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. & Suleta, K. (2024). “Dietary supplements and protein powders fall under a ‘wild west’ of unregulated products that necessitate caveats and caution.” The Conversation. Published online on February 6, 2024: https://theconversation.com/dietary-supplements-and-protein-powders-fall-under-a-wild-west-of-unregulated-products-that-necessitate-caveats-and-caution-220536
  • Suleta, K. & Hemendinger, E. (2024). “Fitspiration, pseudo-healthcare professions, and the first amendment.” Skeptical Inquirer, 48(2), March/April edition (paper and digital print). Published online on February 23, 2024: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2024/02/fitspiration-pseudo-healthcare-professions-and-the-first-amendment/
  • Hemendinger, E. “Pets are great, but they can bring stress and tradeoffs.” The Washington Post. Published online on May 20, 2024: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/05/20/stress-dog-cat-pet-owners/
  • Hemendinger, E. (2024). “Pets give companionship, cuddles and joy –and also unavoidable stresses.” The Conversation. Published online on May 22, 2024: https://theconversation.com/pets-give-companionship-cuddles-and-joy-and-also-unavoidable-stresses-227112
  • Hemendinger, E. (2024). “Surgeon general’s call for warning labels on social media underscores concerns for teen mental health.” The Conversation. Published online on June 21, 2024: https://theconversation.com/surgeon-generals-call-for-warning-labels-on-social-media-underscores-concerns-for-teen-mental-health-232809
  • Hemendinger, E. (2024). “Is coaching a shortcut to mental health care: Not so fast here are key differences.” The Conversation. Published online on August 30, 2024: https://theconversation.com/is-coaching-a-shortcut-to-mental-health-care-not-so-fast-here-are-key-differences-234350
  • Hemendinger (2023). “CU OCD and Anxiety Intensive Outpatient Program” curriculum, modules 1-8, 12-week programming.
  • Hemendinger, E. & Sinsko, K. (2024). Affordable specialized mental healthcare. In D.G. Friedman-Wheeler & A. Wenzel (Eds.), The Sage Encyclopedia of Mood and Anxiety Disorders (pages 35-39, volume 1). Sage Publications, Inc.
  • 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. & Sinsko, K. (2024). Executive dysfunction. In D.G. Friedman-Wheeler & A. Wenzel (Eds.), The Sage Encyclopedia of Mood and Anxiety Disorders (pages 508-513, volume 1). Sage Publications, Inc.
  • Hemendinger, E. & Sinsko, K. (2024). Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders: Biological factors. In D.G. Friedman-Wheeler & A. Wenzel (Eds.), The Sage Encyclopedia of Mood and Anxiety Disorders (pages 859-864, volume 2). Sage Publications, Inc.
  • Hemendinger, E. (2024). Stigma. In D.G. Friedman-Wheeler & A. Wenzel (Eds.), The Sage Encyclopedia of Mood and Anxiety Disorders (pages 1200-1207, volume 3). Sage Publications, Inc.
  • Doria, M. & Hemendinger, E. “Everyday Mindfulness.” Past the Pandemic/ECHO Colorado. Published online in May 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJN9Qm_b4Ko

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.