Our Providers | Rachel Pasternak, LCSW

Rachel Pasternak, LCSW

Clinical Social worker

An adamant believer of the therapeutic mantra to “start where the client is,” Rachel sees therapy as a validating and safe space. She works collaboratively with clients to understand therapy goals and joins with them as they progress towards positive and meaningful change.

Rachel utilizes an empathic, genuine, and strengths-based approach to explore each individual’s definition of a meaningful life, and incorporates action steps and skill development to align with their goals. While symptom reduction may be a welcome side effect of therapy, quite often the emphasis is on an improvement in day-to-day functioning followed by an overall greater sense of happiness and wellbeing!

Rachel has training and experience in providing several evidenced based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and motivational interviewing.

Education & Experience

Rachel received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

While at The University of Chicago, Rachel completed the Older Adult Program of Study clinical concentration and was a participant in the Kott Gerontology Scholars Program. Rachel has extensive experience working in healthcare; she has worked for large healthcare organizations, in neighborhood clinics, and in nursing homes. She has previously provided care management and therapeutic services in the primary care setting, and thus has an in-depth understanding of the psychosocial impacts on health and wellness. Most recently, Rachel worked as a therapist for residents of long-term care nursing facilities.