Therapy for post grad depression in Pasadena and Northeast LA
Graduation was supposed to feel like freedom, but instead it feels like falling into a void. Suddenly there is pressure to find the "right" job, move out, figure out relationships, and somehow have it all together. For many recent graduates, the weeks and months after finishing school bring unexpected sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty. I’m Cristina Lugo, a therapist for young adults in Pasadena and Northeast LA. I help people move through post grad depression with compassion, creativity, and trauma-informed tools so you can build a life that feels like yours, not just someone else’s expectations.
What is post grad depression?
Post grad depression is the emotional crash that often follows the milestone of finishing college or graduate school. After years of structure, deadlines, and community, life suddenly feels unstructured and isolating. The weight of new responsibilities like job searching, paying bills, and navigating independence can bring waves of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness.
It is not a personal failure. It is a common and very real experience for young adults in transition. Therapy creates space to process these feelings, rebuild confidence, and create new meaning in this next chapter.
Most common symptoms of post grad depression
- Persistent sadness or emptiness after graduation
- Anxiety about career, money, or the future
- Loss of motivation, even for things you used to enjoy
- Difficulty adjusting to adult responsibilities
- Feeling isolated after leaving campus community
- Self-doubt and constant comparison to peers
- Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
How do I know if I have post grad depression?
You might ask yourself:
- Do I feel more lost and hopeless after graduation instead of excited?
- Do I avoid job applications or social events because they feel overwhelming?
- Do I compare myself to classmates and feel like I am falling behind?
- Do I feel anxious, numb, or restless most days?
- Am I struggling to find purpose in this new season of life?
- If more than one of these feels true, therapy for post grad depression could be the support you need.
How I treat post grad depression in Pasadena & Northeast LA
My approach combines trauma-informed care, creativity, and practical tools to help you move through this transition with more ease:
- Talk therapy with a decolonizing lens to explore identity, cultural expectations, and self-worth
- EMDR therapy if old wounds or academic stressors are resurfacing
- Mindfulness and somatic practices to calm spiraling anxiety and reconnect with your body
- Creative expression like journaling or art to make sense of emotions that feel hard to put into words
The goal is not just coping. It is building a life that feels grounded, authentic, and yours.
What topics can we talk about in therapy for post grad depression?
- Managing anxiety and self-doubt while job searching
- Building a balanced routine outside of school
- Healing from academic burnout and perfectionism
- Navigating independence, relationships, and identity
- Finding purpose and redefining success on your own terms
Ready to get started?
01
Our first session together is called the intake session
It’s a little longer than our regular 50 minute sessions so we have more time to get to know each other and talk about what brings you to therapy. I will ask you questions about your life, school, work, friends, history and more. There’s no pressure to share any of the really hard stuff on the first day, I just want to get an initial picture of who you are and what you are needing support with. If you’re a minor, I usually have one parent join us for the first 10 or 15 minutes of the intake so we can all talk together about how I will work to help you and introduce myself to your parent too. Then I will meet one on one with you for the rest of the time and for future sessions as well.
02
Together we’ll create a personalized treatment plan with your therapy goals.
The plan will include goals and tools such as EMDR, art, talk therapy or mindfulness. These goals are completely up to you and can be changed at any time. We will both keep your goals in mind as we meet together so we can stay on track.
03
Week by week, we’ll work through what’s been holding you back
So you can feel calmer, more confident, and more like you. Whether it’s navigating friendships, family, anxiety, or big emotions, you’ll build real skills to handle it all.
Post grad depression specialists in Pasadena & Northeast LA
I’m Cristina Lugo, a Puerto Rican-American therapist who has spent more than 14 years helping young adults navigate identity, anxiety, and big life transitions. If you are feeling lost or stuck after graduation, you are not alone. I specialize in supporting clients through these pivotal moments so you can rediscover your confidence, heal from burnout, and create the foundation for your next chapter.
Tips & resources for coping with post grad depression
- Set small, achievable goals to avoid overwhelm
- Stay connected with peers or mentors who understand your experience
- Limit comparison on social media
- Practice grounding techniques like mindful breathing when anxiety spikes
- Remember that this transition is temporary, not permanent
Hi there, I'm Cristina Lugo, LCSW
Trauma-informed therapist for teens & young adults
I help sensitive, curious, and creative young people navigate anxiety, identity, and life transitions with compassion and evidence-based care. My work is grounded in cultural awareness, empowerment, and deep belief in the human capacity to heal.
Download my free guide
Book your first session
❋ Rates: $215 per 50 minute in person or virtual session
❋ $250 per 60 minute intake session
❋ $140 for 30 minute parent consultation (virtual, phone or in person)
❋ Superbills are available for PPO reimbursement
FAQ
How long does post grad depression last?
It varies. For some, it lasts a few weeks; for others, several months. Without support, it can linger. Therapy helps you move through it faster and with more clarity.
How do I get over post grad depression and anxiety?
The first step is acknowledging that what you are feeling is real. Therapy provides tools like EMDR, mindfulness, and goal-setting to manage both depression and anxiety during this transition.
Is post graduation depression real?
Yes. It is a recognized experience that many young adults face after finishing school. The sudden loss of structure and community often brings sadness, stress, and identity struggles.
How does post grad depression affect graduates?
It can impact motivation, confidence, and daily functioning. Many graduates report feeling isolated, uncertain about the future, and disconnected from their goals. Therapy helps rebuild clarity and direction.
Can post grad depression go away on its own?
Sometimes symptoms ease over time, but many people continue to struggle without support. Therapy can shorten recovery, prevent setbacks, and help you feel more confident moving into adulthood.
Do you take insurance?
I am considered an out-of-network provider and do not bill your insurance. However, if you have a PPO plan, you may be able to get partial reimbursement of your therapy costs which is a great way to make therapy more affordable to you. I can provide you with superbills each month which you can then submit online to your insurance company and they would issue you a reimbursement check directly. Check with your plan to determine the percentage reimbursement you qualify for.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require 24 hours notice in order to cancel an appointment without charge. If something comes up for you, I can offer you reschedule options within the same week. If we are unable to reschedule then I will still need to charge the cancellation fee which is the full fee for our time.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate,
visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.
This website is owned and operated by Cristina Lugo, LCSW. These Terms set forth the terms and conditions under which you may use our website and services as offered by me. This website offers visitors information about working together, and psychotherapy based content. By accessing or using the website of our service, you approve that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.