Therapy for Teens and Adults near Highland Park and Northeast LA | Counselor Cristina Lugo
There are moments when the outside world looks calm but inside everything feels unsettled. Teens and young adults often carry stress from school, family expectations, and social pressures that others do not see. My role is to create a safe space to release that weight, reflect honestly, and learn tools that make daily life easier. For clients from Highland Park, and Norhteast Los Angeles, I bring trauma-informed practices, EMDR, and creativity to help you reconnect with who you are and build a stronger sense of balance.
How it works
Book an intro call
In our first call, the focus is on creating comfort. You will share what feels important to you, and I will listen carefully so you can start experiencing what it is like to be supported. By the end, you will know if this space feels right for your healing journey if you live near Highland Park, Los Angeles.
Personalized, one-on-one sessions
Therapy is not a formula. Each session adapts to what you need most. Whether you come in with anxiety, identity questions, or family struggles, I shape our work to keep you moving toward the life you want. For clients from Highland Park, Los Angeles, this means receiving therapy that is both personal and practical.
Evidence-based therapeutic techniques
I use proven methods such as EMDR, mindfulness, and somatic practices, together with creative approaches. These techniques calm the body, ease looping thoughts, and help process trauma. Clients from Highland Park, Los Angeles often notice they can approach challenges with more stability and self-trust.
Explore my therapy services and specializations
Individual Therapy for Teens and Adults
LEARN MOREImagine finishing a long day and finally having a place where you can speak without holding back. Individual therapy gives you that private time to process emotions, strengthen your identity, and leave with practical strategies to face daily stress.
Group Therapy for Teens
LEARN MOREPicture a teen sitting in class thinking they are the only one feeling this way. In group therapy, they discover peers who understand. Sharing experiences in a supportive space reduces isolation and builds belonging for teens.
EMDR Therapist
LEARN MOREMemories can resurface at the wrong time, interrupting your present. EMDR helps the brain reprocess those memories so they lose their intensity. This therapy provides relief from the past and more freedom to focus on today.
Anxiety Therapy
LEARN MORELying awake at night with racing thoughts or feeling on edge in daily life can be exhausting. Anxiety therapy provides tools to calm the nervous system and reframe patterns of worry so you can feel more grounded and focused.
Therapy for Teenage Depression
LEARN MOREWhen depression makes everything feel heavy, therapy creates space to talk openly and learn new coping skills. This process helps you reconnect with energy, hope, and the things that bring joy back into your days.
Academic Burnout
LEARN MORESchool or work pressure can leave you drained and unmotivated. Burnout therapy helps restore balance, rebuild energy, and create healthier habits so you can succeed without losing yourself.When depression makes everything feel heavy, therapy creates space to talk openly and learn new coping skills. This process helps you reconnect with energy, hope, and the things that bring joy back into your days.
Post-Grad Depression
LEARN MORELife after graduation is often uncertain. Therapy offers guidance during this stage, helping reduce stress and clarify direction. Young adults can set meaningful goals and create a future that feels authentic and exciting.
Teenage Trauma
LEARN MORETrauma can affect friendships, school, work, and even how you see yourself. Trauma therapy provides safe tools to process experiences and rebuild trust in yourself so you can move forward with more confidence.
I serve Teens and Adults near Highland Park and Northeast LA
My practice supports teens, young adults, and parents from the Highland Park, Los Angeles area who are looking for therapy that feels personal, grounded, and responsive to their lives. While my office is located in Pasadena, it’s only about 13 minutes by car from Highland Park, making it convenient if you prefer in-person sessions. I also offer virtual therapy for clients who find that format more accessible or flexible.
Hello, I am Cristina Lugo | Therapist for Teens and Adults near Highland Park and Northeast LA
My practice supports teens, young adults, and parents from the Highland Park, Los Angeles area who are looking for therapy that feels personal, grounded, and responsive to their lives. While my office is located in Pasadena, it’s only about 13 minutes by car from Highland Park, making it convenient if you prefer in-person sessions. I also offer virtual therapy for clients who find that format more accessible or flexible.
FAQ about my counseling services
What is the best type of therapy for young adults and teenagers?
The right therapy for teens and young adults is one that responds to their emotional world. EMDR can help with trauma, ACT supports self-compassion, mindfulness regulates the nervous system, and expressive methods open the door to emotions that are hard to name.
Do you offer therapy in person? What about virtual? Which one is better?
I primarily work in person because being face to face creates deeper connection. Still, I understand that virtual sessions are sometimes the only practical option. For clients near Highland Park, Los Angeles, both in person and virtual work well, and we can even combine them depending on your needs.
Do you take insurance?
I am considered out-of-network. Many PPO plans reimburse partially for therapy. I provide superbills so you can submit them to your insurance company.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel without being charged. If rescheduling is not possible that week, the full session fee applies.
Can we start out therapy every-other-week?
Weekly sessions at the start are essential for building connection and making progress. Every-other-week can slow the process. Once you are seeing change and feel more steady, we can shift to biweekly if it makes sense for you.