Krista Hein

Professional Biography

Krista Hein, Ph.D., LMFT is a Lecturer and the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS). She earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Virginia Tech. Her dissertation explored the differential impacts of family and romantic relationships on health outcomes for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. Dr. Hein received her master's degree from East Carolina University in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Hein teaches courses on human development, family systems, and family life education. She also provides supervision to students completing internships in the HDFS program. 

In addition to teaching, Dr. Hein has clinical experience in integrated care settings, where she worked with the medical care team to support patients in family medicine, endocrinology, and homeless day-centers. In addition, Dr. Hein has also worked in more traditional therapeutic environments and has a particular interest in couples’ therapy and trauma-informed care. Her clinical approach draws from emotionally focused therapy, eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Bowenian, and narrative approaches. Dr. Hein is an AAMFT supervisory candidate and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Tennessee.