Behavioral Health Services for Teens and Young Adults
Howard Brown Health provides compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health services for teens, adolescents, and young adults, supporting emotional wellbeing during critical stages of growth and development. Our team at Broadway Youth Center in Chicago understands that mental health concerns can look different at every age, and that early, affirming care can make a lasting difference.
We specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ youth, who often face added stress, stigma, and barriers to care that can affect mental health. When support is accessible, identity-affirming, and developmentally appropriate, it can make all the difference.
Mental Health Counseling Services at Broadway Youth Center in Chicago
Did You Know that about 40.6% of Chicago high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (indicative of depressive symptoms) in 2023, based on the Chicago Public Schools Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which is a key local data source on teen health behaviors and outcomes.
Many teenagers and young adults experience anxiety, depression, mood disorders, low self-esteem, trauma, and peer or family challenges. In addition, for LGBTQ+ youth, these concerns may be shaped by identity exploration, coming out, bullying, or lack of acceptance. Our dedicated clinicians meet each young person where they are, offering high-quality therapy, counseling, and psychiatric services that support emotional wellbeing, resilience, and long-term health.
If you have any questions about age eligibility or how to access low-cost or no-cost counseling through Howard Brown Health’s Broadway Youth Center, please call us at 773.388.1600.
Urgent Intervention, Ongoing Counseling, Psychiatric Access
- Drop In Therapy – Drop-in therapy services are available through our BYC drop-in clinic. This is designed for brief interventions, as well as helping teens and young adults connect to ongoing services as needed.
- Ongoing Individual Therapy – BYC offers weekly or biweekly therapy services for up to 6 months.
- Psychiatry – Howard Brown Health offers psychiatric support throughout our Chicago community. We are fortunate to have a partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center to provide us with a child and adolescent psychiatry fellow to serve our population. A fellow is a fully trained doctor completing advanced specialty training in youth mental health. Our adolescent psychiatry fellow provides highly sought-after medication management services to our patients with a focus on child and adolescent mental health.
BYC’s Mental Health Care Options by Age: What You Need to Know
- Ages 12-17: Anyone can schedule a consultation by calling or dropping in at Broadway Youth Center. But for teens aged 12-17, parent/guardian consent is required before any treatment can be provided. If your child is struggling, call to schedule a consultation today.
- Ages 18-24: Drop-in or self-scheduling is available at Broadway Youth Center. Starting with a consultation is an excellent way to discover new pathways toward healing and finding hope in the midst of your struggle.
If you are seeking care for a child under 12, please visit our pediatrics page here or call us at 773.388.1600.
Where is Broadway Youth Center Located
Our Broadway Youth Center (BYC) location is steps from the Sheridan Red Line at 1023 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, Illinois. For directions to our location, information about clinic hours, or to schedule an appointment directly online, learn more here.
Conditions We Commonly Support
Our clinicians treat a wide range of behavioral health disorders, including (but not limited to):
- Depression – ongoing sadness, irritability, low motivation, or withdrawal from school, friends, or life’s activities
- Anxiety Disorders – excessive worry, social anxiety, panic symptoms, and school or work avoidance
- Mood Disorders, including bipolar disorder – significant mood changes that affect sleep, energy, focus, and decision-making
- Trauma-Related Disorders (PTSD and complex trauma) – emotional and behavioral responses following violence, loss, abuse, or instability
- ADHD and Emotional Regulation Challenges – difficulties with focus, impulsivity, executive functioning, and managing emotions
- Behavior Concerns – oppositional behaviors, frequent conflict with adults, or challenges following rules at home or school
- Substance Use Concerns, including alcohol and marijuana – often connected to stress, trauma, or under-treated mental health symptoms
Many young people experience more than one condition at the same time. Our providers take a whole-person approach that considers mental health, environment, identity, and support systems.
Personalized Treatment Options
BYC offers a range of treatment options based on each client’s individual need:
- Individual therapy and counseling
- Family therapy and parent coaching
- Group therapy and skills-based groups with peers
- Psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management
- Trauma-Informed Care – We understand that tough experiences can affect how you feel and act, and we focus on helping you feel safe, supported, and respected.
- Affirming Care – You are accepted for who you are. Your identity and experiences, including being LGBTQ+, are respected in a safe, nonjudgmental space.
Our therapists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinicians work as a team, using evidence-based approaches informed by ongoing research and specialized training in youth mental health.
If you have any questions about age eligibility or how to access low-cost or no-cost counseling through Howard Brown Health’s Broadway Youth Center, please call us at 773.388.1600.
Specialized Training to Meet Teens, Adolescents and Young Adults Where They Are
Our therapists at Broadway Youth Center are specially trained to understand the various needs of teens, adolescents and young adults.
