Therapy for Teens and Adults near Montrose | Counselor Cristina Lugo
It can feel exhausting to keep moving forward when you’re carrying stress, doubt, or painful memories that never seem to ease. I work with teens and young adults from Montrose at my Pasadena office, creating a space where they can pause and finally focus on themselves. My work is about helping you find clarity, confidence, and connection so that you can stop surviving on autopilot and begin creating a life that feels more like your own.
How it works
Book an intro call
From the very first call, my priority is for you to feel understood and supported. We begin gently, exploring what you want out of therapy and what feels most urgent. This is your time to experience what it is like to be listened to without pressure.
Personalized, one-on-one sessions
Our sessions are designed around you. Together we create a plan that reflects your goals, whether that means feeling calmer, working through past experiences, or gaining new coping strategies. The process adapts as your needs shift, making therapy flexible and practical.
Evidence-based therapeutic techniques
I use approaches that have proven results, including EMDR, mindfulness, and somatic practices. These methods help reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system, and heal from trauma. Combined with creative expression, they give you both immediate relief and long-term resilience.
Explore my therapy services and specializations
Individual Therapy for Teens and Adults
LEARN MOREThis is your dedicated space to speak freely, without judgment. In individual therapy, we work together to build emotional regulation, strengthen your identity, and find tools that genuinely help you cope with life’s challenges. Whether you're navigating transitions, feeling stuck, or simply want to better understand yourself, therapy provides a grounded space for reflection and growth. Each session is a step toward greater self-awareness, emotional steadiness, and confidence in your everyday life.
Group Therapy for Teens
LEARN MOREGroup therapy gives teens the chance to connect with others who are facing similar struggles. In a safe and supportive environment, they learn that they're not alone. Through shared stories and mutual support, group sessions reduce shame, boost emotional resilience, and create a space to practice healthy coping skills. The result is a stronger sense of community, improved communication, and more trust in themselves and others.
EMDR Therapist
LEARN MORETraumatic memories can feel like they’re frozen in time, showing up uninvited and disrupting the present. EMDR helps the brain reprocess those memories so they feel less overwhelming and no longer drive your current emotional responses. It’s a powerful approach for those who’ve experienced trauma, anxiety, or distressing life events. Many clients report feeling lighter, more at peace, and better able to move forward with clarity and ease.
Anxiety Therapy
LEARN MOREAnxiety often shows up as a constant buzz in the background overthinking, tight muscles, racing thoughts. In therapy, we’ll slow things down to understand your anxiety, identify what triggers it, and build real-life tools that calm both your body and mind. This process can include mindfulness, breathwork, and cognitive reframing. The goal is to help you feel more grounded and in control so anxiety no longer dictates your day.
Therapy for Teenage Depression
LEARN MORETeen depression can hide behind anger, withdrawal, or a lack of motivation. Therapy helps teens unpack the heaviness they’re carrying and learn new ways to cope with sadness, overwhelm, and hopelessness. In this space, they’re encouraged to speak honestly, explore emotions, and build skills to reconnect with joy, purpose, and self-worth. With time, therapy helps teens see that change is possible and that they don’t have to go through it alone.
Academic Burnout
LEARN MOREAcademic burnout feels like running on empty, no matter how hard you try. It can look like exhaustion, irritability, loss of motivation, or even physical symptoms. In therapy, we focus on recovery and prevention, setting healthy boundaries, creating sustainable routines, and exploring the pressures behind your burnout. You’ll walk away with strategies to stay energized and reclaim a healthier, more balanced relationship with school or academic achievement.Teen depression can hide behind anger, withdrawal, or a lack of motivation. Therapy helps teens unpack the heaviness they’re carrying and learn new ways to cope with sadness, overwhelm, and hopelessness. In this space, they’re encouraged to speak honestly, explore emotions, and build skills to reconnect with joy, purpose, and self-worth. With time, therapy helps teens see that change is possible and that they don’t have to go through it alone.
Post-Grad Depression
LEARN MOREGraduating can feel like being dropped into a world full of expectations without a clear map. If you're feeling lost, unmotivated, or disconnected after college, you're not alone. Post-grad therapy helps you make sense of this transition, explore what’s next, and build a life that aligns with your values. Instead of rushing to have it all figured out, we’ll focus on making grounded, authentic steps toward a future that feels good to you.
Teenage Trauma
LEARN MORETrauma during adolescence can deeply affect how a teen sees themselves and the world. It can show up as anxiety, trust issues, emotional shutdowns, or even physical symptoms. In trauma-informed therapy, we help teens process those painful experiences at a pace that feels safe. We focus on rebuilding safety in the body, reducing triggers, and restoring a sense of personal power. With time and support, healing becomes not just possible but real.
I serve teens and adults near Montrose
My practice supports teens, young adults, and parents from Montrose and nearby areas. I understand the pressures and pace of life in the community, and I provide therapy that helps you navigate them while staying connected to yourself. My office is located in Pasadena, just about 15 minutes from Montrose, making it a convenient option if you live nearby. I also offer virtual sessions for clients who prefer that format or cannot commute regularly.

Hello, I am Cristina Lugo | Therapist for Teens and Adults near Montrose
My practice supports teens, young adults, and parents from Montrose and nearby areas. I understand the pressures and pace of life in the community, and I provide therapy that helps you navigate them while staying connected to yourself. My office is located in Pasadena, just about 15 minutes from Montrose, 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 counseling services
What is the best type of therapy for young adults and teenagers?
Therapy is not about picking one perfect model. What works for young people is therapy that adapts to them emotionally, culturally, and developmentally. EMDR helps with trauma, ACT supports self-compassion, mindfulness calms the nervous system, and expressive tools like art can unlock feelings that are hard to say. What matters is creating a safe and flexible space.
Do you offer therapy in person? What about virtual? Which one is better?
I value in-person therapy because sharing space often makes the work deeper and more engaging. Clients from Montrose are welcome to come to my Pasadena office, and I also offer virtual sessions for those who need more flexibility. Both options are effective, and we can even combine them if that fits your lifestyle.
Do you take insurance?
I am considered out-of-network. If you have PPO coverage, you may be reimbursed for a portion of the fee. I provide superbills so you can submit them directly to your insurer.
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 do. I recognize that many people in our community are experiencing financial or emotional strain. If you are navigating hardship including events like the Eaton Fire or ICE raids we can discuss a reduced-fee option. This community care model is supported by clients who are able to pay full fee, and I’m grateful for their contribution in making therapy accessible for others.