Biography:
McKenzie, M.S., M.A., is currently in the final year of her doctorate (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology. She holds dual master’s degrees in Forensic and Clinical Psychology. McKenzie grew up in Southern California and has always appreciated the sense of community, connection, and beachy sunshine that shaped her early years.
McKenzie’s approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in evidence-based care. She has training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, trauma-informed care, and various holistic approaches to mental health, as she strives to build practical skills while also understanding the deeper context of her client’s experiences. McKenzie values creating a space where her clients feel heard, respected, valued, and empowered to flourish. She believes therapy works best when it combines clinical expertise with genuine, authentic human connection (and a little humor along the way).
Professional areas of Interest:
McKenzie has a strong clinical interest in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, substance use concerns, and the unique mental health challenges faced by veterans. She’s also passionate about supporting couples and families, as well as working with sports and performance psychology. McKenzie enjoys helping clients understand the intertwined connections between their experiences, behaviors, and personal goals while supporting them in developing practical skills for meaningful change.
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
Hobbies: (What I do for fun)
Outside of her clinical work, McKenzie enjoys baking, finding new recipes to try, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. She also shares her home with her two cats, Kiwi and Bowie, who keep things lively and are convinced they’re the real ones in charge.
Why did you choose to do your internship at CVCH?
McKenzie was drawn to CVCH because of its dedication to providing accessible, high-quality care within a community-centered setting. McKenzie values environments that emphasize warm and welcoming integrated care while serving diverse, underserved populations. Training in a setting like CVCH closely reflects both McKenzie’s clinical passions and the type of thoughtful, community-focused psychologist she aspires to become.