For teens and adolescents, treatment often focuses on emotional regulation, coping with school stress, managing peer pressure, and strengthening communication with parents and caregivers. Warning signs may include withdrawal from friends, changes in grades, mood swings, low self-esteem, or ongoing conflict at home.
For young adults, therapy may address college or work stress, identity development, relationships, and learning how to manage mental health independently. Whether someone is new to therapy or continuing care from childhood, our providers focus on finding the best fit and building trust from the very first session.
We believe families matter. Family therapy and parent/guardian support help caregivers understand symptoms, improve communication, and assist their child or teenager with consistency and care. Supporting families strengthens outcomes and benefits the entire household.
What to Expect from Therapy
During your first appointment or visit, a clinician will listen carefully, review symptoms, and work with you to create a personalized care plan. We explain the process clearly, what therapy looks like, how often sessions occur, and what goals we’ll focus on together.
Treatment may include:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): a type of talk therapy that helps young people notice how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected, and learn new ways to handle stress or tough situations
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills: practical skills that help youth manage big emotions, stay calm, and improve relationships with others
- Trauma-focused therapy: supportive counseling that helps young people heal from difficult or scary experiences
- Creative, hands-on approaches: activities and tools that help youth understand their feelings, build coping skills, and grow confidence
Therapy is collaborative, respectful, and paced to match each person’s comfort and ability.
What If I Can’t Afford Therapy in Chicago?
We know when life gets difficult and you’re struggling, cost can sometimes become a barrier to seeking help. Don’t wait, seek help at Broadway Youth Center. Our team helps young people access therapy regardless of their ability to pay. If you’re worried about how to pay for care, we’ll walk through options and connect you to available resources.
If you have any questions about age eligibility or how to access low-cost or no-cost counseling, please contact us at 773.388.1600.
Broadway Youth Center is a Community-Based, Affirming Space
BYC works closely with schools, community organizations, and other providers to support young people across all areas of life. With consent, we collaborate to assist with academic stress, safety planning, and emotional support, so care doesn’t stop at the clinic door.
Affirming Care for LGBTQ+ Youth
LGBTQ+ youth face disproportionate health challenges, with the CDC reporting higher rates of poor mental health, suicidal thoughts, violence, and STIs, all clear signs of unmet care needs. These risks are intensified by gaps in coverage: only 86% of LGBTQI+ individuals had health insurance in 2022, compared to 93% of non-LGBTQI+ adults (Center for American Progress). This disparity highlights the importance of accessible, affirming care that truly supports LGBTQ+ youth during adolescence.
As an affirming health center with a highlighted focus on LGBTQ+ youth, we create a space where young people of all identities feel seen, respected, and safe. Our clients come from diverse backgrounds, and our care reflects the strength of the communities we serve.
Take the Next Step Towards a Healthy Mental Wellbeing
If you or someone you care about is struggling, you’re not alone. Support can make a real difference for individuals and families who support them. Drop in or call Broadway Youth Center at 773.388.1600 to schedule a consultation, ask questions, or learn more about our youth behavioral health services in Chicago.
Reaching out is a powerful first step toward healing, connection, and hope. Call today.
Explore Additional BYC Youth Services
- Young Adult Primary Care – BYC provides primary care tailored to the unique needs of young people.
- Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health – We offer confidential sexual and reproductive health services, including STI testing, birth control counseling, and education on healthy relationships and safer sex practices.
- Youth Housing and Resource Connections – If you are experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, BYC can connect you with resources and support to help you find safe, stable living arrangements and access other essential services.
Youth Behavioral Health FAQs
Who can get care at Broadway Youth Center?
Young people ages 12–24 in Chicago can receive affirming mental health care. Although all of our providers have expertise in working with LGBTQ+ youth and providing affirming care, we serve all young people ages 12-24 regardless of identity.
Drop in or call Broadway Youth Center at 773.388.1600 to schedule a consultation, ask questions, or learn more about our youth behavioral health services in Chicago.
What mental health concerns do you support?
We help with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, substance use, and LGBTQ+-specific stress such as bullying or family rejection.
What services are offered?
Drop-in therapy, ongoing counseling, family and group therapy, and referrals to psychiatric care. Drop in or call Broadway Youth Center at 773.388.1600 to schedule a consultation, ask questions, or learn more about our youth behavioral health services in Chicago.
Is parental/guardian consent required?
Yes. Youth ages 12–17 can schedule a consultation but need parental/guardian consent before treatment can begin; ages 18–24 can self-schedule or use drop-in services.
What if cost is a concern?
Low-cost and no-cost mental health services are available regardless of insurance. If you have any questions about age eligibility or how to access low-cost or no-cost counseling, please contact us at 773.388.1600.