, goals for therapy, background information, and any questions you have about the process. We'll work together to create a treatment plan.

How do I schedule young adult therapy?

You can view our schedule and request an appointment online. We'll check your insurance benefits and contact you to confirm your appointment details.

What should I expect from young adult therapy?

Expect a collaborative, non-judgmental environment where you can explore your concerns, learn coping skills, gain clarity about your goals, and develop strategies for managing life's challenges.

What areas do your Young Adults Counselors serve?

Nuestro centro de asesoramiento está a 15 minutos o menos en coche de las siguientes comunidades: Broadview, Brookfield, Westchester, Forest Park, La Grange Park, Berwyn, y algunas partes de Chicago. Los servicios en línea están disponibles en todo el estado de Illinois.

Insurance and Cost Questions

Does insurance cover young adult therapy?

The vast majority of insurance plans cover individual counseling for mental health conditions. If you're 26 or under, you may still be covered by your parent's insurance plan.

What insurance do you accept for young adult counseling?

Shift Counseling, PC is in-network with BCBS PPO, Blue Choice PPO, MyBlue Plus, Aetna non-HMO plans, and Cigna non-HMO plans.

How much does young adult therapy cost?

Cost varies depending on your insurance coverage. Some plans require only a co-pay, while others require meeting your deductible first. We check your insurance benefits before your first appointment and explain your coverage.

Emergency and Crisis Questions

What if I'm having a mental health crisis?

If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For non-emergency crisis support, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Do you provide crisis intervention for young adults?

While we provide ongoing therapy support, for immediate crisis situations, we recommend contacting emergency services or crisis hotlines for immediate assistance.

How quickly can I get an appointment for young adult therapy?

Often we can schedule your first appointment within a week of contact. There may be longer wait times for evening and weekend appointments.

Take the Next Step Toward Positive Change

If you're a young adult living in or near North Riverside, Illinois, and you're ready to invest in your mental health and personal growth, we're here to support you. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, work stress, identity questions, or simply want to develop better life skills and self-understanding, our specialized services can help you navigate this exciting and challenging period of your life with greater confidence and resilience.

Don't let another day go by feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or alone. The challenges you're facing are real, and the societal pressures young adults experience today are unprecedented. But with the right support and tools, you can not only survive this phase of life but truly thrive.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step toward creating the life you want. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it's a courageous step toward growth, healing, and living your best life. We're honored to be part of your journey toward greater mental wellness and personal fulfillment.

Your future self will thank you for making this important investment in your mental health and well-being. You deserve support, understanding, and the tools to build a life that feels authentic and fulfilling to you.