Meet Ann Russo

Who I Am
I’m Ann Russo—a licensed therapist, advocate, and lifelong learner passionate about understanding the intersections of mental health, sexuality, and spirituality. My work spans decades and is rooted in creating inclusive, affirming spaces for people who have often been marginalized, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and individuals navigating non-traditional relationships. With master’s degrees in both Theological Studies from Loyola Marymount and Social Work from California State University, Long Beach, my unique educational background allows me to approach therapy from a deeply compassionate and nuanced perspective.

A Journey of Exploration
My story is one of constant exploration. Raised in a queer, non-monogamous household, I understood from a young age that life is rarely black and white. But my curiosity didn’t stop there. As a young queer person, I traveled the world as a missionary, deeply invested in understanding Christianity and how it intersects with queerness. I even attended gay conversion events—not out of shame, but out of a desire to explore, question, and grasp the full spectrum of human experience. I saw firsthand how religion can be a source of both solace and pain, and I became dedicated to helping others navigate the often painful religious shame tied to sexuality.

It was in these experiences, moving through spaces that many would find at odds—like missionary work and queer identity—that I cultivated a deep empathy for people from all walks of life. Whether traveling the country attending religious conferences or finding myself in the streets of San Francisco’s Folsom Street Fair, I’ve learned that people are complex, and healing comes from being seen, heard, and understood.

Living in Many Worlds
I’ve had the privilege of moving through diverse communities, from spending time with sex workers in Nevada and San Francisco to learning from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. These experiences have shaped me, teaching me to never stop learning and to always lead with compassion. I understand the intersection of identity, sexuality, and spirituality in ways that go beyond academic study—I’ve lived it. And that’s what I bring to my clients. I know what it’s like to grapple with big questions, to seek understanding, and to feel the tension between different parts of your identity. It’s this lived experience that allows me to connect with my clients on a deeper level, providing not just therapy, but a sense of shared understanding.

Founder and Clinical Director of AMR Therapy
In 2018, I founded AMR Therapy to provide accessible, inclusive mental health care for those who often face barriers to receiving the help they need. Our practice has grown into a team of 15 therapists, and we’ve served over 1,800 clients with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and individuals in non-traditional relationships. At AMR Therapy, we believe in meeting people where they are and walking with them on their journey toward healing—no matter how unconventional that journey may be.

Empowering Pathways
I’m also the founder of Empowering Pathways, a groundbreaking continuing education program designed to fill the gaps in traditional mental health training. We offer CEUs (Continuing Education Units) on topics like queer community support, ethical non-monogamy, and sex positivity—subjects that are often overlooked in formal education. These trainings equip mental health professionals to better support their clients and help create a world where therapy is truly inclusive. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of leading workshops for social workers, therapists, chaplains, and even hospital staff—helping hundreds of professionals feel more equipped to meet the needs of their diverse client base.

Consulting, Supervision, and Training
In addition to my clinical work, I offer consulting and supervision to therapists at all stages of their careers. From complex case consultations to ethical guidance, I’m committed to helping mental health professionals grow in their practice. I’ve trained thousands of clinicians over the years, always focusing on how we can make mental health care more inclusive, more compassionate, and more effective.

Author and Educator
My upcoming book, Her Own Terms, is an exploration of women’s sexual empowerment through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic principles, and sex-positive frameworks. This book is the culmination of my work—helping women, especially those from marginalized communities, reclaim their sexual agency and break free from the societal and religious shame that so often stifles their true selves. I’ve also had the privilege of leading countless trainings and workshops, sharing my expertise on the intersections of queerness, religion, sexuality, and mental health.

My Journey: From Coffee in Guatemala to Angkor Wat
My life has been a journey of exploration—both within and across the world. I’ve had the privilege of sipping coffee in the vibrant hills of Guatemala, standing in awe of the Great Wall of China, and reaching one of the biggest milestones of my life: visiting the sacred temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. These experiences have opened my heart and mind to the beauty and complexity of human existence, and I recognize how fortunate I am to have had these opportunities. But with that privilege comes a responsibility—one I carry into everything I do. It’s why I’ve dedicated myself to making mental health care accessible and affordable through AMR Therapy, and to providing high-quality, inclusive training for therapists and those interested in learning through Empowering Pathways.

I’ve lived in California, New York, Nevada, Massachusetts, and Arizona, each place shaping me in profound ways. Along the way, I’ve loved, lost, and weathered the unique challenges that life throws at you—just like so many of the people I work with. It’s these experiences that help me connect deeply with my clients. I’ve been where they are, and I get it. Whether it’s dealing with grief, navigating complex relationships, or simply trying to find a safe space to be yourself, I know firsthand how tough it can be. That’s why creating a space where others feel seen, heard, and supported is at the core of my work.

Building Community in Upstate New York
Today, I’ve settled in upstate New York, where I continue my inner work and remain committed to supporting the community, especially my LGBTQI and ENM (Ethical Non-Monogamy) clients. For me, it’s all about creating spaces where people can be open, safe, and authentically themselves—without fear, without shame. Whether I’m providing therapy, consulting with fellow therapists, or leading trainings through Empowering Pathways, my goal is always the same: to help others grow, heal, and thrive.

An Advocate for Change
Throughout my life, I’ve been committed to advocacy. From organizing the first gay club in my high school to marching in pride parades, to working with organizations like PFLAG and the Human Rights Campaign, I’ve always fought for the visibility and dignity of those who are too often overlooked. Moving in and out of spaces—from queer communities to religious circles, from mental health professionals to sex workers—has taught me that healing happens when we break down the barriers between us. My work is about creating bridges, not walls.

Let’s Connect
Whether you’re looking for therapy, consulting, or training, I’m here to help. My passion is people—all people. I believe that by exploring who we are, where we come from, and how we relate to the world, we can create lives of authenticity, joy, and fulfillment. Let’s connect and work together to foster healing, growth, and empowerment—on your own terms.