About Ann Russo
Ann Russo, a licensed therapist and advocate for mental health and queerness, holds a unique blend of educational and professional qualifications. With a bachelor’s degree in religion, master’s degrees in theological studies from Loyola Marymount, and a master’s in social work from California State University, Long Beach, Ann’s academic journey is marked by a deep commitment to understanding diverse human experiences.
As the founder and clinical director of AMR Therapy, Ann leads a progressive online practice that breaks down barriers to mental health care. Since its inception in 2018, her team of fifteen therapists has been dedicated to providing inclusive mental health services, focusing on the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, sex positivity and those in non-monogamous relationships. Her work is anchored in creating a validating space for all, leveraging innovative therapy solutions to address unique challenges.
Empowering Pathways, another brainchild of Ann’s, is an initiative providing continuing education units (CEUs) to mental health professionals. This program enhances their expertise in critical areas such as queer community support, alternative relationship counseling, and sexual positivity. By fostering a better-informed therapeutic community, Ann ensures that ongoing education translates into real-world impact. Through Empowering Pathways, Ann offers reduced rate clinical support and provider development to licensed therapists, pre licensed therapist and students.
Ann is not only active in AMR Therapy but also highly engaged in broader educational activities. She has facilitated mental health seminars and conducts queer centered trainings for social workers, therapists, clergy, funeral directors, doctors, and many more stakeholders. These sessions are integral in advocating for improved practices and promoting education and advocacy within professional settings. Her contributions extend to training sessions that enrich a diverse array of professionals—from medical practitioners and clergy to personnel in family services and hospital settings—highlighting her broad influence across different sectors.
Ann’s life is as vibrant and engaging as her professional endeavors. Ann was raised in a queer non-monogamous household in the 1980’s and 1990’s, which led to a deep understanding of queerness, alternative relationship structures, and the challenges of navigating various identities at once. Ann spent decades surrounded by people experiencing a great deal of adversity both personally and professionally. Each relationship supercharged a broader understanding the complexity of humanness.
A lover of true crime to chess, and traveling to museums, she brings passion and curiosity to everything she does. Together with her partner, she enjoys exploring new cultures and cuisines, which reflects her open and explorative approach to life and work. Ann is also a coffee enthusiast, which fuels her day-to-day activities and lifelong learning ambitions. Ann loves her chosen family and loves to laugh and chat with them as often as possible.
Ann’s volunteer work includes contributions to PFLAG and the Human Rights Campaign, where she actively participated in community building efforts and civil rights advocacy. Her project, “Cultivating Religious Acceptance and Support for the Queer Community,” is a testament to her dedication to fostering inclusivity in all areas of life, including faith-based settings.
Ann’s therapeutic practice, educational initiatives, and advocacy work collectively illustrate her multifaceted approach to mental health and social justice. Each element of her career is driven by a commitment to authenticity, professional integrity, and the pursuit of social equity.
