Why Choose 2nd Story Counseling?

Your Journey to a Better Life Starts Here

At 2nd Story Counseling Chicago, we believe that every life has a second story—a chapter defined by growth, empowerment, and lasting change. For over 20 years, our collaborative, compassionate approach has helped individuals, couples, and families in Chicago, particularly those in Lakeview and surrounding Northside communities, move from feeling stuck to feeling restored.

When you choose us, you’re not just choosing a therapist; you’re choosing the best therapists in Chicago who are committed to your complete well-being. See our reviews on Google Maps.

1. Expertise, Experience, and Diverse Approaches

We don’t just offer therapy; we offer specialized therapy. Our team of Chicago psychotherapists includes psychologists, counselors, and social workers with advanced training, faculty affiliations, and decades of collective clinical experience.

• Specialized Training & Certifications: Many of our therapists possess specialized certifications and advanced training in specific therapeutic modalities (e.g., EMDR, IFS, DBT). This ensures you receive focused, expert care tailored to your unique challenges.
• Diverse Modalities: We are highly trained in a wide range of evidence-based practices, ensuring your care is personalized, not one-size-fits-all. Our methods include:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Trauma-focused therapies like EMDR and CPT
• Specialized Assessments: We offer comprehensive psychological and neurological testing (including ADHD, psychoeducational, and diagnostic clarification) for both adults and children.
• A Results-Orientated Philosophy: We focus on interactive, solution-focused therapy, providing you with practical strategies and coping tools so you can gain traction and create real, measurable change in your life.

2. Comprehensive Care for Every Life Transition

From navigating day-to-day anxiety to processing deep-seated trauma, we cover the full spectrum of mental health needs. Our specialists are here to guide you through any challenge you face.

• Core Specialties:
  • Anxiety & Depression: Expert support for chronic worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, and persistent feelings of sadness or isolation.
  • Trauma & PTSD: Utilizing specialized, proven techniques like EMDR and IFS to help you process past experiences and heal.
  • Relationship Challenges: Counseling for couples, families, and individuals struggling with relationship patterns, anger management, or life transitions.
• Unique Focus Areas:
  • Addictions Counseling
  • Grief and Loss
  • Quarter Life Crisis Counseling
  • Therapy tailored specifically for Men, Women, College Students, and Young Adults.

3. A Sanctuary of Safety and True Inclusivity

You do not have to edit yourself here. We are dedicated to providing a safe oasis where all parties are supported, honored, and celebrated. We believe therapy must be reflective, affirming, and respectful of your whole identity. This is particularly true for people in Chicago looking for a gay therapist or gay male therapist.

• Affirming LGBTQ+ Counseling: Our team includes openly identifying LGBTQ+ counselors who provide warm, affirming, and experienced care for sexual and gender diversity.
• Diversity is Our Foundation: We invite and celebrate clients of all ages, races, gender identities, spiritual/religious beliefs, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds.
• No Judgment: Our goal is to empower and motivate clients to live the happy lives they deserve, free from judgment or bias.

As an LGBTQ-identifying person, I wanted to find a therapist who could help me with my self-esteem. A friend of mine recommended Frank because he had a good experience with him regarding anxiety and depression. I can only say that after working with Frank for the past three months, I feel so much better about myself! He helped me change my negative narrative to something more positive. I appreciated his ability to meet with me in person and remotely. If it weren’t for the fact that I am being transferred to the West Coast, I would continue working with him. I highly recommend him for therapy if you have anxiety or depression. – Louie L (see review on Google Maps)

4. Convenience and Accessibility

We make it simple to get the quality care you need, when and where you need it.

• In-Network Insurance: We are proudly paneled with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, making quality therapy more affordable and accessible for our clients.
• Flexible Options: Choose the option that works best for your schedule and comfort:
  • In-Person Counseling: Visit our comfortable Lakeview offices, conveniently located on the North Side.
  • Virtual Therapy: Access your trusted psychotherapist from anywhere in Illinois via secure virtual sessions.
• Trusted and Recognizable: Our therapists have been featured in global television programs and mass digital media publications, cementing our reputation as one of the best counseling practices in Chicago.

5. Dedicated Matching to the Right Therapist (Our Consultative Intake)

The right connection is everything in therapy. We go above and beyond to ensure you are matched with the ideal therapist for your specific needs, personality, and schedule.

• Collaborative Consultation: Our intake process is not a cold sign-up. We engage in a thoughtful, consultative conversation with you to understand your goals, challenges, and preferences.
• Internal Referral Network: Because we have a large, diverse team with varied specialties and backgrounds, we can expertly match you with the therapist who holds the most relevant experience to help you succeed, preventing frustrating trial-and-error.
• Seamless Fit: Our goal is to maximize your comfort and progress by ensuring a strong, therapeutic fit right from the start.

I have a lot of problems with anxiety and feel stuck whenever either of these kick into high gear. I called this place to get some help and spoke to a very nice therapist on the phone named Alex. She spent a long time with me on the phone and got to know me before making the appointment. When I came to her office, I was pleasantly surprised with home beautiful everything was appointed. Right away I knew I had found a therapist who cared about her clients. Our sessions were always on time and I gained new insight into myself whenever we met. After some sessions, she gave me homework (self improvement) assignments to help foster growth. These were so helpful to me because she explained that real therapy happens outside of the counseling office. My therapy lasted about 3 months. The only reason I had to stop was because I got a new job and moved to a new city. All I can say was that therapy here really changed my life for the better! – Rounak R (see review on Google Maps)

6. Best Therapists For Mental Health

Our team is consistently recognized for clinical excellence. We are committed to maintaining the highest standard of care, ensuring you have access to highly rated professionals who utilize proven, modern, and effective therapeutic techniques. Our commitment to continuous training and specialized certifications means you are always working with experts at the top of their field in the Chicago area.

I needed therapy for depression and anxiety because of some family issues and work problems. Laura helped me to look at things differently using CBT. I’m so happy I decided to get counseling! – Parker K (see review on Google Maps).

7. Chicago-Focused and Locally Recognized Counseling

We are deeply rooted in the Chicago community and understand the unique pressures and lifestyle of living in the city and the Northside neighborhoods. Our long-standing commitment to Chicago ensures we provide therapy that is relevant to your life here.

• Serving Chicago’s North Side: While we offer virtual therapy throughout Illinois, our physical presence in Lakeview makes us highly accessible to residents in Lincoln Park, Uptown, Ravenswood, and Andersonville.
• Chicago-Specific Resources: We maintain an extensive network of local psychiatrists, medical providers, and specialty programs within the city to ensure your care is comprehensive and coordinated.
• A Trusted Local Partner: For over two decades, Chicagoans have relied on us for consistent, high-quality, and confidential psychotherapy services. Choosing us means choosing an established, well-regarded local practice.

I needed a therapist for some life changes and transitions and connected with Frank. He helped me with coping with worrying and stress. It was my first experience with counseling and I gotta say it was a good one! We met on video weekly for a few months. I’m in a much better mental space.- Alex M (see review on Google Maps).

Ready to Write Your Next Chapter?

Don’t wait any longer to start your second story. We offer a consultative first step to match you with the best psychotherapist on our team based on your unique needs and goals.