Kristina Aran LMHC, NCC

Kristina Aran, is a licensed psychotherapist, founder, and clinical director of Evolve Integrative Psychotherapy, a growing group practice dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families create meaningful and lasting change. With more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field, Kristina specializes in trauma, relationship concerns, couples therapy, betrayal trauma, anxiety, and personal growth. Her integrative and holistic approach reflects her belief that effective therapy begins with understanding the whole person—their experiences, relationships, environment, and individual strengths. An empath by nature, Kristina was drawn to psychology and neuropsychology early in her life, ultimately earning a B.A. in Psychology from Queens College and an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. She is a Certified Trauma Professional and Certified Integrative Sex Therapist, among other professional certifications, and is affiliated with leading professional organizations in the counseling and psychology fields.

Kristina’s professional journey has been shaped by a commitment to advocacy, education, and serving diverse communities. While pursuing her graduate education, she began her career as a case manager working with individuals living with HIV, an experience that deepened her understanding of resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of compassionate mental health support. She later worked in higher education, supporting neurodivergent and disabled students and developing expertise in disability advocacy, diversity, equity, and inclusion. These experiences continue to inform her clinical philosophy and broader professional mission. In addition to her work as a therapist and educator, Kristina is a published author who self-published her debut poetry collection, Words As Weapons. She is currently developing a second book that draws on her professional experiences and explores the intersections of education, mental health, trauma, and personal growth.

Beyond psychotherapy, Kristina is an entrepreneur and visionary committed to expanding access to supportive spaces and innovative resources for mental health professionals. In addition to growing Evolve Integrative Psychotherapy, she is building Evolve Ventures JC, an entrepreneurial venture in New Jersey that includes plans for a specialized coworking environment designed with psychotherapists and other mental health professionals in mind. She is also in the early stages of developing an app and hopes her entrepreneurial journey will inspire her children to pursue their own ideas and innovations. A member of the Forbes Business Council and an advocate for disability rights, DEI, mental health, and workforce development, Kristina is equally passionate about giving back to her community. She contributes annually to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and hopes to establish a nonprofit organization supporting young professionals pursuing careers in mental health. Through her clinical practice, writing, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, Kristina continues to build a career centered on healing, empowerment, creativity, and creating opportunities for others to evolve.