Therapy & Counseling 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!
LGBTQ+ Affirming Care
Navigate identity exploration, coming out, relationship dynamics, and systemic minority stress in a deeply affirming, supportive environment. We offer a dedicated, professional sanctuary tailored to the lived experiences of the Boystown and North Halsted community.
CBT for Anxiety
Break free from persistent overthinking, generalized anxiety, and the internal pressure to perform flawlessly. Our structured Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps Lakeview East professionals identify negative thought patterns, manage stress, and quiet a racing mind.
Grief & Loss Support
Navigate the heavy, complex, and unpredictable waves of bereavement, sudden loss, or major life transitions. We provide a gentle, compassionate space to process your pain, honor your unique timeline, and help you slowly rebuild a sense of meaning.
Men's Counseling
Address the unique societal pressures, professional challenges, and emotional expectations modern men face. Gain actionable, practical tools to manage high-stakes career burnout, navigate relationship dynamics, and build emotional resilience.
College Students & Young Adults
Manage the unique academic stresses, social adjustments, identity challenges, and career decisions that come with young adulthood. Build a resilient mental health toolkit to navigate life transitions and establish long-term independence confidently.
IFS Therapy
Explore your inner world using Internal Family Systems. Safely identify and heal protective, wounded, or anxious "parts" of your personality to resolve deep-seated inner conflicts, reduce emotional distress, and foster long-term personal harmony.
🏳️🌈 Affirming LGBTQ+ Therapy in Boystown
Finding a therapist who truly understands your identity and experiences matters. Our Boystown practice specializes in queer and transgender affirming care, supporting you through coming out, relationship challenges, identity exploration, and navigating discrimination.
🏳️🌈Therapy Designed for Gay Men
Navigate the unique challenges gay men face—from dating and intimacy to body image, addiction recovery, and finding authentic connections. Work with therapists who understand your lived experience in Chicago’s gay community.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Accessible Mental Health Care for Boystown & Lakeview East Whether you are walking over from the busy North Halsted corridor or looking for premium care close to the lakefront, our counseling services are designed to fit seamlessly into your life. While many of our clients take advantage of our secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform to avoid a commute entirely, our physical office locations are highly accessible. We are just a short trip away by rideshare, a quick bike ride, or a straightforward hop on the CTA Brown, Purple, or Red Lines to the Belmont station, making both mid-day and after-work face-to-face sessions completely effortless.
Ready to Begin? Connect with Our Boystown-Friendly Practice.
💳 Do you accept insurance or offer a sliding scale?
We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and reserve a limited number of sliding-scale slots to ensure access to care for our neighbors in the Boystown and Lakeview area. Contact our care coordinator to learn what your plan covers and check current availability.
📅 What is the first step in scheduling a session?
You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation online or call us at 773-528-1777. Our care coordinator will match you with a therapist who specializes in your core concerns — whether that’s relationship anxiety, grief, identity exploration, or coming out — and who understands the nuances of life in the Lakeview and Boystown community.
💻 Can I see a therapist online?
Yes. We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant Telehealth video sessions for all clients in Illinois — convenient whether you’re in Boystown, commuting around the North Side, or simply prefer the privacy of meeting from home.
🌈 Do you have LGBTQ+ affirming therapists?
Yes — this is central to who we are. We have a number of queer-identifying and queer-aligned therapists at 2nd Story Counseling who provide affirming, knowledgeable care for the Boystown community. Our clinicians understand the specific experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, including identity exploration, relationship dynamics, family acceptance, and the mental health impacts of discrimination. Learn more about our LGBTQ+ therapy services.
♂️ Do you offer specialized therapy for gay men?
Yes. Our gay men’s therapy services address the unique pressures gay men face — including navigating relationships, performance anxiety, the impact of discrimination, and questions around identity. Our therapists provide a judgment-free space grounded in genuine cultural competence, not just sensitivity training.
🧠 What therapy approaches do your Boystown-area therapists use?
Our clinicians use an integrative approach tailored to each client. We draw from CBT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and trauma-focused modalities. The method is always matched to the person — your goals, your history, your strengths.
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.
Boystown Therapy Location
Boystown Chicago Testimonials
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“A safe and affirming space for queer couples.” — Janelle & Priya, Lakeview East (LGBTQ+)
As a queer couple, we appreciated how affirming, open, and culturally aware our therapist was. We were able to talk through communication issues, stress, and the unique challenges we face without ever needing to “explain” ourselves. The support here truly reflects the diversity of Lakeview East.
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“Compassionate and professional.” — David F., Wrigleyville
After a tough year, I knew I needed to work with someone who understood the fast-paced, often stressful lifestyle many of us in the area juggle. The therapy felt grounded, practical, and never judgmental. I always walked away with something useful to apply during the week.