Tips For Chicagoans Searching for an Anxiety and Depression Therapist
Are you trying to figure out how to find a therapist in Chicago for anxiety and depression? If so, you are not alone. With a population hovering around 2.7 million, there is a large and growing demand for therapists and counselors in Chicago.
Since we first published this guide in 2015, the landscape of mental health care has evolved significantly. More people are seeking therapy than ever before, insurance coverage has expanded, and there’s greater awareness about the importance of finding a therapist who truly understands your unique background and experiences.
When you factor in some of the common reasons people seek out personal therapy in the Windy City, it makes sense that you want to find the best therapist to help you with your wellness needs. This is particularly true if you are feeling depressed or experiencing anxiety.
How to Find a Therapist in Chicago: 2026 Edition
Before you jump into the somewhat involved process of finding a therapist in Chicago, we encourage you to take a look at our comprehensive “How To Find a Therapist Guide” that directly addresses the nuts and bolts of searching for a counseling professional. The guide also contains many of the pre-counseling questions that should be considered before starting your search.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself Before Searching
Here, we are talking about knowing basic things like:
What are you seeking therapy for?
- Are you experiencing anxiety that’s impacting your daily life? If so, you’ll want to concentrate your efforts on a therapist who specializes in helping people with these life challenges.
- Have you been struggling with mood issues such as depression? Finding a therapist who has strong experience working with depression will be extremely important.
- Are you struggling with an addiction to alcohol or drugs? If so, the search will need to be focused on drug and alcohol specialists.
How will you pay for therapy?
- Are you using a PPO? Do you have an HMO?
- Might you be using a Health Savings Plan (HSA)?
- Are you planning to pay out-of-pocket?
- Knowing the answers to these questions will save you time when you begin the search.
Are you seeking specialized or affirming care?
In 2025, it’s more important than ever to find a therapist who understands your complete identity and lived experience. If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, working with an LGBTQ-affirming therapist in Chicago can make a significant difference in your therapeutic outcomes. Research shows that clients who work with affirming therapists report better engagement, faster progress, and stronger therapeutic alliances.
For gay men specifically dealing with anxiety, depression, or relationship concerns, specialized therapy for gay men addresses unique challenges like coming out, dating in the modern era, body image, and navigating Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community.
What type of relationship are you seeking help with?
- Do you seek couples, marriage or relationship counseling? If the answer is yes, you will want to find out if your insurance plan offers marriage and/or couples counseling benefits.
What kind of therapy approach resonates with you?
- Is working with someone who is gentle but direct more helpful to you than someone who is simply there to listen?
- If you prefer the direct approach, a CBT-type therapist is probably your best bet.
- Other evidence-based approaches include EMDR, IFS (Internal Family Systems), and DBT.
Therapists in Chicago: What’s Up with the Acronyms?
The other reason we encourage you to read our guide is to help you navigate through the plethora of titles and acronyms you’ll likely run across during your search. All of those acronyms mean different things and often speak to a specialty.
Here we are talking about things like:
- Psychologists vs. Psychiatrists (LP vs. MD)
- Social Workers vs. Professional Counselors (LCSW vs. LCPC)
- Marriage & Family Therapists vs. Life Coaches (LMFT vs. Coach)
- Other common acronyms, such as DBT, EMDR, BCBA, IFS, ACT
The more you educate yourself about some of these questions, the more empowered you will become when it comes time to make a smart decision about your personal therapy needs.
Finding the Right Fit: It’s About More Than Credentials
Because talk-therapy (also referred to as psychotherapy) is largely a journey of self-exploration, it is important to do all that you can to match yourself with a therapist who is empathic, interactive, and genuinely eager to assist you.
In 2025, many Chicagoans are also considering factors like:
- Cultural competency: Does the therapist understand your cultural background?
- Identity-affirming practice: Do they have experience with LGBTQ+ clients, people of color, or other marginalized communities?
- Telehealth availability: Many therapists now offer virtual sessions in addition to in-person appointments
- Neighborhood accessibility: If you’re in Lakeview/Boystown, Lincoln Park, or Uptown, finding a nearby practice can make consistent attendance easier
2nd Story Counseling: Here to Help
Sure – we would love you to be a client at 2nd Story Counseling. The truth is we have a passion for helping people. But this isn’t about us – it is about you and your wellness needs.
We’ve been serving Chicago’s North Side for over 20 years, offering specialized services including anxiety therapy, depression treatment, LGBTQ+ affirming counseling, couples therapy, and more. Whether you’re in Lakeview, Uptown, Lincoln Park, or beyond, our team of experienced therapists is here to support your mental health journey.
Hopefully, the previously mentioned “How to Find a Therapist” guide will be of use to you as a valuable resource. The best part is that it’s free!
Thanks for visiting the Chicago therapists of 2nd Story Counseling. We’re here when you’re ready.
