Dr. Mackenzie Jessen (she/her) grew up in Wyoming and attended George Washington University on a running scholarship. After graduation she worked in various organizations and fields, including teaching English to professionals in Spain and to students in South Korea.

Mackenzie’s interest in psychology grew out of her curiosity about people and her exposure to different cultures. During the 10 years that she lived and worked in New York City, she began her psychology studies and research experience at Columbia University before transferring to City College to complete her master’s degree. At City College, she had the opportunity to provide counseling to first and second-generation immigrant students from around the world.

As part of her doctoral training in counseling psychology at the University of Denver, Mackenzie continued her work with students in public and private universities, as well as at a community mental health center specializing in services for refugees and immigrants. Additionally, Mackenzie’s pre-doctoral internship included specialized training working with transgender and gender expansive clients.

Across settings, Mackenzie is interested in the ways in which environment, cultural identities, and underlying social systems shape our experiences. Mackenzie seeks to learn more about her clients’ intersectional contexts and believes that profound change can occur through mutually empathic and empowering relationships.

Mackenzie’s interests include identity exploration, existential issues, cultural homelessness, intergenerational conflict, family of origin issues, and grief, as well as working with LGBTQ+, first-gen and non-traditional students. She is a licensed psychologist in Washington, D.C. and Colorado.