Therapy for Teens and Adults near La Crescenta Montrose
There are times when you want to feel calm, clear, and confident but your emotions keep pulling you in every direction. From my Pasadena office, I welcome teens and young adults from La Crescenta who want to break free from cycles of anxiety, sadness, or burnout and move toward a steadier way of living. 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. I offer trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and science-backed care. 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
In our first call, the result I want for you is simple: to feel safe and understood. You can share what feels comfortable while I listen closely. By the end of that first meeting, you will have a sense of whether this is the right space for your healing.
Personalized, one-on-one sessions
The outcome of our sessions is clarity and direction. Each plan is designed with your specific goals in mind, and we adjust along the way so that therapy always feels relevant. You will notice your growth in how you manage stress, relationships, or the challenges you bring into the room.
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 skills 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
LEARN MOREIndividual therapy is a space where you can show up as you are no filters, no expectations. Whether you're facing stress, identity questions, relationship issues, or emotional overwhelm, this process helps you slow down and sort through it all. Together we build tools that fit your life, not just generic solutions. The result? You’ll be able to handle stress without shutting down, regulate emotions more confidently, and move through life with a clearer sense of self and purpose.
Group Therapy for Teens
LEARN MORETeen group therapy is a safe space where being vulnerable isn’t a weakness it’s a path to connection. When teens share openly and hear others say “me too,” something shifts. This space builds trust, reduces feelings of isolation, and helps teens practice communication and emotional skills in real-time with their peers. The result is deeper self-confidence, emotional resilience, and a sense of being truly seen and accepted.
EMDR Therapist
LEARN MOREEMDR therapy is designed for people who feel stuck in painful past experiences. When trauma is unresolved, even small triggers can feel overwhelming. EMDR helps your brain “file away” those memories in a healthier way so they stop hijacking your present. It’s a gentle but powerful method that can bring lasting relief. The result is a noticeable reduction in emotional reactivity, more mental space, and the ability to live your life with less fear and more freedom.
Anxiety Therapy
LEARN MORELiving with anxiety can feel like carrying a spinning wheel in your chest that never stops turning. Through anxiety therapy, we create a calm container to understand what’s fueling that inner noise whether it's perfectionism, overthinking, social pressure, or something deeper. We’ll use grounding tools, breathing techniques, and mindset shifts to reduce anxiety’s hold on your life. The result is more ease, better sleep, and the ability to respond to life, not just react.
Therapy for Teenage Depression
LEARN MORETeen depression doesn’t always look like sadness; it can show up as irritability, disconnection, or a loss of joy in things they used to love. Therapy offers teens a space where their emotions are taken seriously, and where they can unpack what’s going on without pressure or judgment. Together, we explore coping tools that feel realistic and supportive. The result is a slow return to hope, energy, and a greater sense of control over their life and choices.
Academic Burnout
LEARN MOREAcademic burnout is more than just stress, it's emotional and physical exhaustion from constant pressure to achieve. Students often feel guilty for resting, anxious about falling behind, and unsure how to recover. In therapy, we normalize these feelings and create a path to healing: learning how to say no, prioritizing rest, and setting boundaries without losing motivation. The result is restored balance, recharged motivation, and a healthier relationship with success.Teen depression doesn’t always look like sadness; it can show up as irritability, disconnection, or a loss of joy in things they used to love. Therapy offers teens a space where their emotions are taken seriously, and where they can unpack what’s going on without pressure or judgment. Together, we explore coping tools that feel realistic and supportive. The result is a slow return to hope, energy, and a greater sense of control over their life and choices.
Post-Grad Depression
LEARN MOREGraduating is supposed to feel like a triumph, but for many, it brings confusion, disconnection, and self-doubt. You’re expected to have it all figured out but no one tells you how to actually get there. In post-grad therapy, we unpack these emotions, reframe what success looks like for you, and build realistic steps toward a life that feels meaningful. The result is greater clarity, less pressure, and the peace of knowing that it’s okay to build your path at your own pace.
Teenage Trauma
LEARN MORETeen trauma isn’t always visible but it can deeply impact how a teen sees themselves, relates to others, and navigates the world. Whether it’s from a specific event or ongoing stress, trauma can leave teens feeling unsafe, reactive, or numb. Trauma-informed therapy helps teens process those experiences in a way that feels empowering and respectful of their pace. The result is fewer emotional outbursts, more internal safety, and a growing belief in their own strength and resilience.
I serve teens and adults near La Crescenta Montrose
I support teens, young adults, and parents from La Crescenta who are ready for meaningful change. Life here comes with its own pace and pressures, and therapy can provide steady support to help you feel stronger, more stable, and better connected. My office is located in Pasadena, just about 19 minutes from La Crescenta, making it a convenient option 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 La Crescenta
I support teens, young adults, and parents from La Crescenta who are ready for meaningful change. Life here comes with its own pace and pressures, and therapy can provide steady support to help you feel stronger, more stable, and better connected. My office is located in Pasadena, just about 19 minutes from La Crescenta, making it a convenient option 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?
The most helpful therapy for young people is the one that recognizes their individuality. EMDR, ACT, mindfulness, and expressive tools can all be included. What makes the real difference is tailoring the approach so it matches their needs, culture, and stage of growth.
Do you offer therapy in person? What about virtual? Which one is better?
I enjoy working in person because being together in the same room often deepens connection. Clients from La Crescenta are welcome to meet me at my Pasadena office, where you’ll find a calm and private space. I also offer virtual sessions when distance or timing makes it more practical, and both options can be effective depending on your needs.
Do you take insurance?
I am considered an out-of-network provider. If you have PPO insurance, you can be reimbursed for a percentage of your session fee (call your plan to find out how much). I can provide superbills each month which you submit for reimbursement which can make therapy much more affordable to you.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require 24 hours’ notice to cancel an appointment. If we cannot reschedule within the same week, I do charge the full fee.
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.