Affirming Counseling & Therapy in Uptown, Chicago

Start Your Second Story with Culturally Responsive Care. We specialize in supporting the diverse individuals, couples, and artists of the Uptown and Buena Park communities.

Quick Contact Information

• Address: 655 W Irving Park Rd, Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60613

• Phone: (773) 528-1777 (or relevant number)

• In-Network Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO

• Request Appointment: Visit our contact page to schedule appointment

Navigating the Diversity and Energy of Uptown (60640)

Uptown (zip code 60640) is known for its historic architecture, vibrant diversity, and its role as a hub for Chicago’s art and music scene. Life in this neighborhood, which includes Buena Park and parts of Andersonville, is rich but often challenging, marked by life transitions, economic stress, and the need for a strong sense of belonging.

At 2nd Story Counseling, we provide therapy that is deeply sensitive to the multicultural and often transient nature of Uptown. We specialize in helping clients manage urban anxiety, navigate complex relationship dynamics, and find a grounding space away from the hustle of Broadway and Sheridan Road. Our Lakeview office is located close by, easily accessible via the Red Line, making it a convenient option for both in-person sessions and secure Telehealth for all our Uptown neighbors.

How To Get Here: Directions from Uptown to Our Office

Our office is located at 655 W Irving Park Rd, offering a simple commute just south of the main Uptown corridor.

🚇 By Public Transportation (CTA)

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

• CTA Red Line: This is the most direct route. From the Wilson, Argyle, or Lawrence stops, take the Red Line southbound one or two stops to the Sheridan stop. Our office is just a short 7-10 minute walk west on Irving Park Road.

• Bus Routes:

  • #36 (Broadway): Runs directly from Uptown south through Buena Park and Lakeview.

  • #151 (Sheridan): Connects the entire lakefront, with stops close to our office.

  • #80 (Irving Park): The bus stops directly in front of or across the street from our building.

🚗 By Car & Parking Information

The drive from Uptown is short, typically following the lakefront or main inner-city avenues:

• Route: Travel south on Sheridan Road or Broadway. We are located just west of Sheridan.

• Parking: Street parking is available near our office, but it often requires metered payment or a City of Chicago Residential Permit (Zone 383). Please allow extra time before your appointment to secure a spot.

🗺️ Need Assistance?

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 Services for the Uptown Community

We offer evidence-based therapy that addresses the diverse and specific mental health needs of Uptown residents.

Service Focus	What We Offer	Therapy Service
Urban Anxiety & Stress	Focused treatment for career stress, financial pressure, social anxiety, and navigating the transitions of city life.	Anxiety therapist Uptown Chicago
LGBTQ+	Culturally affirming counseling, LGBTQ+ support, and therapy for individuals navigating race, identity, and socioeconomic challenges.	LGBTQ+ Therapy
Quarter Life Crisis	Helping young adults who struggle with identity, life direction, and life purpose. Uncertainty about the future or how to navigate life	Quarter Life Crisis Counseling
Trauma & PTSD Treatment	Advanced therapies that are Trauma-Focused CBT for healing complex trauma and adverse experiences. First Responders and Helping Professionals.	Trauma therapist Chicago 60640
Grief & Life Transitions	Compassionate support for navigating loss, changes in career, housing, and shifting community dynamics.	Grief Counseling in Uptown

Our Commitment to the Uptown Community

1. Culturally Responsive Care: Our clinicians are actively trained in cultural humility and understand the unique pressures faced by marginalized or transient individuals in a city like Chicago. We move beyond simple “tolerance” to genuine, informed understanding.

2. Integrative and Practical: We draw from proven techniques like CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic approaches to build a customized roadmap for you. This comprehensive strategy ensures we address both immediate symptoms and the root causes of your challenges. Many people looking for a therapist in Uptown for depression choose the integrative approach.

3. Flexible Accessibility: We prioritize your convenience, offering both secure, HIPAA-compliant Telehealth sessions (perfect for avoiding Red Line traffic) and in-person appointments at our easily accessible Lakeview office.

Ready to Begin? Your Questions Answered.

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 Uptown (60640) and surrounding North Side areas.

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., identity affirmation, financial stress, or relationship conflict) and understands the nuances of the Uptown community.

Q: Can I see a therapist online? A: Yes, we offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video counseling for all clients across Chicago.

Meet Our Therapists Serving the Uptown Community

Be sure to stop by our Counselors and Therapists in Uptown, Chicago to read the background and bios of our different professionals. Which one speaks most to your needs?

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

2nd Story Counseling, Lakeview Office 655 W Irving Park Rd, Suite 204 Chicago, IL 60613 [See Google Maps]

Services: Individual Therapy, Trauma Treatment, CBT, DBT, LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy, Grief Counseling. Serving: Uptown, Buena Park, Andersonville, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, and Ravenswood.