Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

  • Rachel’s fee at this time is $300 per 55-minute session for individual therapy. For couples/family sessions, the fee is $410 for 75 minutes. This is subject to change with notice to existing clients. Clients MAY be eligible for reimbursement, depending on one’s health insurance benefits.

    Payment is due on the day of your session.

  • No. However, clients who have out-of-network (OON) insurance benefits may qualify for reimbursement. Rachel can explain this in more detail.

    Furthermore, if insurance permits, Rachel will submit claims for reimbursement electronically.

  • No. While Financial Therapy is one of Rachel’s specialties, she also works with other stressed out professionals as a licensed psychotherapist. The best way to determine if she is the therapist for you is to request a free consult call using the button at the top of the page.

  • Rachel describes it as helping clients improve their relationship with money. Rachel will provide no financial advice; she is not a financial advisor/planner.

    Rachel worked for 25 years in the investment field before she became a licensed psychotherapist. She also earned an MBA and a CFA designation, and taught both general finance and financial planning courses at a local university.

    Now, Rachel volunteers her time with the local CFA Boston Society, where she sits on the Financial Literacy Council as a Board Member.

  • Getting started is simple. The easiest way is to book a free 20-minute consultation using the button at the top of the page. At that time, Rachel will answer questions and try to determine if she is qualified to work with you from a clinical perspective. She will then explain the intake process and get you started.

  • Rachel suggests that you set up a free 20-minute consultation to ask your questions. Alternatively, you may email her at hello@rachelcsykes.com and she will respond as soon as she can.

  • Rachel does have an office in downtown Boston and accepts in-person appointments for new and existing clients. If you are accepted as a client, in-person appointments can be scheduled, subject to availability.

  • Yes, Rachel meets clients both in-person and by video. In fact, Rachel generally has more flexibility to meet by video. Current availability can be discussed during your free 20-minute consult.

  • Rachel works with clients during the week M, W-F. She does accept early morning appointments starting at 7 am on Wednesdays and can meet on Mondays until 6 pm.

    Some of these appointment times are already taken by existing clients, so the best way to schedule is to set up a free 20-minute consult.

  • It’s similar to the process you go through when you meet with a new doctor.

    However, Rachel requires a brief consult conversation by video so both parties can determine if it seems like a good fit.

    If so, Rachel will create an account in her records system and book your appointment.

    Clients must also complete the intake paperwork before the first appointment; it typically takes 15-30 minutes. Payment is due on the day of your session.

  • Most of Rachel’s clients are high-level professionals in finance who deal with a lot of pressure, want career advancement but also need more satisfaction and meaning in their personal lives.

    Most of Rachel’s clients are dealing with issues including learning to better manage anxiety, financial problems, trauma, relationship issues, and ADHD.

    Rachel may NOT be a good fit for clients who want to pay for their session with insurance, or want sessions in later evening hours or on weekends. Some clients have symptoms that are better suited for treatment by other therapists with very specific training or specialties.

  • Rachel works largely from a psychodynamic framework, as she believes in the importance of early experiences, social relationships, and the role of the unconscious. This does NOT mean that you have to spend all your time talking about your childhood—just know that it plays a role in how one sees the world.

    She also uses Feminist: Cultural-relational theory as a lens to understand the role of societal, gender-based, and familial pressures on a client’s experience. Rachel also taught graduate-level counseling theory, so is knowledgeable about a range of counseling theories.

    Rachel has also been a certified yoga instructor for over 15 years and has completed many trainings in mindfulness.