Emily Hemendinger, MPH, LCSW

Assistant Professor, Psychiatry

Faculty Photo
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

  • 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, 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. & 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.
  • Hemendinger (2023). “CU OCD and Anxiety Intensive Outpatient Program” curriculum, modules 1-8, 12-week programming.
  • 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
  • Doria, M. & Hemendinger, E. “Everyday Mindfulness.” Past the Pandemic/ECHO Colorado. Published online in May 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJN9Qm_b4Ko
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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.

School of Medicine

CU Anschutz

Fitzsimons Building

13001 East 17th Place

Campus Box C290

Aurora, CO 80045


303.724.5375