About Us
WE’RE UNIQUE.
Who we are
We are family-founded, family-led, and family remains at the heart of everything we do. Every Step Forward begins with the belief that healing is deeply personal and that no one should have to walk that journey alone.
At Karla Smith Behavioral Health, we understand that mental health challenges can affect far more than one individual. They impact relationships, routines, confidence, and the people who love and support us. That’s why our care extends beyond treating symptoms. We work alongside the entire family unit, helping rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and create lasting change together. When we include those who support us in the healing process, our long-term outlooks improve significantly, and we have the data to prove it.
It is our passion to help families navigate and learn from the process of supporting a person with mental health conditions and to help those who live with mental illnesses find stability, purpose, and true joy in life. Today, our mission continues at The Farm, our therapeutic wellness campus where evidence-based care, experiential therapies, and a peaceful environment come together to support healing in meaningful ways. Whether someone is taking their very first step or continuing a lifelong journey, we’re committed to walking beside them with compassion, expertise, and above all, hope.
Who we are
We are family-founded, family-led, and family remains at the heart of everything we do. Every Step Forward begins with the belief that healing is deeply personal and that no one should have to walk that journey alone.
At Karla Smith Behavioral Health, we understand that mental health challenges can affect far more than one individual. They impact relationships, routines, confidence, and the people who love and support us. That’s why our care extends beyond treating symptoms. We work alongside the entire family unit, helping rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and create lasting change together. When we include those who support us in the healing process, our long-term outlooks improve significantly, and we have the data to prove it.
It is our passion to help families navigate and learn from the process of supporting a person with mental health conditions and to help those who live with mental illnesses find stability, purpose, and true joy in life. Today, our mission continues at The Farm, our therapeutic wellness campus where evidence-based care, experiential therapies, and a peaceful environment come together to support healing in meaningful ways. Whether someone is taking their very first step or continuing a lifelong journey, we’re committed to walking beside them with compassion, expertise, and above all, hope.
OUR MISSION is to empower individuals and families to overcome mental and behavioral health challenges through an integrated therapeutic model supporting the clinical, emotional, educational, and spiritual journey into lifelong recovery and independent living, because we believe that Every Step Forward, no matter how small, has the power to create meaningful and lasting change.
Karla Smith
Our Roots
Karla Smith Foundation, now Karla Smith Behavioral Health, was founded in 2005 in memory of Karla Smith, daughter of Tom and Fran Smith, and twin sister of Kevin Smith. At age 19, in the second semester of her sophomore year in college, Karla fell into her first major depression. Two years later, she was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The Smith family struggled to learn about the illness and cope with it. After seven years of ups and downs, periods of stability and instability, Karla ended her physical life on Earth, dying by suicide on January 13, 2003, at the age of 26.
Founded only two years following Karla’s death, Karla Smith Behavioral Health has been helping people with mental health conditions and their families find and embrace a path into recovery. It’s through Karla’s openness about her mental illness and the Smith’s openness about sharing her story that Karla Smith Behavioral Health connects with so many others facing the challenges of mental illness. Karla’s spirit remains the soul of KSBH. In her memory, we continue to offer supportive services for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and continue to provide community education for suicide prevention. We believe that the best prevention of suicide is skilled and compassionate treatment. Our mission today reflects that intention.
Meet our Leadership Team
Emily Smith | Executive Director
I know what it’s like to live with a mental health condition and to support family members who struggle with them. I empathize with your frustration, confusion and fear. I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a phone call from a loved one that terrifies you, to wander aimlessly through a hospital wondering if anyone will ever be able to help, and to make call after call searching for answers. I relate to the fear and anxiety about getting the help you need.
The good news – You can breathe easy now. We at KSBH are here to help you take that next step. Whatever concerns you have, we will listen. Whatever fears are stopping you, we’ll walk you through them. Whatever resources you need, we will find them, connect you and support you for as long as you need us.
You are not alone. No matter what your circumstance, I am making a personal promise to you that we will help. Let us help you discover a path of promise and hope.
Your journey STARTS HERE. Give us a call. The KSBH Team cannot wait to meet you.
Katie Rybak, MD | Medical Director
Meet our Medical Director, Dr. Katie Rybak. Dr. Rybak is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She completed her undergraduate education at the Southern Illinois School of Medicine and her post graduate education at Loyola University. During her Internal Medicine Residency, Dr. Rybak worked at the Hines VA in Chicago where she frequently treated patients in need of psychiatric and/or substance use services.
