Rachel Harlich, LCSW
About
Hi there! I am a NY telehealth somatic and parts-work, relational therapist serving individuals, couples, and polycules. I specialize in working with folks who are: chronically ill and in pain, disabled, neurodivergent, childhood and adulthood trauma survivors, LGBTQIA+, kink/BDSM-involved, polyamorous and non-monogamous, sex workers, and impacted by fatphobia. My identities and experiences include: white, hEDS, MCAS, AuDHD, queer, non-binary, fat, femme. My modalities for therapy include: somatic (Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Neurodivergent Somatics, & beyond), parts work (IFS/TIST), Relational Life Therapy, Imago, psychodynamic, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Developmental Model. My approaches: anti-oppression (including ableism), strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming, body positive, sex positive, pleasure-centered, harm reduction. I also offer training and consulting on my specializations.
EDS Healthcare in New York
The NYIT EDS/Hypermobility Treatment Center operates in Old Westbury and Central Islip, offering specialized rehabilitation and treatment. Mount Sinai South Nassau Chiari EDS Center in Oceanside focuses on EDS with Chiari malformation. Weill Cornell provides pain management expertise. New York Medicaid covers genetic testing with prior authorization. Wait times at major programs can be 6 months or longer.
Both EDS Centers of Excellence are on Long Island, leaving upstate New York significantly underserved. Patients in Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, and the Adirondacks face drives of 4-6+ hours to reach these programs. Wait times of 6 months or more are common. Rural upstate access is very limited, and telehealth is important for follow-up care.
Finding Mental Health for EDS
Look for a therapist who has worked with chronic illness patients and understands that EDS-related anxiety and depression often have physical triggers, not just psychological ones.