Marissa Dembek, PA-C
Marissa Dembek, PA-C is a nationally board-certified Physician Assistant at Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists (PNS), where she provides comprehensive care in psychiatry with a focus on holistic patient wellbeing. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language from UCLA, gaining valuable experience in clinical research across both pulmonary and psychiatry departments. Her journey into medicine was inspired by the physical and mental demands of the ballet world, where she developed a deep appreciation for the mind-body connection and the importance of emotional expression.
Following her undergraduate studies, Marissa relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wingate University with a Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies. This accomplishment solidified her path in the psychiatric field and laid the foundation for her career as a healthcare provider dedicated to compassionate, patient-centered care.
At PNS, Marissa emphasizes a gentle and nurturing approach, recognizing that not all wounds are visible. She integrates holistic strategies into her practice, offering patients guidance on mindfulness, gratitude practice, nutritional psychiatry, exercise as medicine, and natural supplementation, alongside conventional diagnostics and pharmaceutical management. Her approach ensures that physical, mental, and emotional health are treated as interconnected aspects of overall wellbeing.
In addition to her clinical practice, Marissa has leveraged her Spanish language skills to serve diverse populations, volunteering at homeless shelters and community clinics for underserved communities both locally and internationally. Her ability to communicate effectively across cultures allows her to provide inclusive care and foster trust with patients from a wide range of backgrounds.
Outside of her professional life, Marissa enjoys hiking, kayaking, attending yoga classes, and exploring new restaurants with friends and her partner. She also cherishes quiet weekends at home with her cat, Nocciola, often accompanied by a long Stephen King novel. Her personal and professional experiences reflect a commitment to service, lifelong learning, and the promotion of holistic health for all.
• Wingate University – Master of Physician Assistant Studies
• UCLA – Bachelor of Arts, Spanish Language
• PA-C
• Volunteer work in homeless shelters and community clinics for underserved communities (domestic and abroad)
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Holistic mental health care
- Mindfulness and gratitude practices
- Nutritional psychiatry
- Exercise as medicine
- Psychiatric diagnostics and pharmaceutical management
- Community health and underserved populations
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
I enjoy providing compassionate and comprehensive care to my patients, helping them achieve both mental and physical wellbeing. Knowing that I can make a positive impact on their lives is what I find most rewarding about my work.