By: Makayla Ross
“People don’t know the difference between gender identity and orientation. That’s the most difficult concept for people to understand,” said Ann Russo, Founder and Clinical Director of AMR Therapy, during her appearance on the Room For Us podcast. With over 1,500 clients served and a new treatment model soon to be published, Ann is reshaping how the mental health field addresses inclusive care, faith-related identity conflict, and healing.
A Childhood Kept Quiet
Ann grew up in a queer household during the 1980s—her father, his partner, her mother, and sister all living under one roof in Arizona. “From my perspective, we were fine. We were just a family doing family things,” she shared. But there was a rule: no one could know. “We weren’t allowed to actually tell anyone outside of our household,” she explained.
That secrecy came at a cost. “Why do people hate my family? What did we do?” Ann remembers thinking as a child. Her younger sister was taunted by classmates. Their entire identity as a family was kept in the shadows, for fear of rejection—or worse.
The Hidden Toll of Religious Rejection
Ann did not grow up religious but was surrounded by conservative faith communities. “I knew religion to be the people that hated us,” she said. Her interest in theology grew from a desire to understand why people believed her existence was wrong.
She later attended a religious conversion therapy conference. “What I learned was, for the most part, people are not coming from a place of hate,” she said. “They really think they’re saving your soul.” Ann explained that harmful teachings often come from misinformation, not malice. “They use studies on LGBTQ+ mental health and twist them to support rejection. But the harm comes from being rejected — not from who you are.”
Building AMR Therapy with Inclusion at Its Core
AMR Therapy started as a response to those barriers—financial, cultural, and institutional—that prevent queer people from accessing safe care. “We created a virtual practice before COVID,” Ann noted. “We offered sliding scale and hired therapists who had lived experience and sensitivity training.”
Today, AMR Therapy includes about 15 therapists and specializes in affirming mental health support for LGBTQ+ clients, culturally responsive care, and recovery from faith-related identity struggles. “People would say they could work with gay couples, but it’s nuanced. It’s not the same,” she emphasized.
Addressing Faith and Queerness in Therapy
Ann’s unique approach stems from her academic and lived experience. She holds a master’s degree in theology with a focus on inclusive faith studies and LGBTQ+ identity. “My dream was to create a safe space for people to come and receive support around religious issues,” she said.
Her upcoming book, based on a treatment model called RECAPS, is aimed at helping clients regulate their nervous system, clarify their beliefs, and rebuild a sustainable relationship with spirituality. “We’re constantly fighting a wave of trauma. But can healing be done? Absolutely,” Ann stated.
She works with therapists, clergy, hospitals, and even funeral directors to help them understand inclusive care. “It’s not about whether you agree or disagree. It’s about how your paperwork communicates gender or relationship status.”
What Healing Really Looks Like
Ann stressed the importance of trauma-informed care. “Trauma lives differently inside of us versus a bad experience,” she said. Triggers can appear years later, often without conscious awareness. That’s why her team works holistically—understanding not just the mind but the body and nervous system as well.
Asked what she would tell her younger self, Ann answered: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Learn how to be present with people. It will work out.”
And to anyone who feels isolated in their queerness or mental health struggles, she offered this:
“I promise you, you’re not alone. There are people. There is community. And it is a strong community.”
You can listen to Ann’s full episode on the podcast here. Feel free to reach out to her via the links on her website or click here to subscribe to her newsletter.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as professional therapy or counseling advice. Individuals seeking therapy should consult with a licensed mental health professional to address their specific needs. Results from therapy may vary based on individual circumstances.
