New Traditions: Holidays in Treatment
I spoke with my colleague, Matt VanLiere, in preparation for this article. I wanted his take on the positives of being in treatment during the holiday season. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we have heard all the excuses for putting off treatment till the new year, from “I can’t miss the kids’ pageant” to “Who will […]
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 […]
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 […]
Whack-a-Mole-Recovery and the Behavioral Health Campus
I’ve never liked the carnival game Whack-a-Mole. Bashing heads with a cartoon hammer while an endless succession of new rodents appear. It is too stressful and unpredictable. However, I can relate to the use of the term whack-a-mole recovery. Years ago, I pounded down a substance use disorder (SUD) that had taken over my life, […]
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 […]
Looking Forward to Fall with 6 Tips for Managing Seasonal Depression
The long Labor Day weekend is over, marking the official end to summer and the beginning of autumn in Michigan. There is a lot to look forward to – the cooler air, a riot of autumn foliage, and the upcoming holidays. However, for many, melancholy turns to depression as days get shorter and winter is […]
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 […]
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 […]
