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. But for some, “getting through it” has become more difficult than it should. Perhaps drinking has gotten out of hand, and the thought of getting through the spirited season without […]

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 […]

Changing the Mental Health Admissions Process: Meet Rebecca Wolfslau, LPC

When Rebecca Wolfslau (Wolfi), LPC,  came to Sanford Behavioral Health a year ago, she brought the concept of “EZ Admissions” with her. Her idea (and catchy title) was designed to simplify and speed up the admissions process for mental health treatment. She also wanted the Sanford admissions team to serve as a sympathetic ear, helping […]

5 Ways to Keep the Sunday Scaries from Ruining Your Monday

What is the difference between the cheerful greeting “Happy Friday” and “Happy Monday?” Happy Friday is genuinely celebratory and widely shared; it brings people joy and relief as the weekend approaches. On the other hand, “Happy Monday” is ironic and meant to counteract negativity. We have a whole week ahead of us; let’s make the […]

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 […]

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.   […]

Silhouette of person celebrating sunrise with text "breaking up with addiction” symbolizing addiction recovery and sobriety

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

Addiction Treatment – Social Model or Medical Model?

Treatment for substance use disorders (addiction or SUD) comes in many forms. The”best fit” may vary significantly depending on an individual’s background, history of use, medical comorbidities, support system, and other factors. Two specific models of addiction treatment are often discussed—the medical model of addiction treatment and the social model of addiction treatment.   The […]