Emily Hemendinger, MPH, LCSW

Assistant Professor, Psychiatry


FacultyPhoto
Graduate Schools
  • MSW, University of Pittsburgh (2015)
  • MPH, University of Pittsburgh (2015)
Languages
English
Department
Psychiatry

Professional Titles

  • Clinical Director of the OCD Program

Publications

  • Kennis, M.R., Hale, E.W., Hemendinger, E. Davis, R., Taylor, M., & Klepitskaya, O. (2023). “Suicidal behavior in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease: A retrospective case control study.” Journal of Parkinson’s Disease 2023 Mar 4. doi: 10.3233/JPD-225049. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36911947.
  • Hemendinger, E. (2023). “Bleary eyes: A therapist of the 2020s.” The Human Touch, 16, p. 29. https://indd.adobe.com/view/4959c3a8-0938-464d-8d05-6f98dba045ee
  • Hemendinger, E. (2023). “Mounting research documents the harmful effects of social media use on mental health including body image and development of eating disorders.” The Conversation, Published online June 7 2023, https://theconversation.com/mounting-research-documents-the-harmful-effects-of-social-media-use-on-mental-health-including-body-image-and-development-of-eating-disorders-206170
  • Hemendinger, E. (2023). “How to re-engage in the sport you did compulsively, without really trying.” The Lancet-Psychiatry, Full Journal 10(7), p. 488-489. Published July 1, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00116-5
  • Hemendinger, E. (2023). “The zoom effect and the possible link between videochatting and appearance dissatisfaction.” The Conversation, Published online October 5, 2023, https://theconversation.com/the-zoom-effect-and-the-possible-link-between-videochatting-and-appearance-dissatisfaction-209798
  • Hemendinger, E. & Kelley L. “Can chatGPT and Tik Tok fads hurt people struggling with eating disorders.” CU Anschutz Today. Published online on February 28, 2023. Website: https://news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories/can-chatgpt-and-tiktok-fads-hurt-people-struggling-with-eating-disorders
  • Ries, J. Hemendinger, E. Featured on Huffington Post website. “Why people are freaking out so much about the Taylor Swift breakup.” Published online April 11 2023: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/taylor-swift-joe-alwyn-breakup_l_64359f15e4b0a9d64e7a8d90
  • Doria, M. & Hemendinger, E. “Everyday Mindfulness.” Past the Pandemic/ECHO Colorado. Published online in May 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJN9Qm_b4Ko
  • Miller, L. Hemendinger, E. Featured in Trail Runner magazine online. “The connection between heart rate variability and mental health.” Published online May 11 2023: https://www.trailrunnermag.com/people/culture-people/heart-rate-variability-and-mental-health/
  • Hastings, M (2023). Hemendinger E Featured expert in CU Anschutz Today interview “As Denver Nuggets capture history expert reveals a way to better fandom next year.” Published online June 13 2023, https://news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories/as-denver-nuggets-capture-history-expert-reveals-a-way-to-better-fandom-next-year
  • Watson, J (2023). Hemendinger E Featured expert in TechRadar story, “Is social media good for mental health? Young people think it is.” Published online June 26, 2023, https://www.techradar.com/computing/websites-apps/is-social-media-good-for-mental-health-young-people-think-it-is
  • Hastings, M (2023). Hemendinger E Featured expert in CU Anschutz Today interview “What is therapy speak and how can it be used correctly.” Published online July 7, 2023: https://news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories/what-is-therapy-speak-and-how-can-it-be-used-correctly
  • Hasting, M (2023). Hemendinger E Featured expert in CU Anschutz Today “A healthier climb to the top: Treating eating disorders in sports.” Published online on July 31, 2023. https://news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories/a-healthier-climb-to-the-top-treating-eating-disorders-in-sports
  • Kelley, L (2023). Hemendinger E Featured expert in CU Anschutz Today “How reliable is technology at tracking health and fitness.” Published online on September 11, 2023. https://news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories/how-reliable-is-technology-at-tracking-health-and-fitness
  • Hastings, M (2023). Hemendinger E Featured expert in CU Anschutz Today “TikTok and mental health: How do you decipher accurate information?” Published online on September 19, 2023. https://news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories/tiktok-and-mental-health-how-do-you-decipher-accurate-information
  • Hemendinger, E. (2023). “Zoom time may be linked to discontent with one’s own appearance.” Re-published by The Scientific American, online October 9, 2023, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/zoom-time-may-be-linked-to-discontent-with-ones-own-appearance/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=rasa_io&utm_campaign=newsletter
  • McKinnon, K. (2023, October 20). The ‘Zoom effect’ and the connection between video calls and appearance dissatisfaction: Expert Interview with Emily Hemendinger [Radio broadcast, Delaware Public Radio]. https://www.delawarepublic.org/show/the-green/2023-10-20/the-zoom-effect-and-the-connection-between-video-calls-and-appearance-dissatisfaction
  • Ries, J. Hemendinger, E. Featured on Huffington Post website: “The 1 unexpected health benefit of playing pickleball.” Published online October 24 2023: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pickleball-mental-health-benefit_l_6536af5ee4b011a9cf7a97ba .
  • Richard, J. Hemendinger, E. Featured in Toronto Sun article about appearance dissatisfaction: “Zooming in on body dissatisfaction.” Published online November 15, 2023: https://epaper.torontosun.com/article/282342569569140
  • Richard, J. Hemendinger, E. Featured in Toronto Sun article about body image: “Boost body comfort.” Published online November 15, 2023: https://epaper.torontosun.com/article/282355454471028

