I look at the person as a whole, listening and gathering information before making a diagnosis. I consider all aspects of the person, including the mind-body connection, as a treatment approach to health and wellbeing.
Dr. Johnson-Dechow grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. It was during college that her love for rural living developed.
"I fell in love with Galesburg during college, and we returned to raise our family in 2001," Dr. Johnson-Dechow said. "I chose psychiatry as my specialty during my third year of medical school. As a psychiatrist, you have the unique opportunity to improve the mental health of your patients and improve their quality of life."
Understanding all aspects of a person's life is her key to successful treatment.
"I have always wanted to be a physician. I am a caregiver by nature. I believe compassion, active listening and empathy contribute to my skills as a psychiatrist," Dr. Johnson-Dechow said. "I see people in a relaxed office setting that fosters open communication and take a holistic approach to patient care to assess health and wellbeing."
She has three children and enjoys cooking, exercising, reading and spending time with family and friends.
