Rachel Bastien-Chilson, LCSW

Rachel Bastien-Chilson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New York who brings 11 years of experience in mental healthcare and crisis work to her practice. She focuses on helping people manage anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and the many life changes that can feel overwhelming, always moving at a pace that feels manageable and respectful of each person’s needs. Rachel emphasizes a collaborative, strengths-based style that treats clients as active partners in the process and builds on the resources they already carry.

In sessions she balances compassion with straightforward honesty, creating space for vulnerability, self-discovery, and real change. Her work often explores present-day thoughts, emotions, relationships, and patterns, while gently weaving in relevant parts of the past when that helps illuminate current concerns. Therapy with her can be reflective and inward-looking or practical and goal-oriented, adapting as a person’s needs and confidence evolve.

Rachel brings curiosity, clinical insight, and a touch of humor to her work, aiming to make therapy feel human and relatable rather than clinical and distant. She is committed to supporting people through meaningful shifts in belief and behavior so they can build a life more aligned with who they truly are.

Evidence-based approaches and online care

Rachel uses evidence-based techniques that emphasize clients' strengths and practical skill-building. A strengths-based approach focuses on identifying and building the personal resources someone already has, which can help with resilience, self-esteem, and navigating major life changes. Present-focused exploration combines attention to current thoughts, emotions, and relationships with targeted coping skills to address anxiety, depression, and day-to-day stress.

She also works gently to shift patterns and beliefs that no longer serve a person, helping uncover unhelpful habits and offering alternatives that align with clients' goals. Finding the right combination of techniques is part of the therapeutic process - she partners with each person to decide which methods fit best based on needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the work as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for those balancing busy schedules or limited mobility. Sessions may take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing clients to choose the format that fits their life. That flexibility makes it easier to maintain continuity of care and to access licensed professionals from home or other convenient locations.