Olivia Russell, LCSW-C
Hello and welcome! I am so glad you’re here…
If you’re navigating illness, caregiving, medical uncertainty, or grief—and you feel exhausted, unseen, or overwhelmed—you’re not alone. Many people come to me feeling stretched thin by responsibilities, afraid of what the future holds, or unsure how to care for themselves while caring for others. Therapy can offer a steady, grounded space to breathe, regroup, and be supported through what often feels unmanageable.
My Approach
I provide a warm, steady, and non-judgmental environment where you can talk openly about the realities of illness, loss, or caregiving—without needing to be strong for everyone else. Clients describe my style as genuine, compassionate, and grounding. I work from a strengths-based, person-centered lens and integrate narrative therapy, mindfulness, somatic and expressive techniques, and meaning-making practices.
Together, we’ll explore:
How to find resilience, connection, and clarity amid major life changes
How to care for yourself when you’re physically or emotionally depleted
The weight of caregiving and feeling responsible for others
Fear, anticipatory grief, and uncertainty
And practices that help you feel more grounded, at ease, and aligned with your life
My goal is to help you feel understood, supported, and empowered—to reconnect with what matters most in the midst of overwhelming circumstances.
Clinical Experience
My work has always focused on supporting individuals and families during some of the most challenging seasons of their lives. I’ve spent my career in medical settings where emotions run deep and change happens quickly.
I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work from McDaniel College and completed my Master’s in Social Work through the advanced standing program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. My early roles centered on supporting individuals experiencing housing instability, domestic violence, and the intersection of behavioral and medical healthcare.
After completing my MSW in 2018, I began my clinical work on the bone marrow transplant unit at the University of Maryland—a high-acuity environment where patients and caregivers faced complex, often life-limiting medical challenges. I have worked with both inpatient and outpatient populations and developed support groups for patients as well as caregivers, creating spaces where individuals could feel understood, connected, and less alone.
Throughout my career—including work at Johns Hopkins and across Maryland with Gilchrist Hospice—I’ve supported people living with conditions such as cancer, dementia, ALS, and Parkinson’s, as well as the loved ones walking beside them. I’ve helped families navigate the emotional complexity of inpatient and home hospice, often reframing misconceptions and supporting them through some of the most difficult decisions they will ever make.
Across all settings, I have seen the profound impact of having someone outside of your immediate circle who remembers your story, shares the emotional load, and helps you find steadiness in the midst of fear, grief, or uncertainty.
What It’s Like to Work With Me
Clients often tell me that therapy with me feels:
Grounding; like a place where they can finally slow down and take a breath
Supportive and understanding; where they feel genuinely seen rather than rushed or judged
Tailored to them, not a one-size-fits-all approach
A space where they don’t have to be “the strong one” anymore- they can simply show up as they are
I value continuity—getting to know who you are, your story, your strengths, your fears, and the people you love. I believe healing is not linear; it unfolds through connection, compassion, and space to explore your emotional experience honestly.
A Bit About Me
Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy time with my spouse, family, and our energetic dog, Huey. I find grounding through crafting, games, and spending time in nature.
In network with the following insurance plans:
- Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Aetna
- Kaiser Permanente
- Quest Behavioral Health
- Carelon Behavioral Health