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Deanna Russo

associate marriage and family therapist

About

Whatever big feelings are coming up, you don’t have to go through them alone. As an associate marriage and family therapist, I provide a safe space for voicing the hard things, breathing through them, and discovering alternatives.  

 

I not only work with individuals and teens, I also help families transitioning into two homes. My certifications in Conflict Resolution and Best Practices for High-Conflict Families allow me to work with a wide array of relationship dynamics, including situations where only one parent is willing to take the lead. I also collaborate with couples committed to strengthening their romantic connection or navigating their way through infidelity. Together, we can practice effective communication styles that are free from judgement and shame. I also embrace the exploration of topics such as sexual or gender identity, polyamory, and ethical non-monogamy.

 

I earned my master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide, graduating summa cum laude. My journey began in the clinical setting where I conducted groups for an intensive outpatient mental health facility. After that, I transitioned into private practice. As a parent of two children on opposites sides of the spectrum, I’ve garnered a unique skillset in supporting individuals who identify as neurodivergent. Now, I coach parents with disabled children on how to advocate for support through the regional center. I also accept SDP funds as an FMS vendor. 

 

In my practice, I employ a variety of modalities, integrating Solution-Focused, Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and Somatic Experience techniques. My approach is always client-centered, creating a collaborative and inclusive environment during our sessions to help you achieve your therapeutic goals.

 

Looking forward to meeting you where you are at and learning how I may be of service. 

Specialties

Anxiety

Career navigation

Co-dependency

Co-parent counseling

Creative blocks

Depression

Divorce

Entertainment industry challenges

Gender identity

Grief/loss

LGBTQIA+ issues

Love addiction

New parents

Neurodivergence

Parents of children with disabilities

Perimenopause 

Spirituality

FAQ

What is your rate?

I charge $200 per fifty-minute session and offer limited sliding scale spots to members of the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.

Do you take insurance?

I do not take insurance at this time. However, I can provide monthly superbills for those with insurance coverage for out of network providers. Please check with your insurance carrier to see if your coverage may include this option.

What is a consultation for?

During our brief consultation, we can review your therapeutic goals and discover if working together is the right fit. If we determine not to proceed, I can offer referrals for other providers. 

What can I expect in our first session?

We will review the Informed Consent and discuss what it means to be a Mandated Reporter. For couples, we will also go over the No Secrets Policy. 

Are sessions in-person or remote? 

I offer both in-person and remote sessions, however I only work with California residents.

What is your cancellation policy?

To avoid being charged the full session fee, I require 24 hours notice of cancellation.

Are you a vendor with the Regional Center? 

I am an FMS vendor for code 331 Community Integration but not a direct RC vendor. 

Contact 

To schedule a ten minute consultation, please email deannarussotherapy@gmail.com

Tree Texture

Deanna Russo, AMFT

Marriage and Family Therapy Associate #155591

Supervised by Aurisha Smolarski, LMFT #90391

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