Therapy for Teens and Adults in La Cañada Flintridge
There are moments in life when everything looks fine on the outside but inside you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck. If you are a teen or young adult in La Cañada Flintridge, you might know what that feels like. My work is about creating a safe space where you can process what weighs on you and explore new ways of moving forward. With more than fourteen years of experience, I bring together trauma-informed practices, cultural awareness, and creativity so you can reconnect with yourself and begin to thrive.
How it works
Book an intro call
Our first meeting is simply a chance to connect. You can share what feels important while I listen and ask thoughtful questions to understand your world better. There is no rush to open up about everything. This first step is about seeing if therapy feels like a safe and supportive place for you.
Personalized, one-on-one sessions
Every person arrives with different needs and goals. In our sessions, I adapt to what is most pressing for you. Some weeks it might mean working on practical tools to manage stress, and other times it could be focusing on deeper emotions or past experiences. Therapy is designed around you, not the other way around.
Evidence-based therapeutic techniques
I use methods that are both reliable and adaptable, such as EMDR, mindfulness, and somatic practices. Alongside these, I bring in creative approaches that make it easier to express what words cannot always capture. Together, these tools help you feel more grounded, clear, and confident.
Explore my therapy services and specializations
Individual Therapy for Teens and Adults
LEARN MOREDo you ever wish you had a place where you could say the things you keep bottled up? In individual therapy, that space is yours. Here you can talk openly, learn to manage emotions more effectively, and practice strategies that bring relief in daily life.
Group Therapy for Teens
LEARN MOREWhat if you could be surrounded by other teens who actually understand what you are going through? Group therapy gives you that. In these sessions, you find connection, reduce the sense of isolation, and explore tools like mindfulness or art in a supportive circle.
EMDR Therapist
LEARN MOREHave you ever felt stuck in the same painful memory no matter how much time passes? EMDR offers a way to change that. Through structured steps, we help the brain process those memories so they lose their grip, giving you freedom to move forward.
Anxiety Therapy
LEARN MOREDo you notice your thoughts racing or your body always tense? Anxiety therapy helps calm that cycle. Together we identify triggers, learn relaxation strategies, and build habits that restore balance to your everyday life.
Therapy for Teenage Depression
LEARN MOREHave you or your teen felt disconnected from joy and weighed down by sadness? Therapy for depression provides a safe space to name feelings, develop coping tools, and start building hope for the future.
Academic Burnout Therapist
LEARN MOREDo you feel like school demands are draining all your energy? Burnout therapy helps you regain balance, set healthier expectations, and reconnect with motivation so learning does not feel like a constant struggle.Have you or your teen felt disconnected from joy and weighed down by sadness? Therapy for depression provides a safe space to name feelings, develop coping tools, and start building hope for the future.
Therapy for Post-Grad Depression
LEARN MOREHave you graduated but still feel lost about what comes next? Post-grad therapy gives you guidance during this transition, helping you manage uncertainty and build a future that feels authentic and exciting.
Therapy for Teenage Trauma
LEARN MOREDo past experiences keep affecting how you feel and act today? Trauma therapy helps teens process what happened, reduce emotional triggers, and regain trust in themselves and others.
I serve teens and adults in La Cañada Flintridge
My practice is based in La Cañada Flintridge and supports teens, young adults, and parents in this community. I understand the unique pace and pressures of living here, and I provide therapy that meets you right where you are, with the tools and care you need to feel stronger and more supported. My office is located in Pasadena, just 14 minutes by car from La Cañada Flintridge, 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 | La Cañada Flintridge Therapist for Teens and Adults
My practice is based in La Cañada Flintridge and supports teens, young adults, and parents in this community. I understand the unique pace and pressures of living here, and I provide therapy that meets you right where you are, with the tools and care you need to feel stronger and more supported. My office is located in Pasadena, just 14 minutes by car from La Cañada Flintridge, 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?
Young people thrive in therapy that respects their voice and experience. EMDR, ACT, mindfulness, and creative therapies can all be part of the process. What makes therapy work is the sense of safety and personalization, with the focus on who they are and what they need at this stage.
Do you offer therapy in person? What about virtual? Which one is better?
I have always valued in person therapy because the connection feels richer when we share space. Still, virtual sessions are available when needed. If you live in La Cañada Flintridge, I encourage coming in person if possible, but either format can be meaningful depending on your circumstances.
Do you take insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider. If you have PPO coverage, you may get part of your fee reimbursed. I can provide you with a monthly superbill to submit to your insurance company.
What is your cancellation policy?
I ask for 24 hours’ notice to cancel an appointment. If rescheduling in the same week is not possible, I do charge the full session fee.
Can we start out therapy every-other-week?
Starting weekly is important to establish momentum and build trust. Every-other-week often slows progress. Later, once you are stable and meeting your goals, we can move to biweekly as maintenance.