Ann Russo, founder of AMR Mental Health Therapy believes psychotherapy is an effective conduit for helping the world be a better place. Ann initially became a therapist because she believed in the ability of people to better themselves and the world around them. Since high school, Ann has participated in various groups, clubs and activities promoting social justice and self-awareness. Ann studied religion and sexuality in school and went on to receive an MSW at California State, Long Beach. Ann is currently licensed to practice psychotherapy in both Nevada and California. Ann has a passion for working with diverse communities. She is specifically trained and has over two decades of experience working with the LGBTQ community. Ann has provided several trainings to organizations, schools, and health facilities on how to effectively work with LGBTQ people in various medical and mental health settings. Ann has published works on religion and sexuality, as well as been a speaker on these topics at several universities. Ann enjoys public speaking, training, and providing therapy to an array of diverse clients. Ann is also a certified domestic violence and sexual assault counselor. Ann specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, communication, and conflict resolution. Ann uses various treatment modalities and focuses on what is most helpful for the client.

Alma is a Spanish/English Bilingual* Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience working with families and individuals in various settings. She has worked in hospitals, medical/community outpatient settings and in the home. As a therapist, she specializes in helping build self-awareness, compassion, understanding, respect, empathy, acceptance toward yourself and others, improving relationships, and restoring optimal functioning. She earned her bachelors from the University of California, Irvine in Psychology and Social Behavior and a master’s degree in Social Work from the California State University, Long Beach. She has extensive experience treating children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds with various types of distress and issues. Issues include parent-teen conflict, crisis management, self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, panic disorder, depression, grief and loss, life transitions and adjustment problems.

Rocio Garcia is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience in the mental health field.  Her passion has been to work primarily with the forensic and severely mentally ill population. In recent years, Rocio has brought her extensive expertise in mental health to school social work as she works with students in middle school and high school who are at risk of school failure due to social, behavioral and emotional challenges.  Rocio also brings her expertise of working with a diverse population to academia as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Human Services at CSU, Dominguez Hills by preparing and promoting success for future helping professionals. Rocio earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Spanish with a pre-law emphasis and her Master of Social Work with a Mental Health Concentration and a sub-concentration in working with the Severely and Mentally Ill Population from the University of Southern California.

Kelli Strickland, LCSW has 16 years of experience working with children, youth and families who have experienced trauma in a number of areas including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, grief & loss, and teen pregnancy. Kelli currently works as the lead social worker in a residential group foster home in Orange County, California. Before pursuing her Master of Social Work, Kelli served as a Regional Manager of homes for children who had been orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Johannesburg, South Africa with Acres of Love. Kelli holds a B.A. in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University and an M.S.W. from Cal State Long Beach. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2016. 

Liz is a dedicated psychotherapist and social worker, working collaboratively with clients towards fostering a life that is healthier, happier and more fulfilling. She has had the privilege of being a Clinical Social Worker for the past 25 years, including 15 years as a therapist. Offering a safe, non-judgmental and trusting therapeutic relationship, Liz has worked successfully with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, loss, relationship and life transition issues. She has also assisted clients in recovery from trauma caused by emotional, physical and sexual abuse.

Sandra earned a master’s degree in Counseling and Applied Behavior Analysis with a focus on behavior modification.  She has been in the field for nearly two decades. She is currently a certified PPSC, able to provide support and mental health care for students, caregivers, and teachers in the home and school settings. She believes people are capable of so much and it is a joy to support clients on their journey of self-improvement, increasing overall mental health, relationships, and goal achieving. Sandra additionally specialize in working with caregivers (of all kinds) to resolve burnout, people on the autism spectrum and those going through big life transitions, such as pregnancy and job changes.  Sandra is also the Emotional Support Animal accessor and consultation specialist at AMR Therapy.

Mary started her career path attending the University of California at Irvine followed by obtaining her Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of Southern California with an emphasis on children and families. She initially began working with children, adolescents and adults in an inpatient crisis residential treatment program. In addition, she devoted most of her life to working with abused and neglected children and their families. Mary served as Program Director in two different shelters working with pregnant and parenting teens and adults. She has a vast understanding of the developmental needs of children and the ensuing damage of early childhood trauma. Mary has also worked in Hospice addressing end of life care for the dying and their loved ones. Mary considers therapy to be a partnership between therapist and client walking together with the goal of greater peace and life satisfaction. She utilizes a variety of modalities including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, developmental psychology, psycho education, trauma work and systemic therapy. Mary brings twenty plus years in this field and is highly committed to helping you to live your best life.

