LGBTQ+ Affirming Counseling & Therapy Near Boystown Lakeview

Start Your Second Story with Culturally Responsive Care in the Heart of Lakeview. We are proud to serve the diverse communities of Boystown and the surrounding North Side.

Supportive Therapy for Life in Boystown and Lakeview

Our proximity and deep ties to the Boystown neighborhood inform the compassionate, affirming care we provide. We understand the specific joys, challenges, and cultural dynamics of life in this vibrant community and the surrounding North Side, including zip codes like 60613 and 60657.

Whether you’re dealing with the pressure of identity, navigating social scene fatigue, managing relationships on Halsted Street, or seeking a quiet, judgment-free space away from the action, 2nd Story Counseling meets you where you are.

We offer LGBT-affirming therapy – in person or virtually.

Our Lakeview office is designed to be a safe haven, easily accessible from the Belmont and Sheridan areas, offering both in-person sessions and secure Telehealth options for our neighbors in Boystown.

How To Get Here: Directions to Our Lakeview Office

Our office is conveniently located at 655 W Irving Park Rd, situated near the intersection of Lakeview and Uptown, and easily accessible from the entire North Side.

By Public Transportation (CTA)

We are highly accessible via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA):

• CTA Red Line: Exit at the Sheridan stop. Walk approximately 7-10 minutes north/west on Sheridan, then west on Irving Park Road.
• Bus Routes:
  • #80 (Irving Park): The bus stops directly in front of or across the street from our building.
  • #36 (Broadway) / #151 (Sheridan): Both routes have stops within a short walking distance (3-5 minutes).

By Car & Parking Information

Driving to the office is straightforward, though parking in Lakeview requires some planning:

• Location: We are easily found on Irving Park Road, a major east-west thoroughfare. Look for us near the intersection of Broadway and Irving Park.
• Parking: Street parking is available, but is highly dependent on the time of day and often requires metered payment or a City of Chicago Residential Permit (Zone 383). Check signage carefully. Give yourself extra time to find a spot, especially during evening hours.

Need Assistance?

Use the link below to get directions directly from your location, or call our office if you have any trouble finding us!

Use the link below to get directions directly from your location, or call our office if you have any trouble finding us!

[View Directions on Google Maps]

Specialized Modalities for the Boystown Lakeview Community

We are dedicated to providing evidence-based therapy that respects the complex identities and experiences of our clients.

Service Focus	What We Offer	How We Help
LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy	Specialized focus on gender identity, sexual orientation, transition support, relationship structures (poly, open), and coming out processes.	LGBTQ+ Counseling Boystown Chicago
Individual Therapy	Treatment for anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and life transitions unique to the urban environment.	Adult individual therapy near Boystown Lakeview
Trauma & PTSD	Advanced therapies including EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT to address past trauma, including experiences of minority stress or discrimination.	Trauma therapist Boystown
Couples & Relationships	Helping Lakeview couples navigate communication, conflict, and creating fulfilling partnerships.	Couples counseling in Chicago 60613
Advanced Modalities	We utilize DBT for managing intense emotions and ACT for developing psychological flexibility.	DBT therapist Lakeview

A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space: Our Commitment to the North Side

1. Our Expertise in Affirming Care: We understand that for many in the Boystown area, the need for a truly affirming therapist is non-negotiable. Our clinicians are actively trained in cultural responsiveness and the complexities of minority stress. We move beyond tolerance to genuine understanding, ensuring your concerns—whether related to your identity or simply everyday stress—are met with informed compassion.
2. Integrative and Effective Treatment: We believe the most effective therapy is tailored. We draw from proven techniques like CBT, IFS, and Psychodynamic approaches to build a customized roadmap for you. This comprehensive approach ensures deep, lasting change, addressing the root causes of your challenges, not just the symptoms.
3. Local Accessibility and Convenience: Our physical office location is strategically placed to serve the Boystown Lakeview area and surrounding zip codes. We are easily accessible via the Red Line (Sheridan stop) and major bus routes along Broadway and Halsted. For flexibility, we offer secure Telehealth options, making therapy accessible whether you’re at home in Lakeview East or working in the Loop.

Ready to Begin? Connect with Our Boystown-Friendly Practice.

Q: Do you offer a sliding scale or accept my insurance? A: We are proudly in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. We reserve limited sliding scale slots to ensure access to care for our neighbors in the Boystown Lakeview area.

Q: What is the first step in scheduling a session? A: Click the button below or call our care coordinator. We will match you with a therapist who specializes in your core concerns (e.g., relationship anxiety, grief, or identity exploration) and understands the nuances of the Lakeview community.

Q: Can I see a therapist online? A: Yes, we offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video counseling for all clients, providing convenience and flexibility for those living in or commuting around the Boystown area.

Meet Our Therapists Serving the Boystown Lakeview Community

We have a number of queer identifying and queer aligned therapists at 2nd Story Counseling. Visit our counselors and therapists page to learn more.

Don’t wait to start the next chapter. Contact 2nd Story Counseling today.