AMR Founder: Ann Russo
The Vision Behind AMR Therapy
Ann Russo, LCSW, is the founder and Clinical Director of AMR Therapy. Her work is grounded in a commitment to inclusive, trauma-informed mental health care that honors identity, lived experience, and complex relationships.
Ann founded AMR Therapy to create a space where clients—especially those from marginalized communities—can access therapy without having to explain or justify who they are. The practice reflects her long-standing dedication to affirming care for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, as well as individuals exploring non-traditional relationships and identities.
Through AMR Therapy, Ann has helped build a team of clinicians who provide culturally responsive, identity-affirming therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups across California.
A Background in Inclusive Care and Education
Ann combines her Master’s degree in Theology with a strong commitment to social justice and inclusive mental health care. Her work focuses on supporting individuals and professionals navigating conversations around identity, sexuality, spirituality, and healing from shame-based systems.
Her areas of focus include:
Religious trauma and faith deconstruction
Queer and LGBTQIA+ identity
Polyamory and consensual non-monogamy
Sexual empowerment and sex-positive therapy
Identity exploration and minority stress
This perspective helps shape AMR Therapy’s clinical philosophy—therapy that recognizes the cultural, relational, and systemic factors that influence mental health.
Founder and Clinical Director of AMR Therapy
In 2018, Ann founded AMR Therapy with the goal of expanding access to affirming mental health care. What began as a mission to break barriers in traditional therapy spaces has grown into a collaborative practice dedicated to compassionate, identity-affirming care.
Under Ann’s leadership, AMR Therapy continues to support individuals navigating trauma, identity exploration, relationship dynamics, and life transitions within a safe and affirming therapeutic environment.
The practice remains grounded in the belief that therapy should meet people where they are—without judgment, stigma, or the need to code-switch or justify identity.
Education, Training, and Advocacy
In addition to her work with AMR Therapy, Ann supports mental health professionals through consulting, training, and educational programs focused on inclusive and trauma-informed care.
Her work includes case consultation, professional development, and workshops that help clinicians better support LGBTQ+ clients, individuals navigating religious trauma, and people in non-traditional relationship structures.
Through this work, Ann continues to advocate for mental health systems that are more inclusive, culturally responsive, and accessible to all.
Learn More About Ann Russo
Ann also offers consulting, training, and educational resources for clinicians and organizations seeking to deepen their understanding of inclusive, trauma-informed mental health care.
To learn more about her courses, consulting work, and upcoming projects, visit her website.