Therapy for Teens and Adults near South Pasadena | Counselor Cristina Lugo
I value in-person therapy because the connection is immediate and grounded. At the same time, I understand that many clients prefer or need virtual therapy, and I provide that option. If you live in the South Pasadena area, you can easily reach my Pasadena office for in-person sessions, or choose virtual therapy when it’s more practical. Both options are effective, and sometimes we combine them depending on your needs.
How it works
Book an intro call
The first call is like dipping your toes into the water instead of jumping straight in. You do not need to share every detail right away. You just get to test how it feels to have someone on your side who listens without judgment.
Personalized, one-on-one sessions
Therapy with me is more like a custom playlist than a generic radio station. Each session adapts to your rhythm and needs, so you always leave with something that speaks directly to your life. If you live in the South Pasadena area, you can come to my Pasadena office for in-person sessions, or choose virtual therapy both options are designed to fit seamlessly into your world.
Evidence-based therapeutic techniques
I use methods that work like a toolkit you can carry anywhere. EMDR untangles old knots, mindfulness slows down the spinning wheel in your head, and somatic work reconnects you with the ground beneath your feet. These practices make everyday stress more manageable and life feel lighter.
Explore my therapy services and specializations
Individual Therapy for Teens and Adults
LEARN MOREIndividual therapy is like finally having a mirror that does not distort your reflection. You see yourself clearly, without judgment, and learn how to manage emotions with strategies that fit your real life. Sessions help you walk away feeling more authentic and less weighed down by doubt.
Group Therapy for Teens
LEARN MOREGroup therapy is like joining a campfire where everyone brings their own story, and the warmth comes from realizing you are not alone. Teens discover that sharing their voice gives them courage and listening to others builds trust and belonging.
EMDR Therapist
LEARN MOREEMDR is like updating old software that keeps freezing your system. The memories are still there, but once reprocessed, they stop crashing your present. EMDR therapy helps you feel freer and more in control of your life.
Anxiety Therapy
LEARN MOREAnxiety is like having twenty browser tabs open at once with music playing from one of them, but you cannot find which. In therapy, we close those tabs, calm the noise, and give your mind space to focus again. Clients often find themselves breathing easier and sleeping better.
Therapy for Teenage Depression
LEARN MOREDepression can feel like living in a house with all the curtains closed, even when the sun is shining outside. Therapy helps slowly open those curtains, letting light in and making room for motivation, energy, and joy again.
Academic Burnout
LEARN MOREBurnout is like running a marathon on a treadmill you are moving constantly but never getting anywhere. Therapy helps you step off, catch your breath, and set a healthier pace that brings both progress and balance.Depression can feel like living in a house with all the curtains closed, even when the sun is shining outside. Therapy helps slowly open those curtains, letting light in and making room for motivation, energy, and joy again.
Post-Grad Depression
LEARN MOREPost grad life can feel like being handed a map with no street names. In therapy, we redraw that map together so the path feels clearer, achievable, and actually yours. Many clients find renewed motivation and confidence.
Teenage Trauma
LEARN MORETeenage trauma is like carrying a backpack full of bricks that no one else can see. Therapy helps lighten that load by processing painful memories safely, reducing emotional triggers, and allowing teens to feel stronger and more secure.
I serve teens and adults near South Pasadena
Sometimes it feels like you are walking through life with noise-canceling headphones on, unable to connect even when people are around you. Many teens and young adults in South Pasadena experience that invisible disconnection, along with the pressure to appear fine. My Pasadena office is just about 10 minutes away by car, making it convenient to come in person, and I also offer virtual sessions when needed. Therapy with me is about taking those headphones off and actually hearing yourself again. With trauma-informed care, EMDR, and creative tools, I help you turn confusion into clarity and heaviness into growth.
Hello, I am Cristina Lugo | Therapist for Teens and Adults near South Pasadena
Sometimes it feels like you are walking through life with noise-canceling headphones on, unable to connect even when people are around you. Many teens and young adults in South Pasadena experience that invisible disconnection, along with the pressure to appear fine. My Pasadena office is just about 10 minutes away by car, making it convenient to come in person, and I also offer virtual sessions when needed. Therapy with me is about taking those headphones off and actually hearing yourself again. With trauma-informed care, EMDR, and creative tools, I help you turn confusion into clarity and heaviness into growth.
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 the one that meets them where they are emotionally and culturally. EMDR, ACT, mindfulness, and expressive practices can all be useful, but the most important part is that therapy feels safe, flexible, and tailored to their reality.
Do you offer therapy in person? What about virtual? Which one is better?
I value in-person therapy because the connection is immediate and grounded. At the same time, I understand that many clients prefer or need virtual therapy, and I provide that option. If you live in South Pasadena, my Pasadena office is only about 10 minutes away by car, making it easy to attend sessions in person. Both in-person and virtual formats are effective, and sometimes we combine them depending on your needs.
Do you take insurance?
I am out-of-network. If you have a PPO plan, you may receive partial reimbursement. I provide superbills each month that you can submit to your insurance company.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please let me know at least 24 hours before canceling to avoid being charged. If rescheduling within the same week is possible, I will always try to make it work.
Can we start out therapy every-other-week?
I recommend beginning weekly because this allows us to build trust and momentum. Every-other-week is an option later, once you are making progress and want to maintain it.