The stigma associated with mental illness is one of the biggest barriers presenting to mental health providers. The brain is just as susceptible as any organ is to illness, and there should be no shame in receiving treatment. It takes a courageous person to seek help and take the first steps in making a change. It is my pledge to provide unbiased care with the compassion and respect you deserve.

Emily Pecaitis, MS PMHNP-BC

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther
King, Jr.

My journey in becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner dates back to my childhood when I first noted I had a high sense of awareness of events and others’ feelings around me. I always knew I wanted to work in a profession where I could help others, and the nursing field has fulfilled that goal. Upon entry into the nursing field in 2006, I carried an Associates Degree in Nursing. Over the years I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing
from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, followed by Master of Science in Nursing from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri.

My background in nursing is emergency medicine, as I spent a decade working in the Shock Trauma Resuscitation Department at Regional One and seven years working as a Critical Care Flight Nurse for Air Evac Lifeteam. While working in emergency medicine I observed the need of emotional and psychological support not only for my patients, but for families, health care
providers, and emergency services personnel. My unique past experiences and adversities serve as a foundation and motivation for my devotion for working in mental health.

Over the past fifteen years I have provided care for a diverse population. It is my goal to relate to each of my clients on some level despite different beliefs, experiences, and needs. I currently treat children and adults in the outpatient setting. My treatment method is a partnership and multifaceted approach towards patient-centered care. With the support from the collaborative
treatment team at Blues City Psychiatry, my desire is to provide client specific care, as each individual is unique.

To my patient—The stigma associated with mental illness is one of the biggest barriers presenting to mental health providers. The brain is just as susceptible as any organ is to illness, and there should be no shame in receiving treatment. It takes a courageous person to seek help and take the first steps in making a change. It is my pledge to provide unbiased care with the compassion and respect you deserve.