I am a considerate, direct and an active provider who is committed in assisting my clients to achieve their goals. While many people struggling with mental illness have difficulty opening up in treatment, I work to create an open and collaborative relationship to help understand the obstacles and dynamics being faced. I also work with the client to help build their strengths, attributes and qualities to conquer these challenges to accomplish their goals. I have been working in mental health since 2008, initially as a mental health case manager then later as a substance abuse counselor before graduating from University of Phoenix and becoming a therapist in 2014. I primarily worked in an outpatient community mental health clinic with individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness and substance abuse along with on-call crisis triage from 2008-20 until moving to a federal detention facility for 8 months working with detainees with moderate to severe mental illness. Since 2018, I have been working on various telehealth platforms including Talkspace, Ginger, Modern Health, Rula (Path) Mental Health, Octave and my own group practice Westwind Counseling. Ally with LGBTQ+

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, I'll ask you about your history of mental illness symptoms, family history, and any other pertinent information relevant to what is impacting your daily life. Then we will dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I have certifications in Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression/Anxiety and SAFETalk for Suicide Prevention modalities for trauma, depression, anxiety and suicide prevention.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I have worked with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse disorders along with family and couple's therapy.

About Laura Lugo