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Headshot of Rachael Giustino, LCSW

Rachael Giustino

Therapist(She/Her)
9 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Sleep disorder, LGBTQIA+, Stress management, Panic disorders, Cultural & ethnic issues, Maternal mental health, Identity issues, PTSD, Transgender issues, Chronic conditions
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I understand that trauma can shape the way you experience yourself, your relationships, and the world—and that healing requires both safety and choice. I take a trauma-informed, compassionate, and collaborative approach to therapy. My role is to help you reconnect with your strengths, restore a sense of control, and create space for growth that feels steady and empowering.

My approach to therapy

I work from a trauma-informed lens, prioritizing safety, trust, empowerment, and emotional regulation in every session. I move, at your pace and always respect your autonomy. Together, we’ll explore your experiences gently and intentionally, focusing on how trauma impacts your mind, body, and daily life. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients process traumatic memories in a way that reduces emotional distress and shifts long-held beliefs. EMDR can be especially effective for individuals who feel “stuck,” overwhelmed by past events, or disconnected from their sense of self.

I also integrate CBT, mindfulness practices, somatic awareness, and strengths-based approaches—always tailoring the work to what feels most supportive for you.

What you can expect from me

Your first session is a calm, low-pressure space to get to know each other and discuss what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask gentle questions about your goals, your history, and what you need to feel safe and supported. We’ll talk about what trauma-informed therapy looks like and, if you’re interested, I’ll explain how EMDR works and whether it may be a good fit—though we won’t begin EMDR on day one. You can expect a collaborative, compassionate conversation where you set the pace. My goal is for you to leave the session feeling heard, understood, and clear about our next steps.

About me

  • I identify as
    Cisgender Woman
  • My style is
    Energetic, Warm, Creative

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    9 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at Columbia University
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (New York)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, Highmark BlueShield of Northeastern New York, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network, Providence Health Plan

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Sleep disorder, LGBTQIA+, Stress management, Panic disorders, Cultural & ethnic issues, Maternal mental health, Identity issues, PTSD, Transgender issues, Chronic conditions
  • More specialties
    Bipolar disorder, Depression, OCD, Grief or loss, Physical health issues, Men's issues, Relationship issues, Women's issues, Trauma
  • Therapy methods
    Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Art Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Seeking Safety, Strength-Based, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Adolescents, Seniors, Adults
  • Languages
    English