Academic burnout therapist in Pasadena and Northeast LA
You’ve always pushed yourself to do well at school, in your relationships and in life. But lately? It feels like you’re running on empty.
Whether you're a teen juggling pressure from parents and grades, or a college student quietly crumbling under the weight of expectations, academic burnout doesn’t always look like “giving up.” Sometimes, it looks like perfectionism. Isolation. Exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix. Even panic over things you used to handle with ease.
I’m Cristina Lugo, a trauma-informed therapist for teens and young adults in Pasadena and Northeast Los Angeles. I help clients untangle the shame, overwhelm, and anxiety that come with academic burnout so you can reconnect with your sense of purpose and build a life that doesn’t feel like a constant performance.
If you’re silently wondering how much longer you can keep going like this, I want you to know: you're not alone, and there's another way forward.
What is academic burnout?
Academic burnout is more than stress. It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged academic pressure. It can leave you feeling detached from your goals, disconnected from yourself, disillusioned about your future and even in physical pain.
You might notice:
- Constant fatigue or lack of motivation
- Increased irritability or anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating or retaining information
- Avoidance of assignments or classes
- A sense of hopelessness or emotional numbness
In therapy, we explore the root causes of your burnout and work to shift the patterns that keep you stuck in survival mode.
Most common symptoms of academic burnout
- Feeling overwhelmed by academic expectations and responsibilities
- Pressure to be a "perfect student" or meet high family standards
- Fear of failure, imposter syndrome, or low self-worth
- Social isolation, disconnection, or difficulty asking for help
- Trouble balancing school with rest, hobbies, or relationships
How do I know if academic burnout therapy is right for me?
Here are some signs you might benefit from working with a therapist:
- Do you feel emotionally drained just thinking about school?
- Do you dread attending class or logging into assignments?
- Are you struggling to concentrate, sleep, or enjoy things you once loved?
- Have you noticed physical symptoms like headaches, tension, or frequent illness?
- Are you pushing through, even though part of you feels like giving up?
If any of this sounds familiar, therapy can offer a reset- emotionally, mentally, and physically.
How I approach academic burnout therapy in Pasadena and Northeast LA
My approach blends practical tools with emotional healing. We’ll address the external pressures AND the inner narratives keeping you stuck.
In our work together, we may:
- Identify perfectionist patterns and reframe your relationship to success
- Use EMDR to process school-related trauma or chronic stress
- Build emotional regulation skills to manage overwhelm
- Explore your values to reconnect with purpose beyond performance
- Practice setting boundaries with school, family, or even yourself
- Discuss ways to advocate for school accommodations and I can provide letters of support if needed
No shame. No pressure. Just support to help you feel like you again.
What topics can we talk about in therapy for academic burnout?
- Managing school-related anxiety or panic
- Healing from chronic stress or past academic failures
- Rebuilding confidence and self-worth
- Creating routines that support rest and recovery
- Learning how to say no without guilt
- Finding balance between ambition and wellbeing
- Discussing college goals in a non-judgemental and supportive way
- Discussing different routes for early adulthood such as trade school
Ready to get started?
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Our first session together is called the intake session
It’s a little longer than our regular 50 minute sessions so we have more time to get to know each other and talk about what brings you to therapy. I will ask you questions about your life, school, work, friends, history and more. There’s no pressure to share any of the really hard stuff on the first day, I just want to get an initial picture of who you are and what you are needing support with. If you’re a minor, I usually have one parent join us for the first 10 or 15 minutes of the intake so we can all talk together about how I will work to help you and introduce myself to your parent too. Then I will meet one on one with you for the rest of the time and for future sessions as well.
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Together we’ll create a personalized treatment plan with your therapy goals.
The plan will include goals and tools such as EMDR, art, talk therapy or mindfulness. These goals are completely up to you and can be changed at any time. We will both keep your goals in mind as we meet together so we can stay on track.
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Week by week, we’ll work through what’s been holding you back
So you can feel calmer, more confident, and more like you. Whether it’s navigating friendships, family, anxiety, or big emotions, you’ll build real skills to handle it all.
Academic burnout therapist in Pasadena, CA
I’m Cristina Lugo, LCSW and a trauma-informed therapist supporting teens and young adults through academic burnout, anxiety, and identity struggles. I serve Pasadena, Northeast LA, and nearby communities with care that’s collaborative, compassionate, and culturally aware. If you’re ready to feel like yourself again, I’m here.
Tips & resources for navigating gender identity
- Practice daily check-ins with your mind and body
- Schedule real breaks between study sessions—rest is productive
- Let go of all-or-nothing thinking (progress > perfection)
- Talk to someone you trust- burnout thrives in silence
Hi there, I'm Cristina Lugo, LCSW
Trauma-informed therapist for teens & young adults
I help sensitive, curious, and creative young people navigate anxiety, identity, and life transitions with compassion and evidence-based care. My work is grounded in cultural awareness, empowerment, and deep belief in the human capacity to heal.
Download my free guide
Book your first session
❋ Rates: $215 per 50 minute in person or virtual session
❋ $250 per 60 minute intake session
❋ $140 for 30 minute parent consultation (virtual, phone or in person)
❋ Superbills are available for PPO reimbursement
FAQ
What causes academic burnout?
Burnout is often caused by prolonged exposure to stress without adequate rest or emotional support. This can stem from perfectionism, pressure to succeed, and lack of balance in your daily life.
How can therapy help with academic burnout?
Therapy gives you tools to regulate stress, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and rebuild self-trust. Together, we’ll explore what’s fueling your burnout and create strategies that support healing.
How long does it take to recover from academic burnout?
Everyone’s journey is different. With consistent support and small lifestyle shifts, many clients begin feeling more grounded and motivated within a few months.
What if I can’t take time off from school?
You don’t need to pause everything to begin healing. Therapy works with your reality- we’ll build coping strategies that fit into your life without adding more pressure.
Is academic burnout the same as depression?
They can overlap, but they’re not the same. Academic burnout is situational and often reversible with the right support. Therapy can help clarify what you're experiencing and get you the care you need.
Do you take insurance?
I am considered an out-of-network provider and do not bill your insurance. However, if you have a PPO plan, you may be able to get partial reimbursement of your therapy costs which is a great way to make therapy more affordable to you. I can provide you with superbills each month which you can then submit online to your insurance company and they would issue you a reimbursement check directly. Check with your plan to determine the percentage reimbursement you qualify for.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require 24 hours notice in order to cancel an appointment without charge. If something comes up for you, I can offer you reschedule options within the same week. If we are unable to reschedule then I will still need to charge the cancellation fee which is the full fee for our time.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate,
visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.
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