Olivia Russell, LCSW-C

Hello & Welcome

Seeking therapy can be a difficult step, and if you’re here, you’ve already done something important by recognizing that you deserve support. If you’re caring for others, grieving a loss, adjusting to a major life transition, or simply feeling overwhelmed by what life is asking of you, it can be easy to put your own needs aside while trying to keep afloat. You may feel exhausted, stretched thin, or unsure how to move forward. Therapy can offer a steady, grounded space to breathe, regroup, and feel supported. 

My Approach to Therapy

My approach is warm, compassionate, and grounded. I offer a space where you can slow down, be honest about what you’re carrying, and feel supported without judgment or pressure to have it all together. I work from a strengths-based, person-centered perspective, integrating evidenced-based approaches that support reflection, emotional processing, and mindfulness. I value continuity and getting to know your story, strengths, fears, and relationships, believing that healing is not linear but unfolds through connection, compassion, and space to understand your emotional experience.

Therapy is collaborative, with space to make sense of your experiences, build on your strengths, and find greater clarity and steadiness as you navigate life’s challenges.

Areas of Focus

• Life transitions, grief, and loss

• Caregiving and occupational burnout

• Anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional exhaustion

• Relationship and communication challenges, including painful or recurring patterns

• Identity, self-worth, and reconnecting with who you are

• Making sense of your life story and experiences

• Navigating uncertainty, change, and major life adjustments

• Reconnecting with what matters most and creating a life that feels more aligned

Education & Clinical Experience 

I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work from McDaniel College and my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completing my MSW with a clinical health focus. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience across medical, hospice, and behavioral health settings.

My clinical background includes supporting individuals and families navigating serious illness, caregiving, grief, loss, and major life transitions. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including the University of Maryland Medical Center, Johns Hopkins, Gilchrist Hospice, and outpatient mental health–supporting people and their loved ones through some of life’s most challenging seasons.

These experiences have shaped my belief in the value of having a steady, compassionate person outside of your immediate circle, someone who can hold space for your story while helping you find greater clarity and steadiness along the way.

Outside of Therapy

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