Maria is a Private Practice Psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Los Angeles County. Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and several cognitive, and behavioral modalities, Maria utilizes a person-centered approach with a trauma focused lens tailored to the unique needs of each client providing skills to address immediate need while exploring underlying contributing factors.

Maria has a broad range of experience working in the outpatient mental health clinic, inpatient psychiatric hospital and school settings with youth and adults.  Maria has accumulated a wealth of experience working with individuals and families to navigate school, housing and justice systems. Maria is dedicated to addressing life transitions, behavior issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, serious mental illness and communication patterns to activate resilience by creating a warm, attentive and safe space to heal.

Maria received her Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Los Angeles and received her Master’s degree from the University of Southern California in Social Work where she was awarded Order of Arete, the highest honor awarded to graduate students.

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland and California for over 10 years working with individuals with Mood Disorders, PTSD, relationship issues, substance abuse, Anxiety and Adjustment concerns, as well as with people dealing with the effects of racism. My treatment modality is mostly talk therapy with an Existential emphasis, Solution Focused Therapy, and CBT as well as Behavioral interventions for children and adolescents. Research and keeping up with the knowledge base is of utmost importance to me and my treatments are evidenced based.

My first task as a therapist is building a respectful, safe and positive therapeutic environment where you will feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and emotions. Once this therapeutic relationship is established the problem solving and coping skills will be developed leading to stronger emotional health. Dialog and treatment plans are tailored to meet your unique and specific needs.
Mrs. Michelle Obama once said '...we are our children's first and best role models'. I totally agree: my therapy/counseling mantra is 'talk is truly cheap' when raising children to be good citizens that feel good about themselves. Children learn by models, guidance and mastery.

A veces, hacer los cambios y dar los pasos necesarios para vivir con nuestro mejor potencial puede convertirse en un gran desafío. Cuando una persona reconoce que necesita ayuda profesional para modificar un comportamiento, pensamiento o emoción que le está causando conflicto en su vida, ha dado el primer paso para realizar esos cambios y encontrar la plenitud en la vida. Blanca Rosa Ayala es Terapeuta Matrimonial y Familiar Licenciada que puede ayudarlo a aumentar su conciencia y vivir el presente; comprender mejor sus emociones y pensamientos desde una perspectiva diferente; ver diferentes alternativas para encontrar soluciones a sus problemas; crear un plan para establecer y alcanzar metas;  mejorar las habilidades de comunicación y establecer límites para tener mejores relaciones con los demás,  y lo más importante encontrar y hacer surgir y amar su verdadero yo.

Marie is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who has over 6 years of experience serving youth, adults, and families with behavioral and mental health challenges. Marie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services with a minor in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton and then earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach. She also received her PPS Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance. She has worked in a multitude of settings including non-profit agencies, schools, the county, group homes, foster homes and wraparound services. Marie has experience working with clients who have issues surrounding adverse childhood experiences, abandonment, depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, anger, addiction, gender identity, unhealthy family patterns, homelessness, relationships, intimate partner violence, and life transitions. Marie is a strong believer that every single person has the ability to create a healthy, fulfilling life, given the right resources and support. She is dedicated to providing a safe, therapeutic space for every client she has the pleasure of serving in order to effectively help them reach their goals.

Andrea Sanserino has 17 years of experience in the mental health field. Andrea has worked in various settings- in community mental health- working with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, psychosis, trauma and substance abuse disorders, as a behavioral health provider in a medical setting, providing therapy to adults and families, and currently in private practice. Andrea also serves as a Consultant providing training to staff in the mental health field, and as an Adjunct Faculty member at Cerritos College in the Mental Health Worker Program. An additional role that is meaningful for Andrea is as a Clinical Supervisor. It is one of Andrea's passions to mentor, guide and support individuals beginning their career in mental health. Andrea utilizes a recovery oriented focus- starting from a place that believes that every individual has enormous strength and talent that can be harnessed to create a rich meaningful life. Trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Seeking Safety (trauma focused work) and skilled in Motivational Interviewing, Andrea uses a genuine, compassionate approach to helping others heal and grow.