Counseling for Gay Men in the Chicagoland Area

Stigma, unfair belief systems, and a patriarchal society that devalues gay men still cause considerable mental and physical health issues even today. According to the CDC, “These negative beliefs and actions can affect the physical and mental health of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, whether they seek and are able to get health services, and the quality of the services they may receive. Such barriers to health must be addressed at different levels of society, such as health care settings, workplaces, and schools to improve the health of gay and bisexual men throughout their lives.” Counseling helps people unpack these issues and process them with a counselor who is aware of and often living the same experience.

Do all Gay men need counseling?

A lot of people think that therapy is only for people who are struggling with mental health issues. Truthfully, therapy can be beneficial for any person looking to improve their life. Gay men, while they may struggle with mental health issues, might also be interested in seeing a gay therapist to help them navigate how to change their life with someone who has the tailored resources, relatability, and innate comfort and understanding that comes only from an identity that is shared.

What are the benefits of seeing a gay male therapist?

Therapy is vulnerable. That vulnerability can be easier to disclose to a therapist who understands the landscape surrounding your life and goals. There is comfort in sharing status, especially when dealing with minority stress. Selecting a gay male therapist can be helpful when dealing with the following:

• Problems that are surfacing in your life and relationships that would be beneficial to share with someone who understands what it is like being a gay man
• Needing access to tailored educational materials to help you on your journey that is specifically focused on the issues of the gay community
• Wanting  someone that will not judge the unique challenges that come with being a gay man
• Needing to work through internalized homophobia with someone who can truly understand and help
• Exploring your sexuality and relationship dynamics in a safe and supportive environment
• Direct understanding of the myriad of cultural, historical, and nuanced stress experienced by gay men.

Talk to Our Therapists Today To Learn More

Empathy is not universal. Choose a therapist that can empathize with your life specifically. There is no reason to continue to work with anyone who cannot meet your needs directly. Call JCA Mental Health today. We have a spot waiting for you.