Cristina I Lugo, LCSW
(she/her)
Preferred Name: Cristina
About Me
I believe in the enduring human capacity to heal and grow. Of course, in life we are often faced with obstacles and can find ourselves getting stuck or trapped in suffering. There is a path forward, but it’s not always easy to find. A big part of my work is helping you blaze this trail and collaborating with your success. Using a combination of warmth, mindfulness, brain/body science, creativity and sharing knowledge, I help keep your process moving toward living the life you want. In my fourteen years of practicing psychotherapy, I have found myself specializing in the teens, 20s, and 30s populations, which is a critical time for navigating career and relational goals while laying the foundation for adult life. I also specialize in providing EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) therapy which can be our main focus or woven into treatment as needed. I am committed to providing culturally-responsive care and have a strong background in working with second generation and multicultural identities. As a Puerto Rican-American with many of my own cultural experiences, I put care into decolonizing therapy in my practice. I understand that the obstacles are not always about us, the broader systems in our lives need to be addressed as well. Together we can navigate this challenging world so you can thrive.
Education & Experience
Bachelors of Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University Masters of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University
Professional & Volunteer Affiliations
I’ve worked with clients in both English and Spanish in a wide array of settings, such as a women’s detention center, schools, homes, treatment and drop-in centers and public mental health clinics. I am strongly influenced by my work in the community as an organizer as well, as I wholeheartedly believe that mental health is inextricably tied to community. I look forward to bringing my diverse experiences and expertise to my work with you to inspire transformation and growth. Self-liberation is within reach for all of us.
Specialty Area
- Abuse/Neglect
- ADD/ADHD/Disruptive Behavior Disorders
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Family Issues
- Gender Identity
- Mood Disorders
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Race, Culture, Ethnicity Issues
- Stress Management
- Suicide Risk
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adolescents (13-17)
- Adults
- BIPOC
- Immigrants
- LGBTQ+
- Underserved
Language
- English
- Spanish
Insurance
- Does Not Accept Insurance
- Sliding Scale