Professional Memberships

  • International OCD Foundation, member
  • American Public Health Association, member and committee member
  • National Association of Social Workers, member

Practice Locations

CU Medicine Psychiatry - Outpatient Clinic
1890 N Revere Ct
Anschutz Health Sciences Bldg, Suite 4020
Aurora, CO 80045
303-724-1000

Hospital Affiliation
  • University of Colorado Hospital

Specialty Information

Specialties
  • Psychology
  • Clinical Social Worker
  • License Clinical Social Worker, License (2017)
  • Certification in Public Health, Board Certification (2015)
  • License in Social Work, License (2015)
  • Approved Clinical Supervisor, Board Certification (2022)
Conditions & Treatments
  • Mental Health and Behavior
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Anxiety
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Depression
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Eating Disorders
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Panic Disorder
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Phobias
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Stress
  • Stress Management
  • Wellness and Prevention
Clinical Interests
My many clinical interests include treating obsessive compulsive disorder/obsessive compulsive personality disorder/obsessive compulsive traits, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, family systems and dynamics, health and wellness, and resiliency building/stress management. My therapeutic approach is mixed, focusing on the mind-body connection, building coping skills and life skills, providing support, and promoting overall well-being.

Care Philosophy
I believe in treating each client as a whole human being, focusing on both mental and physical health. My therapeutic style is eclectic, incorporating, ACT, CBT, DBT, ERP, EFFT, SE, CPT, IFS and more into my practice. As a clinician, it's important for me to show up authentically as an empathetic, even-tempered, driven person, who loves to laugh. By showing my authentic self, I feel it promotes self-acceptance in my clients. I strive to meet my clients where they are at and to give the best care that I can provide.

Personal Interests
The top of a mountain is my happy place, particularly the top of one of Colorado's 14ers. In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my dog (whose name is Harrison Ford), hiking, snowshoeing, finding new ice cream spots in Denver, watching The Office, skiing, and dancing.

Volunteer Activities
I am passionate about advocacy and prevention of eating disorders and other mental health issues. I work with a number of organizations and groups on reducing mental health stigma. I have also worked with the National Eating Disorders Association in planning national conferences, participating in walks and panels, and working as a helpline volunteer. I volunteer with the local chapter of the International OCD Foundation. Outside of mental health, I am dedicated to wilderness conservation. Each summer, I volunteer as a Peak Steward for the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, educating hikers on nature conservation, Leave No Trace, and how to recreate safely in the wilderness.

Public Speaking
Yes
I have presented in a variety of settings and conferences on OCD, cognitive flexibility, perfectionism, eating disorders, body Image, bullying prevention, mental health and public health.