MacKenzie Lockhart

My name is MacKenzie, and I’m a proud Texas native from the Panhandle. After earning my Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2012, I began my career in the helping field and later completed my Master’s in Counseling at West Texas A&M University in 2016.

I began by working with teens in foster care and later transitioned to supporting youth involved in the juvenile justice system. I then spent over a decade working in public schools, providing mental health support to students, families, and staff. In addition to my work with teens, I developed a deep appreciation for working with women during my time at a nonprofit counseling agency.

I have also been involved in helping found a local nonprofit organization that provides free counseling services to youth. I currently serve as a board member of the Amarillo Mental Health Professionals group and volunteer with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, including engaging in public policy advocacy at both the state and federal levels.

I’m passionate about empowering others and helping them to heal, grow, and find their voice. My counseling style is eclectic, with a strong foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

At my core, I’m someone who deeply values connection, authenticity, and creating a space where people can just be human. I don’t believe you have to have it all figured out to start therapy. Life can be heavy, confusing, and sometimes isolating—but you don’t have to carry it by yourself. I show up as a real person, offering support and understanding. We’re in this together, and I’m here to help you heal, grow, and walk in VALOR—finding your Voice, embracing your Authenticity, cultivating self Love, Overcoming, and Restoring your strength.

My primary focus during the first session is to begin building a foundation of trust. I don’t expect trust to be immediate (that’s not how we’re naturally wired), but I do aim to create a space where it can start to grow. This includes setting clear expectations around confidentiality, answering any questions about logistics such as policies and scheduling, and exploring what you hope to gain from the therapeutic process.

The first session is also an opportunity for both of us to determine whether we are a good fit. I often compare the process of finding a therapist to choosing a hairstylist or barber—there are many skilled professionals, but what matters most is finding someone who feels like the right fit for you.