Therapy for Teens and Adults in Arcadia
Arcadia is a place many people associate with balance, but life here can still feel anything but steady when you are carrying too much. I work with teens and young adults who are tired of holding everything together while feeling lost inside. My approach is warm, trauma informed, and inclusive. I bring creativity, cultural awareness, and more than fourteen years of experience into every session so you can begin to feel understood and supported in ways that truly matter.
How it works
Book an intro call
When we first meet, I focus on giving you the experience of being heard without judgment. We will talk about your daily life, what feels heavy right now, and what you hope might change. You do not need to tell me everything all at once. The first step is simply creating a safe place where you can start to relax and notice what it is like to have support.
Personalized, one-on-one sessions
I see therapy as a collaborative process. Instead of giving you a fixed plan, I work with you to identify what you want to move toward. Some weeks you may need to process emotions, and others you may want concrete strategies. I will adapt our work so it matches your pace and your goals. This way therapy stays alive and useful rather than rigid.
Evidence-based therapeutic techniques
I draw on approaches that are grounded in research and practice while leaving room for flexibility. EMDR helps with trauma, mindfulness supports emotional balance, and somatic work reconnects you to your body. I often bring in creative reflection as well, so you have both solid tools and imaginative ways of exploring your growth.
Explore my therapy services and specializations
Individual Therapy for Teens and Adults
LEARN MOREIn one to one sessions, I create a space for you to speak honestly and explore what has been difficult. Together we work on understanding your patterns, reducing stress, and building skills that make daily life feel lighter.
Group Therapy for Teens
LEARN MORETeens often feel like no one really understands them. Group therapy changes that by creating a safe circle where experiences are shared and respected. You get to listen, be listened to, and practice new ways of relating.
EMDR Therapist
LEARN MOREPainful memories can show up again and again even when you want to move on. EMDR helps your brain and body process those memories in a healthier way so they stop having the same power over you.
Anxiety Therapy
LEARN MOREAnxiety often shows up as racing thoughts, tension, or constant worry. In therapy we practice ways to calm the nervous system, notice triggers, and respond differently so you feel more in control of your life.
Therapy for Teenage Depression
LEARN MOREDepression in teens can look like withdrawal, irritability, or emptiness. In our sessions, I help teens find words for their feelings, practice coping skills, and begin to rebuild energy and hope.
Academic Burnout Therapist
LEARN MOREThe constant push to perform can drain students of joy and motivation. I support teens and young adults in identifying their limits, recovering balance, and building healthier expectations of themselves.Depression in teens can look like withdrawal, irritability, or emptiness. In our sessions, I help teens find words for their feelings, practice coping skills, and begin to rebuild energy and hope.
Therapy for Post-Grad Depression
LEARN MORELife after graduation can feel confusing when the excitement fades and pressure sets in. In therapy we work through the uncertainty, clarify what matters to you, and create a path that feels like your own.
Therapy for Teenage Trauma
LEARN MORETrauma can quietly shape the way a teen sees themselves and others. I use trauma informed approaches to help process what happened, reduce emotional triggers, and build a stronger sense of safety and self trust.
I serve teens and adults in Arcadia
My practice welcomes clients from Arcadia. Whether you are a high school student overwhelmed by schoolwork, a college graduate navigating early adulthood, or a parent hoping to support your teen, therapy is accessible to you right here in your neighborhood.
My office is located in Pasadena, just 14 minutes by car from Arcadia, making it convenient if you live nearby. I also offer virtual sessions for clients who prefer that format or cannot commute regularly.
Hello, I am Cristina Lugo | Arcadia Therapist for Teens and Adults
My practice welcomes clients from Arcadia. Whether you are a high school student overwhelmed by schoolwork, a college graduate navigating early adulthood, or a parent hoping to support your teen, therapy is accessible to you right here in your neighborhood.
My office is located in Pasadena, just 14 minutes by car from Arcadia, making it convenient if you live nearby. I also offer virtual sessions for clients who prefer that format or cannot commute regularly.
FAQ about my counseling services
What is the best type of therapy for young adults and teenagers?
The best therapy is the one that meets a teen or young adult exactly where they are. Trauma-informed care, EMDR, ACT, body-based practices, and creative expression all help. What makes therapy effective is not the label but the way it adapts to their unique story and identity.
Do you offer therapy in person? What about virtual? Which one is better?
I believe in person therapy creates richer connection, but I also offer virtual sessions for convenience. Both are meaningful depending on your needs. If you are near Arcadia, coming in person allows you to benefit from a calming office space.
Do you take insurance?
I am out-of-network. Many PPOs reimburse partially for therapy. I provide superbills for you to submit, and your insurance pays you directly.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please give 24 hours’ notice for cancellations. If you cancel late and we cannot reschedule, the full fee applies.
Can we start out therapy every-other-week?
Weekly sessions help us get started strongly. Every-other-week often makes it harder to build momentum. Later, once you are feeling more stable, we can adjust frequency.