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 […]

How Do I Quit Kratom Safely?

There is a reason we are getting more calls about how to quit Kratom safely at Sanford Behavioral Health. Kratom addiction tends to sneak up on people because it is marketed as a “safe” and “natural” alternative to painkillers or as an energy boost. It is also readily available over the counter, which can make […]

COVID-19, the D.C. Sniper, and Self-Care: Meet Ana Freed

Getting to know Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Ana Freed is a wild ride. After all, she was in the thick of emergent care during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also provided Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) to multiple locations and members of the community during the Washington D.C. sniper shootings in 2002. As part of […]

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Ana Freed at Sanford Behavioral Health

Introducing Mental Health Residential – 4 Questions for CEO Tracy Rogers

How’s your mental health today? Nearly one in five American adults lives with a mental health condition, and only half of them receive treatment. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we offer comprehensive treatment options for individuals who are struggling with debilitating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions that interfere with daily functioning. With […]

Group support for mental health awareness at Sanford Behavioral Health

Fun & Camaraderie at the JOHN Veterans & First Responders Open House!

Thank you to everyone who attended our JOHN Open House last week in honor of our new facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thanks also to Sanford Director of Nursing Natalie Frelix for the fabulous photos! The party was a great success, with Sanford Behavioral Health team members mixing with neighbors, veterans, referral partners, veteran services […]

Veterans and first responders at Sanford Behavioral Health JOHN program open house July 2025 enjoying community camaraderie

Why Veterans and First Responders Only Treatment? 4 Questions for Executive Director Matthew VanLiere

Matthew (Matt) VanLiere has a BA in Criminal Justice and 29 years of experience in law enforcement. Matt worked with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department in narcotics investigations (undercover work), bench warrant enforcement, general road patrol, and crisis negotiation. He was an honor guard member for his entire law enforcement career. During his years of […]

Sanford Behavioral Health facility and therapy rooms for veteran and first responder mental health programs

Announcing J.O.H.N. Veterans & First Responders Only Residential Treatment

At Sanford Behavioral Health, we have a history of adapting to the needs of those we treat and the community we serve. At our Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus, we have a full complement of psychiatric and medical providers and staff who offer individualized solutions for long-term recovery from mental health conditions. We saw a […]

Sanford Behavioral Health's J.O.H.N. program residence for veterans, featuring a historic stone and brick building with an American flag under a clear blue sky

What are Summer Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) for Addiction Treatment

Summer intensive outpatient programs at Sanford Behavioral Health provide individuals with the support they need, allowing them to maintain their daily responsibilities and routines. Our Outpatient Center offers individualized addiction recovery programs that work in “real life.” Summer is a good time for a mental health “tune-up” for college students, but virtual addiction treatment provides […]

Group of four people holding hands and walking along a sandy beach toward the ocean, with cliffs in the background and text reading 'Summer IOP Daytime & Evening Options