Emily BeDen, LCSW

I’m Emily, a Licensed Master Social Worker with experience supporting teens, adults, veterans, and neurodiverse individuals through trauma, mood disorders, and life transitions. I offer a compassionate, collaborative, and judgment-free space where you are empowered to explore your unique path to healing and growth. Together, we’ll work with evidence-based tools tailored to your needs and goals.

Hi, I’m Emily, an individual mental health therapist and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) under the state of Alabama. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Middle Tennessee State University. My clinical experience has given me the opportunity to work with people across a wide range of ages, diagnoses, and life experiences—and I consider it a privilege to support others as they navigate challenges, heal, and grow.

My professional background includes individual and group therapy with individuals living with serious mental illness, as well as work in foster care case management and forensic social work. I’ve supported clients through court-ordered treatment, and I understand the complexities that can come with systems involvement. These experiences have shaped my therapeutic style to be nonjudgmental, trauma-informed, and deeply person-centered. Whether you’re navigating the effects of trauma, dealing with long-term mental health concerns, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life, I aim to meet you where you are with compassion and curiosity.

I frequently work with clients experiencing Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Mood Disorders, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I take a flexible, individualized approach to treatment, drawing from a variety of evidence-based modalities to support each client’s specific needs. My clinical tools include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychoeducation, and general psychotherapy. I integrate these approaches in a way that encourages not only symptom management but also long-term personal growth, emotional awareness, and the development of sustainable coping strategies.

My practice is neurodiversity-affirming, meaning I view neurodivergence—including ADHD, autism, and other cognitive variations—not as something to "fix," but as an important and valuable part of a person’s identity. I work with clients to help them better understand themselves and thrive in a world that often isn’t designed for them. I strive to create a validating space where your unique ways of thinking, feeling, and interacting with the world are not just accepted—but respected and celebrated.

In addition to my work with teens and adults, I also work with veterans, offering support for issues such as trauma, transition to civilian life, and chronic mental health challenges. I honor the resilience that veterans carry and provide a space where they can safely process their experiences, build coping tools, and reconnect with their values and goals.

In therapy, I strive to create a collaborative, honest, and supportive space where you feel empowered to be yourself—fully and without fear of judgment. I understand how difficult it can be to seek help, and I aim to make the process as approachable and human as possible. My sessions are built on mutual respect, authenticity, and the belief that growth happens when we’re met with both compassion and accountability.

I currently offer both in-person and telehealth sessions to ensure therapy is accessible and adaptable to your life. Whether you’re looking to build emotional insight, navigate complex life transitions, heal from past trauma, or simply feel more like yourself again, I’m here to help you explore what healing looks like on your terms.

I work under the supervision of Michaela Nolin, LICSW-S, and am committed to ongoing learning, growth, and ethical practice in the field of mental health. I believe that good therapy is built not just on clinical knowledge, but on connection, trust, and a genuine commitment to your well-being.

If you're ready to take the next step, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.