Rachel Bastien-Chilson, LCSW - Therapist in New York

stress and anxiety
grief and loss
self esteem work

About Rachel

Rachel Bastien-Chilson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York with 11 years of experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and major life changes, including concerns tied to abandonment, adoption and foster care, and caregiving stress.

She begins by listening to what feels hardest right now. Sessions focus on identifying patterns and beliefs that keep people stuck. Work can be reflective and inward, or practical and skill-focused, depending on what helps most in day-to-day life.

Rachel uses a collaborative, strengths-based approach. That means she treats clients as partners and draws on the resources they already have. She brings curiosity, straightforward feedback, and occasional humor to sessions rather than rushing to quick fixes.

When relevant, she looks at how past relationships and attachment can shape current reactions. She also addresses concrete problems such as communication difficulties, body image distress, chronic illness, and caregiving strain. The pace is adjusted to what feels manageable for each person.

Clients can expect conversations about thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behavior. Sessions move between making sense of past influences and practicing small, practical changes in the present. Rachel aims to help people carry less shame and guilt about who they are and what happened, while building clearer ways to cope going forward.

Evidence-based approaches and online sessions

Rachel draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address symptoms like anxiety, depression, and grief. One approach focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, which helps with persistent worry and low mood by giving concrete tools to practice in daily life. Another approach pays attention to attachment and relationship patterns, looking at how early bonds shape present reactions and helping people make different choices in relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. She will collaborate with each person to figure out what fits best based on current goals, history, and preferences. That means adjusting pace, mixing reflective exploration with practical skill-building, and checking in about what is and isn’t helping.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, and allow brief check-ins when life is hectic. They also let people work with a licensed professional in New York from different locations, while keeping sessions focused on real-life coping and change.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Grief Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issues Attachment issues Blended family issues Body imageCancerCaregiver issues and stress Chronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependency Commitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Midlife crisis Money and financial issues Mood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues Young adult issues

Experience

11+ years

Listed in

New York

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include abandonment, adoption and foster care, caregiving issues, chronic illness, and attachment related concerns.

How would she describe her therapeutic style?

Her approach is collaborative and strengths-based, combining reflective work with practical skills. Sessions can be inward-looking at times and action-focused at others, depending on client needs.

How much experience does she have?

She has 11 years of experience in mental health and crisis work. That background informs her work with complex stress, grief, and life transitions.

What are her credentials and where is she located?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, NY LCSW, and practices in New York.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she work with international clients?

She is not currently accepting international clients.

How do sessions and cost work?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact fees depend on the chosen plan and location.

How do I begin the process?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. That start lets you set a time and begin the initial meeting.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.