Laura Lugo, MSC, LMFT

Preferred Name: Laura

Online Therapy

About Me

I am a considerate, direct, and active provider committed to helping my clients achieve their goals. Recognizing that many individuals struggling with mental illness may find it difficult to open up in treatment, I strive to create an open, collaborative, and supportive therapeutic relationship. My approach focuses on understanding the obstacles and dynamics my clients face while helping them identify and strengthen their inherent qualities and resources to overcome challenges and reach their goals.

I began my work in mental health in 2008 as a case manager, later becoming a substance abuse counselor before earning my degree from the University of Phoenix and becoming a therapist in 2014. My early career was spent in an outpatient community mental health setting, where I worked with individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders, as well as providing on-call crisis triage services.

In 2020, I transitioned to a federal detention facility, providing care to detainees with moderate to severe mental health conditions. Since 2018, I have expanded my practice through various telehealth platforms—including Talkspace, Ginger, Modern Health, Rula (Path) Mental Health, and Octave—alongside my own group practice, Westwind Counseling.

Education & Experience

University of Phoenix
California, United States
Masters of Science in Counseling
Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy
2009 To 2011

San Diego State University
California, United States
Bachelor of Science
Liberal Studies
2005 To 2007

Grow Therapy
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA, United States
October 2022 - present
www.growtherapy.com

Westwind Counseling
Owner - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
El Centro, CA, United States
November 2021 - present
laura-lugo.clientsecure.me

Rula Mental Health
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
El Centro, CA, United States
July 2021 - present
www.rula.com

GEO Federal Detention Services
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
El Centro, CA, United States
March 2020 - October 2020

County of Imperial - Behavioral Health Services
Licensed Mental Health Counselor III
El Centro, CA, United States
February 2006 - July 2020

Professional & Volunteer Affiliations

Best STEP Forward
Down Syndrome Association of Imperial Valley
Humane Society of Imperial County
Home of Guiding Hands
Trevor Project
DSAction

Specialty Area

  • Abuse/Neglect
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Depression
  • Domestic Violence
  • Family Issues
  • Marriage/Relationship Issues
  • Mood Disorders
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Stress Management
  • Traumatic Incident

Population Served

  • Adolescents (13-17)
  • Adults
  • BIPOC
  • Community Mental Health Center
  • Correctional Facility
  • Couples
  • First Responders
  • Immigrants
  • LGBTQ+
  • Seniors
  • Underserved

Language

  • English

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • BlueCross BlueShield
  • Cigna
  • Magellan Health
  • Medicare
  • TRICARE
  • UnitedHealth

Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley, Anthem