Mary Heekin, LCSW
Mary H. Heekin, LCSW works with private practice clients in Denver, CO and is a founding partner of Cognitive Behavior Therapy Associates of Denver. Ms. Heekin has served as Senior Instructor on faculty at the University of Colorado Depression Center within the Department of Psychiatry. As part of her role at UCD, Ms. Heekin has taught Cognitive Behavior Therapy to psychiatry residents and provided co-supervision to residents training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Ms. Heekin has also participated as a member of the Women’s Health Multidisciplinary Collaborative Team. She has served as Adjunct Professor within the School of Social Work at the University of Denver. Responsibilities at DU have also included supervising graduate students in the Professional Psychology Program.
Ms. Heekin specializes in evidence-based practice for a range of mood and anxiety disorders, including depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, insomnia, generalized anxiety, PTSD, perinatal and postpartum depression/anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and self-esteem issues. Ms. Heekin is trained in multiple trauma therapies including EMDR and Prolonged Exposure (PE). She has received expert training in the following treatment models: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
Ms. Heekin integrates both Behavioral Activation (BA) and Mindfulness components into her therapeutic approach with clients. She is an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider and enjoys working with individuals who want to learn more about their ADHD, it’s effect on self-esteem and interpersonal relationships, and skills and strategies for increased executive functioning. In her role as Managing Partner at CBT Denver, Ms. Heekin maintains a clinical caseload, works with senior providers interested in community outreach and speaking engagements,and supervises the development of customized training programs.
Ms. Heekin earned both her undergraduate degree in psychology and her MSW from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. Following her graduate training within the U of M Depression Center, Ms. Heekin spent time working with leading experts in the fields of psychology and psychiatry at the Emory University Depression Center. Through this ongoing association with the national network of Depression Centers, Ms. Heekin’s clinical experience has been grounded in research, care, and community education. During her time in Atlanta, GA, Ms.Heekin contributed to multiple research efforts in the areas of trauma, anxiety,and depression. Much of her work related to cutting edge virtual reality exposure therapy (VRE) for returning combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Ms. Heekin now manages the VRE efforts at CBT Denver. Virtual exposure is offered across multiple diagnosis including fear of heights, fear of driving, claustrophobia, fear of needles, eating disorders, addiction, social anxiety, mindfulness, and fear of public speaking.
Ms. Heekin provides psychotherapy services for adult men and women, ages 18 years and older. Treatment is offered in person and via teletherapy. Within her practice, Ms. Heekin works with clients to set and achieve goals, enhance effective coping skills, manage stress, create and nurture positive relationships, and regulate mood and anxiety symptoms. She uses a direct approach that incorporates both humor and compassion and strives to help individuals understand longstanding patterns that interfere with living a valued life.
License #4950, active in the state of Colorado.
Select Publications:
Gerardi, M., Rothbaum, B.O., Ressler, K., Heekin, M., Rizzo, A. (2008). Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Using a Virtual Iraq: Case Report. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 21, 209-213.
Rothbaum, B.O., Houry, D., Gerardi, M., Heekin, M., Leiner, A.S., Daugherty, J., & Smith, S. (2008). A Pilot Study of an Exposure-Based Intervention in the Emergency Department Designed to Prevent PTSD. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 26. 326-330.
Rothbaum, B.O., Killeen, T., Davidson, R.T., Brady, K., Connor, K.M., Heekin, M. (2008). Placebo-controlled trial of risperidone augmentation for SSRI-resistant civilian post traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69, 520-525.
Keuthen, N.J., Rothbaum, B.O., Welch, S.S., Taylor, C., Falkenstein, M., Heekin, M., et al. (2010). Pilot trial of dialectical behavior therapy-enhanced habit reversal for trichotillomania. Depression and Anxiety, 0, 1-7.
Contact Mary: mary.heekin@cbtdenver.com