Recovery Stories: Breaking Up with Addiction

Addiction is like being in an abusive relationship with yourself. And, like all toxic love affairs, after years of pain, guilt, secrecy, and deception, the chickens eventually come home to roost. When we finally decide to face those demons, it can seem like an insurmountable task – a mountain too high to climb alone.   […]

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 […]

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 […]

Dopamine Diving – 20 Things to Do Without Scrolling

It’s an interesting time for a Marketing Director who remembers “viral” articles (speaking of dopamine diving) and KPIs that tracked ever-increasing website traffic. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we have consistently provided content that educates, offers potential incentives to seek help, introduces innovative approaches, tracks trends, and even offers humor about addiction, mental health, and eating […]

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 […]

The Rise in Kratom Addiction (an RN’s Perspective)

The Sanford Behavioral Health (Sanford) nursing team (of which I am a part) all had concerned looks on their faces. It was early Monday morning, and the unit was quiet. “Just make sure you don’t say the ‘q’ word,” admonished one of the therapists as he walked by the nurse’s station. Then, just as the […]

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 […]

Self-Care for Healthcare Workers – Tips on Staying in the Game

Recently, I gave a CEU presentation with our friends at River’s Bend PC on self-care for healthcare workers. The subject is near and dear to my heart because I have witnessed firsthand what happens when members of our collaborative-care team fail to prioritize self-care at Sanford Behavioral Health. You might even see me in the […]

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 […]

How Do We Beat the Blues? Sanford’s Collaborative Care Team Gives 21 Tips!

During Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Sanford Behavioral Health had an opportunity to showcase some of our staff members doing what they do best to beat the blues and reset. The Instagram #IGETIT campaign was in coordination with JACK Mental Health Advocacy and Kevin Bacon’s Six Degrees.org to create a community and offer resources […]