2nd Story Counseling | Gay-Affirming Therapy in Chicago Lakeview
📍 655 W Irving Park Rd #204, Chicago, IL 60613
📞 773-528-1777
Finding a gay therapist in Chicago who truly understands the unique experiences of gay and bisexual men can be transformative. At 2nd Story Counseling, our therapists specialize in working with gay men navigating everything from coming out and dating to career challenges and mental health concerns specific to the gay male experience.
Several of our Chicago therapists identify as gay men themselves, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to the therapeutic relationship. Whether you’re newly out or decades into your journey, our gay-affirming therapists create a space where you can be fully yourself without explanation or judgment.
Why Choose a Gay Therapist in Chicago?
Working with a gay therapist or one who specializes in gay men’s issues offers unique advantages:
• No need to explain gay culture, slang, or community dynamics
• Understanding of hookup apps, dating challenges, and relationship patterns in gay communities
• Awareness of unique stressors facing gay and bisexual men
• Insight into coming out processes at different life stages
• Recognition of how masculinity, sexuality, and identity intersect
• Knowledge of substance use patterns and party culture
• Understanding of sexual health concerns including HIV/AIDS trauma
• Familiarity with family rejection and chosen family dynamics
Our Chicago gay therapists don’t just tolerate your identity—they celebrate it. Therapy becomes a place to thrive, not just survive.
Specialized Therapy Services for Gay Men in Chicago
Coming Out Support for Gay & Bisexual Men
Coming out is rarely a one-time event. Whether you’re coming out for the first time, coming out later in life, or navigating disclosure in professional settings, our gay therapists in Chicago provide compassionate support through:
• Exploring sexual identity and attraction without shame
• Managing anxiety and fear around coming out
• Developing personalized coming out strategies
• Processing family reactions and potential rejection
• Building confidence in your identity as a gay man
• Coming out in the workplace and professional contexts
• Navigating religious or cultural conflicts around sexuality
Many gay men struggle with internalized homophobia even years after coming out. Our Chicago therapists help you work through shame, embrace your authentic self, and build genuine pride in who you are.
Gay Men’s Relationship & Dating Therapy
Dating and relationships as a gay man come with unique dynamics. Our Chicago therapists understand the complexities of:
• Navigating dating apps and hookup culture
• Building meaningful connections beyond physical attraction
• Managing open relationships and non-monogamy
• Addressing communication patterns in gay relationships
• Working through jealousy and insecurity
• Blending social circles and friend groups
• Processing past relationship trauma
• Distinguishing healthy relationships from codependency
• Navigating age gaps and generational differences
Whether you’re single and dating, in a new relationship, or in a long-term partnership, our gay men’s therapists help you build the healthy, fulfilling connections you deserve.
Body Image & Self-Esteem Therapy
Gay male culture often places intense pressure on physical appearance, fitness, and masculinity. Our Chicago therapists help gay men work through:
• Body dysmorphia and muscle dysmorphia
• Eating disorders and disordered eating patterns
• Pressure to maintain certain body types or aesthetics
• Aging anxiety in youth-focused communities
• Comparisons on social media and dating apps
• Performance pressure and sexual anxiety
• Self-worth tied to physical appearance
• Steroid or supplement abuse concerns
Our gay therapists help you develop authentic self-esteem that isn’t dependent on abs, biceps, or external validation.
Substance Use & Party Culture
Substance use rates are higher in gay male communities, often tied to socializing, dating, and coping with minority stress. Our Chicago therapists provide non-judgmental support for:
• Alcohol dependency and binge drinking
• Recreational drug use (crystal meth, cocaine, GHB, ketamine)
• Chemsex and party-and-play culture
• Harm reduction strategies
• Addiction, recovery support and sobriety maintenance
• Addressing underlying anxiety, depression, or trauma
• Building sober social connections
• Navigating gay social scenes without substances
Whether you’re seeking full sobriety, harm reduction, or exploring your relationship with substances, our gay men’s therapists meet you where you are with compassion and expertise.
