Scared to Go Home After Mental Health Treatment? Try Sanford Supportive Living
Not ready to return home? Sanford Supportive Housing is available to individuals participating in our outpatient programs.
Recovery-Friendly Homes and Supportive Living
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we believe a recovery-friendly home is essential to long-term healing. That is why our family and friends support provides ongoing education and encouragement for the loved ones of individuals in treatment for substance use and mental health conditions. Recovery can be unpredictable, so we prepare families for both the challenges and the milestones. With knowledge and practical tools, loved ones are better equipped to support recovery—and to thrive themselves.
Try Sanford Supportive Living
But what if you are scared to go home? What if home isn’t a safe place to recover? Many of our clients live alone, with roommates, or with family members who still use substances or do not support recovery. In those situations, the path forward can feel overwhelming, and the risk of relapse increases. Sanford Supportive Living bridges that gap. Designed as a temporary haven for outpatient clients, it offers a safe, structured environment for individuals who are not yet ready to return home—or who don’t have a healthy home to return to. Clients often choose this option when stepping down from residential treatment to outpatient care, or if they live too far from Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan, to commute.
As Sanford Senior Director of Strategic Growth, Rebecca Wolfslau says, “Supportive Living is for clients seeking safe options beyond immediately returning home. Whether living alone or with others who are not in recovery, additional structure and encouragement help individuals practice their recovery skills, build confidence, and prepare for independence.”
Life in Sanford Supportive Living
Located at the Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus in Greater Grand Rapids, supportive living combines comfort with accountability. Supportive living is available to those in our addiction, mental health, or eating disorder day (PHP) or half-day (IOP) outpatient programs. Living on site provides an important step between structured treatment and independent living.
Supportive living includes:
- Clean, well-lit, and comfortable bedrooms (shared with another individual in recovery).
- Use of the Sanford Fitness Center and outdoor spaces for supervised exercise.
- The Sanford Café provides meals, socialization, and opportunities for skill-building.
- Opportunities to shop, prepare meals, and meet loved ones—all while maintaining a safe base.
- Evenings are free for personal time, socializing, reading, or attending 12-step and recovery meetings.
- A welcoming community of peers walking the same path.
Why Supportive Living Matters
Early recovery is a time of change, learning, and vulnerability. Being in a supportive, sober environment reduces exposure to triggers and allows clients to practice new coping skills before returning fully to everyday life. Sanford Supportive Living helps individuals:
- Build resilience and independence.
- Learn to navigate daily responsibilities.
- Connect with others for encouragement and accountability.
- Establish confidence before transitioning home.
It’s more than a place to stay—it’s an essential tool in building a foundation for lasting recovery.
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, addiction, or eating disorders, you don’t have to be afraid or wait for change. Reach out 24/7 and speak to a real person. Discover how Sanford Behavioral Health can provide safety, support, and a path forward.
