Rachel Schwartz Psychotherapy

WORK WITH rachel

talk therapy

creative arts therapy

substance abuse Counseling

about me

I am a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Board Certified Music Therapist, and Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. I have been working in the field since 2009.

The focus of my work over the years has been to assist people struggling with mental health crises. I worked on inpatient psychiatric hospital units for twelve plus years, eleven of which were spent at Mount Sinai Hospital as a group therapist. Additionally, I managed the creative arts therapy department for all 5 (at the time) inpatient psychiatric units for almost 2 years.

I have post-graduate advanced training in Vocal Psychotherapy, specifically the Diane Austin Vocal Psychotherapy method, as well as Depth Psychology, which utilize Vocal Holding™, Free Associative Singing™ and Psychodramatic Singing techniques. I offer traditional talk therapy but at times will implement creative arts interventions based on client needs and comfort levels. These are tools designed to assist in the process. Music, in particular, often helps clients to refocus, overcome psychological barriers, and uncover repressed feelings. We can, of course, work together without the use of creative arts therapies if preferred.

I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, existential crises, poor self-esteem, poor boundary-setting, personal addiction, addiction of a loved one, early contemplation of recovery, maintenance of sobriety as well as harm reduction in settings of addiction, codependency, trauma, relationships, and children facing parental separation/divorce. I work psychodynamically and psychoanalytically. I also offer clinical supervision and tele-therapy.

I hope to provide a safe, containing space for you to explore your struggles and connect more deeply with yourself.

Presentations & Publications

“Music & Mindfulness Practices in Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Settings” – MAR-AMTA Conference – March 2017
“Early Stages of Recovery: A Multimodality Approach to Engaging MICA Patients in Inpatient Group Therapy” – The Louis Armstrong for Music and Medicine Presents “The Culture of Use, Misuse, and Dependence: Integrative Approaches to Biopsychosocial Treatment” Symposium at Mount Sinai Hospital Downtown Union Square – May 2019
“Healthcare Heroes - The Medical Careers Guide” - Chapter 21: Music Therapist - 2019

Interviews

"Music Therapy Means Letting Go Of Language" - Medium. June, 2016.
"How to Calm Down: 18 Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Stress" - Glamour Magazine. Dec, 2020
“7 Of the Most Annoying Things People Say to Nondrinkers" - Huffington Post. Jan, 2021
"Why Do So Few Men Understand That Addiction is a Spectrum?" - InsideHook. July 2021

music therapy

As a Music Therapist, I use music listening prompts in combination with musical instruments (you do not need to have a musical background) as tools to help minimize defensive tendencies and encourage the flow of subconscious material. Through stimulation of primal responses, this modality promotes access to one’s authentic self, which often seeks refuge behind intellectualization. Music allows us to listen, communicate, express, and release without words. In session we process the feelings and emotions that emerge during the musical experience, with the aim to better understand the psychological dynamics that manifest in one’s daily life. When treating addiction, there are various musical exercises I might use to explore the complexities of one's relationship with substances.

insurance

Like most private clinicians I am an out of network provider, but if you have out of network coverage I can submit your claims to your insurance provider for possible partial reimbursement.

Testimonials

"I have worked with Rachel for over seven years at Mount Sinai hospital. She is a skilled clinician and has experience working with diverse patient populations. Rachel creates a safe and supportive space for her clients that fosters personal growth and sustainability towards recovery. As a psychotherapist, music therapist and CASAC, Rachel has a wide range of skills and experience she brings to her practice and is able to create a therapeutic space uniquely catered to each clients needs and goals."

Alyssa S.
"Rachel is a skilled and sensitive clinician with a remarkable ability to empathize with others. She has vast experience working across the spectrum of mental health, music therapy and substance abuse, and has helped a great number of people manage symptoms of acute conditions and general life stressors. Rachel will help you build the awareness, confidence and strength necessary to face your biggest challenges. I highly recommend working with her."

Ariel. W