Dr. Kristen Klein

Kristen is a Clinical Trainee currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from James Madison University and holds a PhD in Social, Decision, and Organizational Psychology from University of Maryland.Prior to entering the clinical field, Kristen spent several years leading federally funded research initiatives focused on military and Veteran populations, adolescent behavioral health, and correctional programming. Her professional background has provided her with extensive experience understanding the unique stressors impacting service members, Veterans, military spouses, and families navigating transitions, deployments, reintegration, trauma, and relational challenges associated with military life. Kristen currently volunteers with the USO Quantico, further strengthening her commitment to supporting military-connected communities.In addition to her research experience, Kristen has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for youth involved in the foster care system and as a crisis text line counselor, where she provided emotional support and intervention to individuals experiencing distress and crisis situations.Kristen approaches the therapeutic process with warmth, empathy, and clinical curiosity. She strives to create a safe, collaborative, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. Her clinical interests include trauma, adjustment and life transitions, anxiety, family and relationship concerns, identity development, and resilience-building. Kristen utilizes a strengths-based and person-centered approach to help clients develop insight, strengthen coping skills, and improve overall emotional wellness.Kristen works with children, adolescents, adults, and military families ages 5–65.