What I Wish More People Understood About Suicidal Thoughts: The Power of Connection

When people are feeling pain and suffering, the thought of suicide makes complete sense. When someone feels hopeless, like there’s nowhere else to go and no end in sight, suicidal thoughts can create a sense of comfort and a way out. Often, the conversation that I have with suicidal clients is about hope and a […]

Admissions Without Barriers: A Client-First Approach to Behavioral Health Treatment

In behavioral health, we talk a lot about being client-centered, but that commitment must start at the very first touchpoint: admissions. Too often, admissions departments look for the “ideal” client. The right diagnosis, acuity, or insurance. A perfect fit on paper for the treatment center. But people don’t come to us because they are ideal. […]

Choosing Medications for Opioid Recovery: How Suboxone and Vivitrol Compare

If you or a loved one is navigating the path to recovery from opioid use disorder, you’ve probably heard two names come up a lot: Suboxoneย andย Vivitrol. Choosing between them can feel like a high-stakes decision, but the truth is that it is not about finding the “best” medication in a vacuum. It’s about finding the […]

Creating Space for Connection: LGBTQ+ Focused Programming Coming to Sanford

During Pride Month, Sanford Behavioral Health is reflecting on the importance of creating spaces where all individuals feel seen, respected, and supported. As part of our ongoing commitment to inclusive, affirming care, we are developing LGBTQ+ focused programming. An optional group will be available to individuals participating in residential treatment. Mental health, substance use disorder, […]

After the Watch Podcast: Real Conversations on Mental Health for Veterans and First Responders

We are excited to introduce our new podcast, After the Watch, for Veterans and first responders. Here, we can be open and honest about the realities of the job as we discuss leadership culture, trauma, PTSD, substance use, and mental health. We have created the podcast to provide a safe space to break down the […]

What is the Difference Between “Healthy” and Punishing Exercise? We Asked the Experts

As a proud collaborator in National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW), Sanford Behavioral Health stands with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to raise awareness. Every day, we challenge stigma and provide hope and support to those in need. In 2026, NEDAW takes place from February 23rd to March 1st. This year’s theme is Every […]

Welcome Sanford’s New Chief Medical Officer, Bibhas Singla, MD, MBA, FACHE, CPE, FAPA

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Bibhas Singla, MD, MBA, FACHE, CPE, FAPA, has joined Sanford Behavioral Health as Chief Medical Officer. We sat down with Sanford’s new CMO to discuss how he will approach the role, why he chose Sanford, and how he intends to bridge critical gaps in access to high-quality mental […]

Home for the Holidays? Go to Detox Now.

The holidays often come with the unrevealed thought: I’ll just get through it. Get through the parties. The stress. The expectations. The drinking that feels unavoidable.ย But for some, โ€œgetting through itโ€ has become more difficult than it should. Perhaps drinking has gotten out of hand, and the thought of getting through the spirited season without […]

Breaking Stigma, Opening Doors: Mental Health Residential Open House!

More than one in five American adults lives with a mental illness. Only about half of those with a mental illness receive treatment. At Sanford Behavioral Health, our mission includes breaking stigma and providing access to care. A significant benefit of becoming a Sanford client is that we can assess and transition an individual through […]

First Responders & Veterans Exclusive Treatment OPENS – Matt VanLiere on WGVU Morning Show

Matthew VanLiere, JOHN Executive Director, has a BA in Criminal Justice and 29 years of experience in law enforcement. He sat down with Shelley Irwin on the WGVU Morning Show to talk about his passion for helping first responders and Veterans with evidence-based treatment in a restored historic home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Click the […]