Therapy for Teens & Adults near Glendale | Cristina Lugo, LCSW

Finding the right therapist near Glendale can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I offer trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and science-backed care for teens and adults who are navigating anxiety, burnout, depression, low self-confidence and trauma. Much of the time, these challenges impact school, work and life satisfaction but with the right support, you can get on track with your future goals. With more than 15 years of experience, I specialize in supporting women and girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals and those with multicultural and second generation identities. 

How it works

Book an intro call

Think of our first call as the first step in getting comfortable. You can share what feels important, like how school is overwhelming or how anxiety shows up at night. My goal is that you leave this conversation feeling like therapy can be a safe space where you do not have to carry everything alone.

Personalized, one-on-one sessions

No two weeks look the same in life, and therapy works the same way. One session might be about handling an argument at home, another about making choices for your future. I adapt to your pace and your needs so that therapy grows with you.

Evidence-based therapeutic techniques

In our work, I blend methods that are both evidence-based and creative. That means you will have access to tools like EMDR, IFS (parts work), ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) and DBT but also space for reflection, expression, and imagination. The mix allows you to develop practical skills for anxiety, depression, or trauma while also reconnecting with your inner strength and creativity.

Explore my therapy services and specializations

  • Individual Therapy for Teens and Adults

    Imagine coming home after a stressful day and having nowhere to release the tension. All those thoughts swirl in your mind about what you should’ve said, what’s weighing on your heart, or what you just can’t seem to shake. Individual therapy gives you a safe space to unpack it all. Here, you can process emotions without judgment, explore your identity, and develop tools that make it easier to navigate everyday challenges. Over time, you’ll notice yourself responding differently, feeling more grounded, more confident, and more connected to who you truly are.

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  • Group Therapy for Teens

    Think about sitting in class, silently wondering if you’re the only one who feels overwhelmed, anxious, or out of place. That loneliness can be heavy. In group therapy, teens meet others who get it. It’s a space where they can talk openly, laugh, learn, and heal together. Sharing stories and learning coping skills alongside peers creates powerful shifts in confidence, belonging, and resilience. Teens leave group sessions feeling less alone and more empowered to face what life throws their way.

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  • EMDR Therapist

    Have you ever had a memory hit you out of nowhere while scrolling your phone, walking into a room, or trying to sleep? Unprocessed trauma has a way of sneaking into your present, leaving you feeling stuck, anxious, or emotionally reactive. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a proven method that helps your brain "unfreeze" those moments and reprocess them in a safe and structured way. You don’t have to relive the trauma, just rewire how your brain stores it. The result is emotional relief, fewer triggers, and more freedom to live fully in the now.

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  • Anxiety Therapy

    Picture yourself lying in bed at night, heart racing and mind spiraling with “what ifs.” The anxiety doesn’t clock out when the day ends; it follows you into your thoughts, your body, your sleep. Anxiety therapy gives you a calm place to pause and breathe. Together, we identify the root of your anxiety and build realistic strategies to soothe it. From grounding techniques to mindset shifts, we focus on helping you feel safe and in control. The goal isn’t perfection, it's relief, balance, and the ability to be present again.

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  • Therapy for Teenage Depression

    Think of the mornings when everything feels heavy. Getting up, getting dressed, even texting a friend feels like too much. Depression in teens often hides behind irritability, silence, or constant fatigue. Therapy helps teens explore their emotions, reconnect with their strengths, and regain hope one step at a time. In our sessions, they’ll learn how to cope with low energy, manage negative thoughts, and rediscover the things that bring them joy. The result is a slow but steady return to themselves.

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  • Academic Burnout

    Imagine staring at your homework with zero motivation, knowing what you “should” do but feeling too drained to start. Academic burnout isn’t just stress, it's a full-body shutdown. In therapy, we work to rebuild your capacity not by pushing harder, but by finding smarter ways to rest, recharge, and manage pressure. You’ll learn how to listen to your body, set realistic boundaries, and redefine success in a way that protects your well-being. It’s about finding your rhythm again without burning out.Think of the mornings when everything feels heavy. Getting up, getting dressed, even texting a friend feels like too much. Depression in teens often hides behind irritability, silence, or constant fatigue. Therapy helps teens explore their emotions, reconnect with their strengths, and regain hope one step at a time. In our sessions, they’ll learn how to cope with low energy, manage negative thoughts, and rediscover the things that bring them joy. The result is a slow but steady return to themselves.

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  • Post-Grad Depression

    Think of walking across the graduation stage, only to feel lost afterward. Everyone asks “what’s next?” but you don’t really know. And that uncertainty can feel paralyzing. Post-grad therapy is a space to untangle those feelings and build direction without pressure. Together, we explore your values, fears, and desires, and carve out goals that actually feel like yours. You’ll gain clarity, restore motivation, and begin designing a future that feels sustainable and aligned with who you are.

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  • Teenage Trauma

    Imagine hearing a song or walking by a place that suddenly sends your body into alert. Trauma doesn’t always show up as flashbacks; it can live quietly in your body, your reactions, your sense of safety. Trauma therapy for teens helps gently process those painful memories so they no longer control the present. We move at your pace, using trauma-informed tools that build emotional safety and trust. Over time, teens begin to feel more in control of their reactions and more connected to the strength inside them.

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I serve teens and adults near Glendale

I work with teens, young adults, and parents from Glendale who are ready for meaningful change. Life here brings unique pressures, and therapy can support you in creating stability, resilience, and deeper connection. My office is located in Pasadena, just about 18 minutes from Glendale, making it convenient if you live nearby. I also offer virtual sessions for clients who prefer that format or cannot commute regularly.

Hi! I’m Cristina Lugo, LCSW Therapist for Teens and Adults near Glendale 

I work with teens, young adults, and parents from Glendale who are ready for meaningful change. Life here brings unique pressures, and therapy can support you in creating stability, resilience, and deeper connection. My office is located in Pasadena, just about 18 minutes from Glendale, 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 services

  • What is the best type of therapy for young adults and teenagers?

    There is no universal best therapy for young people. Effective therapy is trauma informed and relational, and can include EMDR, ACT, mindfulness, or creative practices. Success comes from shaping therapy around the young person instead of forcing them into a mold.

  • Do you offer therapy in person? What about virtual? Which one is better?

    In-person sessions at my Pasadena office create a strong sense of presence and connection. At the same time, I offer virtual therapy because it can be more accessible. If you live in Glendale, you’re welcome to come to Pasadena for a private, calming space, while virtual sessions remain a flexible and effective option when needed.

  • Do you take insurance?

    I am considered an out-of-network provider. If you have PPO insurance, you can be reimbursed for part of your sessions. I can provide superbills each month to help you submit for reimbursement which can make therapy much more affordable to you.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    I ask for 24 hours’ notice to cancel without charge. If we cannot reschedule within the week, the full session fee applies.

  • Do you offer a sliding scale?

    Yes, I am pleased to offer a robust sliding scale to support the various needs of our community. Please let me know if you have been impacted by the Eaton Fire, ICE raids or other difficult circumstances and we can find a rate that allows you to access therapy. My clients who pay my full fee make it possible for me to offer this community service so please bear that in mind when inquiring.