Rachel Assael, Lcsw
About Rachel Assael, Lcsw
Rachel Assael is a Clinical Psychotherapist specializing in oncology, currently working at Forge Health. She has extensive experience in medical social work, crisis intervention, and patient counseling, with a focus on oncology and palliative care.
Current Role at Forge Health
Rachel Assael serves as a Clinical Psychotherapist specializing in oncology at Forge Health. She has held this position since 2024, where she applies her expertise in providing psychological support to patients dealing with cancer. Her role involves assessing and counseling patients and their families, focusing on their emotional and psychological needs during treatment.
Previous Experience in Clinical Psychotherapy
Prior to her current role, Rachel worked as a Clinical Psychotherapist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from 2021 to 2024. In this capacity, she provided supportive care and worked within anesthesia pain services. Additionally, she served as a Clinical Psychotherapist at SOCIAL WORK COUNSELING SERVICES LCSW PLLC for 11 months in 2020-2021, where she further developed her skills in patient counseling.
Educational Background and Specializations
Rachel Assael studied at New York University Silver School of Social Work, where she earned a Post Master’s Certificate in Palliative and End-of-Life Care. She also holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Touro College, where she focused on Clinical Social Work Practice. Her educational background supports her specialization in healthcare social work, particularly in oncology and palliative care.
Internship and Early Career Experience
Rachel began her career in social work with an internship at the City of New York, Department of Homeless Services, where she worked in prevention assistance and temporary housing from 2013 to 2014. She also completed a clinical social work internship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, specifically in the Bone Marrow Transplant Service, from 2014 to 2015. These experiences laid the foundation for her subsequent roles in clinical settings.
Volunteer Work and Community Engagement
Throughout her career, Rachel has engaged in various volunteer roles, including working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation as a Wish Story Writer and serving as a Hospice Volunteer Services Staff at MJHS. She also volunteered with New York Cares, contributing to community service initiatives. These experiences reflect her commitment to supporting individuals and families in need.