As a hospitalist and Emergency Room physician, Dr. Rybak has become skilled at responding to and treating patients with acute symptoms of overdose, withdrawal, suicidal ideation, and other acute mental health conditions. Dr. Rybak also has Medical Director experience, having managed two skilled nursing facilities where she oversaw the care of over 200 patients. In this role, Dr. Rybak facilitated psychiatric services for patients experiencing bipolar and/or substance use disorders among other mental health conditions. Dr. Rybak advises and oversees the clinical processes at KSBH.
Katie Rybak, MD | Medical Director
Meet our Medical Director, Dr. Katie Rybak. Dr. Rybak is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She completed her undergraduate education at the Southern Illinois School of Medicine and her post graduate education at Loyola University. During her Internal Medicine Residency, Dr. Rybak worked at the Hines VA in Chicago where she frequently treated patients in need of psychiatric and/or substance use services.
As a hospitalist and Emergency Room physician, Dr. Rybak has become skilled at responding to and treating patients with acute symptoms of overdose, withdrawal, suicidal ideation, and other acute mental health conditions. Dr. Rybak also has Medical Director experience, having managed two skilled nursing facilities where she oversaw the care of over 200 patients. In this role, Dr. Rybak facilitated psychiatric services for patients experiencing bipolar and/or substance use disorders among other mental health conditions. Dr. Rybak advises and oversees the clinical processes at KSBH.
Our expert Therapists
Lindsay Serrano
Clinical Director | LCPC
Gail Willden
MA | LPC | PhD Student
Craig Tompkins
Therapist | LPC
Madisyn Webster
Therapist | LSW
Lindsay Serrano | Clinical Director, LCPC
Craig Tompkins | Therapist, LPC
Hi! I’m Craig. I’m naturally energetic, empathetic, and compassionate and my clients tell me that they connect with me effortlessly. I love counseling because I feel so much joy when I get to know new people and then see them grow. I am glad you have found KSBH, and I look forward to connecting with you and being a part of the team that helps you achieve your mental health goals. My approach to therapy is simple and evidence-based; I get to know you (the real you) and who you want to be, and then we get to work. I will do my best to provide you with effective counseling, resources, tools, and connections for your next step forward. Throughout our therapeutic relationship, my priority is to ensure that you always feel informed and confident about what we are doing. I want to make therapy a place where you feel peace, confidence, and excitement. Outside of work, I really enjoy exercising, playing games, and spending time with people (and cats) that I love.
Madisyn Webster | Therapist, LSW
Hi! My name is Madisyn Webster and I am a therapist here at KSBH. I’m a Licensed Social Worker and I hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I have experience working with justice impacted youth and have seen the struggles families go through firsthand. I am extremely passionate about supporting clients towards achieving fulfilling, autonomous lives. I firmly believe it is always possible to cultivate a life worth living.
Specialties & Expertise:
- Approaches: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Strengths-Based Therapy, Multicultural & Social Justice Counseling
- Focus Areas: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, DID, Eating Disorders, Grief & Loss
- Clientele: Adolescents and Adults (Ages 15–90)
“Healing is not one-size-fits-all. My goal is to meet you where you are, honoring your unique story and strengths every step of the way.”
Gail Willden | MA | LPC | PhD Student
Certified Multicultural & Social Justice Counselor
Gail Willden brings a compassionate, strengths-based approach to therapy, dedicated to helping individuals aged 15 to 90 navigate life’s challenges. With a strong background in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Gail empowers her clients through practical skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. She also uses elements of narrative therapy (NT) and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) to help clients reframe their experiences and tackle issues from a solution-focused perspective.
A passionate researcher, Gail takes pride in tailoring and adapting therapeutic techniques to fit each client’s unique background, lived experience, and goals. She has extensive experience working alongside marginalized individuals and supporting clients through a wide spectrum of mental health needs—including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), and eating disorders.
After a fulfilling career as a school counselor in New Mexico, Gail relocated to pursue her PhD in Counseling at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Whether you are seeking tools to manage daily stress or processing deep-seated trauma, Gail provides a safe, inclusive, and collaborative space for healing and growth.
Service Fees
Karla Smith Behavioral Health is a not-for-profit organization that depends on the generosity of our financial supporters to help serve our clients. As a result of the support KSBH receives from our community, we are grateful that every KSBH client receives the benefit of reduced service fees. Our clients pay approximately 30% less than the standard fees charged by similar providers. Additionally, KSBH offers a sliding scale to provide further financial assistance to those who qualify.
Please contact KSBH directly at 618-624-5771 to discuss fees and financial assistance opportunities.
Because of the generosity of our supporters, more individuals and families are able to receive compassionate, high-quality mental health care regardless of financial circumstances. Together, we’re ensuring that Every Step Forward remains within reach for those who need it most.