Mackenzie L. Hughes, PhD
- Pediatric Psychology

Pediatric Psychologist
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
Phone:
832-822-3700
Languages: English
Departments:
Pediatric Psychology
Office location:
Texas Medical Center
6701 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77030
Get to know Mackenzie L. Hughes, PhD
Dr. Hughes is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and young adults who have experienced trauma. At Texas Children's Hospital, Dr. Hughes provides patient care through the TCH Foster Care Clinic.
She provides evidence-based interventions including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to children and adolescents with complex psychosocial needs. Common treatment targets include adjustment to foster care, trauma-related symptoms, disruptive behaviors, problematic sexual behaviors, anxiety, depression and transitioning from foster care to adult care. Dr. Hughes is certified in TF-CBT and an internal agency supervisor for TF-CBT.
Dr. Hughes is a frequent presenter at national and regional conferences, addressing topics such as vicarious trauma, trauma-informed care and the psychosocial needs of children in foster care. She also leads a comprehensive vicarious trauma skills program for medical professionals, aimed at enhancing resilience and improving patient care. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Hughes is an active contributor to health and science policy, advocating for trauma-informed care practices and the unique needs of youth in foster care at both state and regional levels.
Personal Statement
I am deeply committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to children, adolescents, and young adults who have experienced trauma. My philosophy of care is rooted in the belief that each patient’s journey is unique, and it is my role to create a safe and supportive environment where they can heal and thrive. I strive to approach each case with empathy, understanding, and a dedication to finding the most effective treatment.
I believe in the power of collaboration, not only with my patients and their families but also with the broader care team, to ensure that all aspects of a child’s well-being are addressed. My goal is to help my patients build resilience, manage their trauma-related symptoms and navigate the complexities of their experiences, particularly those related to foster care and transitioning to adulthood.
Clinical Interests
Trauma-related symptom, PTSD, psychosocial needs of children in foster care, youth problematic sexual behaviors, multidisciplinary care for trauma-exposed youth, trauma-informed care in pediatric settings
Education
School | Education | Degree | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Children's Medical Center | Fellowship | Clinical Child Psychology | 2021 |
University of California Davis Children’s Hospital | Internship | Doctoral Internship | 2020 |
Texas Tech University | PhD | Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Pscyhology | 2020 |
Texas Tech University | Masters | Master of Arts in Psychology | 2016 |
Texas Tech University | Bachelors | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | 2012 |
Honors and awards
- 2024
-
Outstanding Consultant, Psychology Division, Pediatrics Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital
- 2024
-
Recognition for Outstanding Didactic/Educational Oration (RODEO), Psychology Division, Pediatrics Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital
* Texas Children’s Hospital physicians’ licenses and credentials are reviewed prior to practicing at any of our facilities. Sections titled From the Doctor, Professional Organizations and Publications were provided by the physician’s office and were not verified by Texas Children’s Hospital.
Research interests
Evidence based interventions for trauma-related symptoms and foster care, multidisciplinary care for youth in foster care, interventions for vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue in medical professionals