

My therapeutic style is very authentic, warm and strength based. I believe that my therapeutic practice is a work of the heart, and I believe in the change and or support that each and everyone of my clients' seeks. I have utilized theoretical perspectives such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy as well as brief treatment therapeutic modalities. I also enjoy utilizing bits of psychoanalytic theory and I'm creative and open based on what is best for each and every client I serve.
My name is Samantha McKenzie and I'm a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP). I specialize in treating OCD, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders. A lot of my clients also struggle with perfectionism, depression, and self-criticism. I help them identify their inner critic and separate themselves from the OCD and eating disorder.
As a dual-licensed counselor in mental health and substance use, I believe caring for our whole body health means prioritizing our psychological and emotional well-being. It's not always easy to ask for help when we need it, so I admire your courage to seek help! I have worked in the mental health field for about 10 years, but for the last few years, I have worked as a licensed counselor supporting adults who experience a range of mental health challenges including trauma and PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician with a Master’s in School Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University. My career has focused on school counseling, outpatient therapy, utilization review management, intensive in home therapy, and Day Treatment clinical work over the past 20 years. I live in Western, NC, enjoy time with my family, am a school counselor during the day, referee soccer for NCHSAA, love playing golf and other sports, and like to cook and occasionally binge watch mystery drama series.
Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck—emotionally exhausted, burdened by anxiety, or repeating the same unhelpful patterns in relationships, work, or self-care. Often, they're high-functioning on the outside but privately carrying a lot of pain, doubt, or confusion. They may be processing trauma, adjusting to a major life change, or working to break free from addiction or longstanding emotional struggles.
What they need is clarity, direction, and a nonjudgmental space to do the work. They’re not looking for surface-level solutions—they want something real. They want to better understand themselves, challenge the beliefs that keep them stuck, and move toward a life that actually feels meaningful.
Their goals vary—some want to build healthier relationships, some want to manage anxiety or heal from trauma, and others just want to feel more grounded and in control. But all of them are looking for growth, relief, and a sense of inner stability.


Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.