Sexual Health & HIV-Related Concerns
Our Chicago gay therapists provide sensitive, knowledgeable support around sexual health concerns including:
• HIV anxiety and status disclosure
• Living with HIV and managing mental health
• PrEP anxiety and decision-making
• Processing STI diagnoses
• Sexual trauma and assault recovery
• Sexual dysfunction and performance anxiety
• Navigating sexual boundaries and consent
• AIDS-related grief and survivor’s guilt (for older gay men)
We understand that sexual health is deeply connected to mental health for gay men, and we address both with expertise and care.
Career & Professional Life
Being out at work, navigating workplace discrimination, and balancing professional ambitions with authentic identity are common concerns for gay men. Our therapists help with:
• Deciding whether and how to come out at work
• Managing workplace discrimination or microaggressions
• Building confidence in male-dominated industries
• Addressing impostor syndrome
• Career transitions and professional development
• Work-life balance and burnout prevention
• Navigating professional networking as a gay man
Mental Health Challenges Facing Gay Men
Gay and bisexual men face elevated rates of certain mental health challenges due to minority stress, discrimination, and social pressures. Our Chicago gay therapists specialize in treating:
• Depression and persistent low mood
• Anxiety disorders (social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic)
• Trauma and PTSD (including sexual trauma)
• Substance use disorders and addiction
• Eating disorders and body dysmorphia
• Loneliness and social isolation
• Shame and internalized homophobia
• Suicidal ideation and self-harm
• Grief and loss (including AIDS-related grief)
These aren’t personal failings—they’re understandable responses to living in a society that hasn’t always affirmed gay men. Our therapists help you heal, build resilience, and thrive.
Therapy Approaches for Gay Men
Our Chicago gay therapists use evidence-based approaches tailored to the experiences of gay and bisexual men:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression, and negative thought patterns
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotion regulation and distress tolerance
• Trauma-Focused Therapy including EMDR and CPT for processing trauma
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for building valued living
• Psychodynamic Therapy for exploring patterns and deeper self-understanding
• Relational Therapy for strengthening connections and attachment
• Harm Reduction Therapy for substance use concerns
• Sex Therapy for sexual concerns and intimacy issues
Gay Therapist
Gay Men’s Therapy Across the Lifespan
Young Gay Men (20s-30s)
Common concerns for younger gay men include coming out, establishing identity, navigating hookup culture, building careers, and finding community. Our Chicago therapists help you:
• Build confidence in your identity
• Navigate dating and relationships
• Establish healthy boundaries
• Manage family dynamics
• Build a chosen family and community
• Address substance use patterns early
Midlife Gay Men (40s-50s)
Midlife brings unique challenges including aging in youth-focused communities, career plateaus, relationship evaluations, and health concerns. Our therapists support you through:
• Addressing aging anxiety
• Navigating relationship transitions or divorce
• Career changes and purpose
• Managing chronic health conditions
• Processing losses and grief
• Building meaningful connections beyond physical attraction
• Redefining success and fulfillment
Older Gay Men (60+)
Older gay men may face unique challenges including isolation, health concerns, retirement transitions, and AIDS-related trauma. Our Chicago therapists help with:
• AIDS survivor’s guilt and grief
• Aging and health anxiety
• Retirement and purpose
• Loneliness and social connection
• End-of-life planning and legacy
• Processing decades of discrimination
• Finding joy and meaning in later life
Meet Our Gay Therapists in Chicago
Our team includes therapists who identify as gay men as well as allies with extensive training and experience working with the gay male community. What unites our therapists is deep commitment to affirming, culturally competent care.
Several of our Chicago therapists have specialized training in:
• LGBTQ+ mental health and minority stress
• Substance use treatment in gay communities
• Sexual trauma recovery
• HIV/AIDS-related mental health
• Eating disorders and body image in men
• Sex therapy and sexual health
• Couples therapy for same-sex relationships
For the Full LGBTQ+ Community
While this page focuses specifically on therapy for gay and bisexual men, we provide affirming care for the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum including lesbian, transgender, non-binary, and queer individuals.
