By: Madison Reed
“Mental health care is advocacy.” — Ann Russo
Mental health advocate and clinical director Ann Russo is helping shape a more inclusive approach to mental health care for marginalized communities. On a recent episode of the All In All podcast, Russo reflected on her journey, the purpose behind her work, and where she sees opportunity for growth in mental health systems today.
Ann Russo is the Founder and Clinical Director of AMR Therapy, a remote therapy practice launched in 2018—prior to the COVID-19 pandemic’s shift toward virtual care. She explained her motivation: “There wasn’t really online therapy and I thought what can I do to lower my costs so I don’t have to pass that on to the consumer of therapy?” Her solution—cutting overhead by operating remotely—has supported efforts to make therapy more financially accessible, particularly for queer, BIPOC, and underserved clients.
“I Always Was a Fighter”: A Personal History of Queer Advocacy
Her professional path was informed by personal experience, shaped by growing up in a queer household during the 1980s and 1990s. She described this time as profoundly impactful, marked by societal misunderstanding and exclusion. “I always was a fighter for the LGBTQ, the queer community all the way from high school,” she shared.
Although she initially pursued theology, she later shifted to mental health after earning her MA in Theology. She now draws on both her spiritual and clinical backgrounds to support clients, especially those navigating religious trauma and questions of identity.
Faith and Therapy Can Coexist
One of Russo’s focus areas is supporting clients healing from religious trauma—especially individuals who have felt distanced from their faith communities because of their identity. “You can only imagine what that does to someone’s overall mental health and wellbeing and then feeling like they can’t even be part of the church anymore,” she shared.
This experience inspired her upcoming book for therapists, which aims to offer tools for supporting individuals dealing with religious trauma. She is also working on continuing education courses that address identity, belief systems, and community—topics she believes are not always sufficiently covered in standard therapist training programs. “There are more and more clients that are wanting to explore some of these areas,” Russo explained.
Courses That Aim to Expand Therapist Understanding
Russo emphasized the value of training for professionals who want to serve diverse communities with cultural humility. “We may assume that we understand something that we don’t even know that we don’t,” she said. Her guidance: seek training from people within the communities you hope to support.
Her educational efforts go beyond professionals. Russo also speaks to allies and advocates about creating safer environments. “Make yourself visible as a safe person or a safe space,” she encouraged.
Through coaching and consulting, Russo collaborates with therapists and leaders seeking to deepen their understanding and improve service delivery. “One of my favorite things to hear someone say is, ‘Oh, I didn’t think about that before,’” she shared. She views these moments as signs of meaningful learning and growth.
However, she also pointed out the structural barriers that remain. Insurance restrictions, limited availability of identity-affirming therapists, and a lack of diversity within the field continue to present challenges. “We need more people in mental health care that are queer, that are BIPOC, that are part of marginalized communities,” she said. AMR Therapy’s team reflects this vision, with a group of therapists offering trauma-informed care with an inclusive lens.
Representation, Access, and the Complexities of Care
Russo also discussed the practical realities of managing multiple roles—as a business owner, therapist, consultant, and author. “I would say that’s my biggest challenge—balance,” she admitted. She prioritizes carving out regular time for rest, even if it’s just a half day per week with no client or admin work. “It’s trying to really be conscious and set aside some time.”
What’s Ahead for Russo and AMR Therapy
Looking forward, Russo is focused on completing her book on religious trauma, which is scheduled for release through PESI Publishing. She also plans to expand her training programs and speaking engagements while continuing to lead her team at AMR Therapy.
You can listen to Ann’s conversation on the All In All podcast. To learn more or connect with her, visit her website or follow the links provided to subscribe to her newsletter.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals experiencing mental health concerns should consult a licensed therapist or qualified healthcare provider. Views expressed by Ann Russo reflect her professional perspective and are not intended as medical or psychological guarantees.
Published by Joseph T.
