Joshua R. Holwerda, MDiv, DP-CADC

Clinical Manager, Substance Use Disorders

Joshua Holwerda’s journey to Sanford Behavioral Health came four years ago through an invitation from a now-retired clinical director to consider becoming a therapist in the substance use disorder program. Josh has a background in ministry, but has experience in substance use disorder treatment and she admired his He has extensive experience working in residential treatment care and on the business development side of the industry. He had years of experience working in continuing care services and vetting various sober living facilities on the West Coast through business development teams.

 

 

Joshua Holwerda’s journey to Sanford Behavioral Health came four years ago through an invitation from our retired Clinical Director to consider being a therapist in the substance use disorder program. Josh has a background in ministry, but had experience in substance use disorder treatment. , which sparked his curiosity and fostered a tender heart. He has extensive experience working in residential treatment care and on the business development side of the industry. He had years of experience working in continuing care services and vetting various sober living facilities on the West Coast through business development teams.

Joshua’s job as clinical manager entails supporting the gifted therapist teams in all SUD programs at Sanford. This involves ensuring coverage, ongoing aspects of therapeutic practices, and maintaining standards and practices.  From time to time, Joshua teaches spirituality in residential programming and carries a caseload that continues to foster his heart and compassion toward Sanford clients.  In his free time, Joshua enjoys gardening, listening to music on his patio, cooking, and training for 5K races around Grand Rapids.   

Joshua says, “Serving our SUD population at Sanford enables me to be a conduit of healing for those who have found distress in their lives. It is an honor to come alongside them and journey with them as they embark on the road to recovery!”  

                 Joshua R. Holwerda, Mdiv. Assistant Clinical Director of Operations  

 

                I have worked at SBH for almost four years.  I have a background in ministry but have served populations that struggle with SUD.   

Joshua Holwerda’s journey to Sanford Behavioral Health came four years ago through an invitation from a now-retired clinical director to consider becoming a therapist in the substance use disorder program. Josh has a background in ministry, but has experience in substance use disorder treatment and she admired his He has extensive experience working in residential treatment care and on the business development side of the industry. He had years of experience working in continuing care services and vetting various sober living facilities on the West Coast through business development teams.

 

1. Tell us about your job at Sanford (or how you intend to approach your job) – what you like about it or what makes it interesting. 

              I enjoy leading a team of clinicians that look out for clients that submit to mental health and substance abuse care.  I approach the work with curiosity and compassion.  I enjoy interacting with clients and imparting a collaborative effort amongst my clinical team.  

 

 

 

1. What do you like to do in your free time? Just a sentence or two. 

I enjoy gardening and cooking.  

 

 

 

1. Last, but not least, can we get a quote from you about Sanford’s mental health treatment, the campus concept, or why you work in this field? Again, you might look at Meet Our Team for ideas and suggestions. 

 

           “Serving at Sanford allows me to bring my bright and vibrant energy to a healing space in order to create lasting change in a client as they progress through their care.  It is my hoping that we can be a beacon of hope to those that are suffering.