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 […]
Who Says Mental Health Treatment Has to Feel Like a Hospital?
We are proud of the work we’ve done to prepare JOHN (Just One Hero Needed) for its opening this week. While staff members put the final touches on preparing guest spaces, we realized once again that JOHN is a beautiful place to be. From the stained glass windows in the dining room to the leather […]
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 […]
Breaking the Cycle of Self-Medication with Mental Health Treatment
I have a friend who quit drinking because they realized a cocktail had become a panacea for everything. They said, “When I was excited, I had a drink. Sad? I had a drink. When I was anxious, I poured a cocktail, and when I was mad, I pounded a few beers.” This friend intuitively knew […]
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 […]
What to Expect in Detox (From Someone Who’s Been There)
Detox is one of the most intimidating parts of getting sober, and doing it without medical supervision can be scary and, in some cases, life-threatening. When withdrawing from alcohol or other drugs, it’s crucial to know where to go, what to do, and what to expect. Lucky for you (and me), I’ve been to detox! I also work […]
8 Ways Fall in Michigan Boosts Mental Health (plus 27 fun things to do)
I am planning a business trip to Grand Rapids in October, and to be honest, I am looking forward to fall in Michigan even more than the camaraderie. When dappled sun shines through a tunnel of yellow oaks, it inspires wonder. And wonder, awe, and gobsmackedness are good for mental health. Studies show that the […]
Scared to Go Home After Mental Health Treatment? Try Sanford Supportive Living
Recovery-Friendly Homes and Supportive Living At Sanford Behavioral Health, we believe a recovery-friendly home is essential to long-term healing. That is why our family and friends support provides ongoing education and encouragement for the loved ones of individuals in treatment for substance use and mental health conditions. Recovery can be unpredictable, so we prepare families […]
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 […]
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 […]
