Veterans and First Responders Exclusive Programming – JOHN Opening October 27, 2025
JOHN Executive Director Matt VanLiere has waited patiently for an exclusive first responders and Veterans program at Sanford Behavioral Health. He first raised the idea nearly four years ago, after joining Sanford to build its safety team. Matt has a BA in Criminal Justice and 29 years of experience in law enforcement. He also has […]
Suicide Prevention Resources All Year Long
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we practice suicide prevention every day, and we joined the community during Suicide Prevention Month to come together to save lives. It means sharing awareness campaigns, offering training, and spreading education about the risks, warning signs, and protective factors that help keep people safe. We asked a few key staff […]
Alcohol Use is Down, Cannabis Use is Up – Is There a Correlation?
A recent Gallup poll found that 54% of US adults drink alcohol. The latest data represents the lowest percentage since Gallup began tracking in 1939. In 2024, 58% of adults drank alcohol, and in 2023 62% indulged. The perceived reason for the decline is that beliefs about the health risks of alcohol have changed. More […]
Why is a Full Range of Mental Health Treatment Essential for Lasting Recovery?
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we frequently get calls from people who have been to detox or treatment for mental health issues before. Often, they have tried various forms of treatment that do not work. That is why a full range of mental health services (a continuum of care) is essential for achieving lasting recovery. At […]
Suicide Prevention – What It Means to Us
Suicide prevention and Suicide Prevention Month are public health responses to death by suicide. For the public, it involves awareness campaigns, training, and education about the risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors that help keep people safe. For anyone in the public who is interested in learning more about suicide prevention, we offer a […]
Scared to Go Home After Mental Health Treatment? Try Sanford Supportive Living
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 […]
Eating Disorder Residential – 4 Reasons It Might Be Right for You
The purpose of eating disorder residential treatment is to provide structure, safety, and accountability with 24/7 nursing and clinical support. This high level of care helps reduce the harmful effects of eating disorders quickly and effectively, while setting the foundation for lasting recovery. At Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (Sanford CTED), we recognize that […]
Looking Forward to Fall with 6 Tips for Managing Seasonal Depression
The long Labor Day weekend is over, marking the official end to summer and the beginning of autumn in Michigan. There is a lot to look forward to – the cooler air, a riot of autumn foliage, and the upcoming holidays. However, for many, melancholy turns to depression as days get shorter and winter is […]
11 Key Considerations when Choosing a Detox Center
Deciding to go to detox can feel overwhelming. We see the interaction in the parking lot at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus when loved ones drop off clients. Uncertainty, physical discomfort, emotional vulnerability, and relationship conflicts converge. You can imagine the thought process. Maybe I can do this on my own. I don’t need to […]
Back to School Eating Disorder Recovery Guide
Congratulations, you made it through the summer with all its triggers, temptations, and downtime with family and friends. In our article, How Can I Manage My Eating Disorder During Summer Break, we offered eight tips to get you through the transition to home life from college. Going back to college while in recovery from an […]
