Mackenzie Burns, MS, LPC-MH-Supervisor

I grew up in Northwest Iowa, near the Iowa Great Lakes until moving to Cedar Falls, IA for college. I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa in 2014. Life then brought me to Mankato, MN where I attended Minnesota State University and obtained my Master’s of Science in Counseling and Student Personnel: Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2017. I have worked in community mental health for the last 6 years and have had the opportunity to provide services in-home, outpatient, and through the School-Linked Mental Health program at an alternative high school. In my time at the alternative high school, I helped to grow the School-linked Mental Health program to provide on-site services to students struggling with emotional and behavioral concerns that are getting in the way of their academic abilities.

I have experience working with children and adults with a special focus on the adolescent population. I work with clients utilizing a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, client-centered and strengths based techniques. Having received specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), I am passionate about working with children and families who have experienced traumatic events, or anything outside one’s ability to cope. Our experiences shape our thoughts, feelings and behaviors and having someone help navigate those experiences is crucial in how we cope with life’s stressors. I’ve seen first hand the impact that having support through life’s most trying times can have on our emotional and physical health and I look forward to teaching and providing the skills necessary to navigate life’s journey. In my practice I also see clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, and those navigating intersectional identities. In addition to my clinical practice, I am a passionate member of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion workgroups and look forward to bringing that same passion to South Dakota. When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my sassy senior Yorkie, Rosie, spending time with family, and reading a great book.