For comprehensive information about our LGBTQ+ therapy services across all identities, visit our LGBTQ+ Therapy page. Explore our full LGBTQ+ Therapy Services.
Why 2nd Story Counseling for Gay Men’s Therapy?
• Therapists who identify as gay men and understand the culture
• Over 20 years serving Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community
• Located in Lakeview near Boystown
• Comfortable, affirming office environment
• Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends
• Telehealth options for privacy and convenience
• Accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO insurance
• Sliding scale fees available
Serving Chicago’s Gay Community
Our office is located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, walking distance from Boystown and easily accessible from throughout the city. We serve gay men from:
• Lakeview and Boystown
• Andersonville
• Rogers Park
• Uptown
• Lincoln Park
• Logan Square
• Wicker Park
• Gold Coast
• Throughout Chicago and suburbs via telehealth
Start Your Journey with a Gay Therapist in Chicago
You deserve a therapist who gets it—who understands the unique joys and challenges of being a gay man without you having to explain. Whether you’re working through coming out, building healthier relationships, addressing mental health concerns, or simply seeking support from someone who understands, we’re here.
2nd Story Counseling | Gay-Affirming Therapy in Chicago Lakeview
📍 655 W Irving Park Rd #204, Chicago, IL 60613
📞 773-528-1777
Frequently Asked Questions About Gay Men’s Therapy
Do you have therapists who are gay men?
Yes! Several of our Chicago therapists identify as gay men and bring both professional expertise and lived experience to therapy. You can request a therapist with specific identities when you contact us.
Is therapy confidential if I’m not out?
Absolutely. Everything in therapy is confidential (with rare legal exceptions for safety). We won’t out you to anyone—not to insurance companies, employers, family, or anyone else. Your privacy is paramount.
Do you work with couples?
Yes! We provide couples therapy for gay male relationships, including support for open relationships, communication challenges, and relationship transitions. Depending on your location, we can also give you a referral if you want someone closer to your location. Remember, we also offer virtual counseling for one on one therapy or gay couples therapy.
Can you help with substance use issues?
Yes. Our therapists have extensive experience addressing substance use in gay male communities, offering both abstinence-based and harm reduction approaches depending on your goals.
Do you take insurance?
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO insurance and also offer self-pay options with sliding scale fees if available.
What if I’m not sure I’m gay or I’m bisexual?
You’re absolutely welcome here. Many clients come to therapy while exploring their sexuality. We provide a safe, non-judgmental space for sexual identity exploration without pressure to label yourself.
Every life has a second story. Let’s write yours—authentically, proudly, and exactly as you are.
Gay Mens Therapy Testimonials
Coming out in my 30s felt impossible until I started working with my therapist at 2nd Story Counseling. Having a gay therapist who understood exactly what I was going through made all the difference. He helped me process my fears, build confidence, and finally tell my family. I wish I’d found this practice years ago. If you’re a gay man looking for therapy in Chicago, this is the place.”
– David M., Lakeview
“My relationship was falling apart because of my drinking and partying. I needed a therapist who understood gay culture and wouldn’t judge me for the scene I was in. My counselor at 2nd Story Counseling helped me get sober while also working on my relationship patterns. He got it – the apps, the bars, the pressure to look a certain way. Now I’m six months sober and in the healthiest relationship of my life.”
– Jason T., Andersonville
“The body image issues I was dealing with as a gay man were destroying my self-esteem. I was obsessed with the gym, constantly comparing myself to guys on Instagram, and felt like I was never enough. My therapist at 2nd Story Counseling helped me understand where this was coming from and build real confidence that isn’t based on my body. Working with someone who understands the pressures gay men face was life-changing.”
– Chris L., Logan Square
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