Rachel Bastien-Chilson, LCSW - Therapist in New York

Stress and anxiety
Practical coping
Grief and loss

About Rachel

Rachel Bastien-Chilson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York who helps people manage stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and major life changes. She focuses on practical ways to reduce overwhelm and build steadier daily routines. Sessions aim to be straightforward and human, with room for honesty and a bit of warmth.

She takes time to understand what keeps someone stuck before suggesting changes. Work moves at a pace that feels comfortable, shifting old patterns that no longer help. Therapy blends reflective conversation with hands-on strategies people can try between sessions.

Rachel draws on more than 11 years in mental health and crisis work to inform her approach. That experience shapes a collaborative, strengths-based style that looks for what already works in a person’s life. She uses curiosity and directness to help people make sense of emotions, relationships, and behavior.

In the room she balances reflection with practical goals. Some sessions are inward and exploratory, while others focus on specific steps to solve problems. The aim is steady progress rather than quick fixes.

Her work also attends to concerns like attachment and abandonment, caregiving stress, chronic illness, body image, blended family challenges, and the effects of grief or trauma. Rachel honors each person’s story and supports them in building a life that better fits their values and needs.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Rachel uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that combine practical skills and reflective exploration. One common approach focuses on identifying unhelpful patterns in thinking and behavior, then practicing alternative responses that reduce anxiety and improve mood. This helps people facing stress, worry, or depression by giving concrete tools to try between sessions.

Another approach emphasizes building on a person's existing strengths and resources. Sessions look for what already helps and expand those skills to improve coping with life changes, caregiving stress, or chronic health concerns. This tends to be collaborative and goal-oriented, with a mix of short-term tasks and deeper conversations.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will help figure out which techniques fit a person's needs, goals, and preferences. That decision is made together and can change as progress unfolds.

Confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten commute time, and allow for quicker check-ins when needed. It can also allow people to return to practical tasks between sessions, bringing real-life experiences back into the work.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Grief Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stress Chronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problems Control 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 counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purpose Midlife crisis Money and financial issuesMood 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

Credentials

New York

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What problems does Rachel help with?

She supports people facing stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and life transitions. She also addresses related concerns like attachment issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and body image.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is collaborative and strengths-based, combining reflective conversation with practical steps. Sessions balance warmth and honesty while moving at a comfortable pace.

What kind of experience does she have?

She has over 11 years of experience in mental health and crisis work. That background informs how she supports people through difficult moments.

What are her credentials and where is she located?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in New York. Her practice is based in New York.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What do I do to start therapy?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.