Introducing Hero: A New Therapy Dog at JOHN Veterans and First Responders Program
When Matt VanLiere became Executive Director of the JOHN Veterans and First Responders program at Sanford Behavioral Health, he knew there was one thing missing. As a former police officer and person in recovery, Matt understands the unique needs of those who have served. He has seen what the specialized programming at JOHN can do […]
Connecting Communities to Mental Health Care: 4 Questions with Jacob Passerman
In the behavioral health field, the word “sales” can make people uncomfortable. It sounds transactional in a field built on compassion and trust. But the reality is this: If people do not know we exist, they cannot access the care that could change or save their lives. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we are unapologetic about […]
Righting the Ship – Reflections on My First Year as CEO of Sanford Behavioral Health
The weekend I signed on as CEO at Sanford Behavioral Health, my son began working on a new 10,000-piece Lego project. Ironically, it was a likeness of the Titanic that would take him a year to complete. I do not mean to say Sanford was a sinking ship, but the analogy of righting a ship […]
Sanford Behavioral Health Joins Manifest Provider Collective to Expand Behavioral Health Solutions
 Alec Green has been developing models to help self-funded employers ease the burden of the behavioral health ecosystem since 2018. As Sanford Behavioral Health’s Executive Vice President, Alec has led efforts to reach self-funded employers by developing an understanding of their needs and engaging community leaders. Consequently, the relationship with Manifest Provider Collective was organic […]
Someone Who Listens: Inside the Role of a Resident Support Specialist
The Resident Support Specialist (RSS) at Sanford Behavioral Health supports clients and assists with day-to-day operations. It’s an important role, because the RSS is also responsible for creating a community and ensuring that everyone in treatment feels welcome and safe. The RSS has a long list of responsibilities, including safety checks and inspiring participation in […]
The Double Barrier to Mental Health Care: Public and Internalized Stigma
Individuals who seek out mental health or substance use disorder (SUD) care have often crossed hundreds of invisible mental barriers long before they make the first call. Research shows that stigma operates repeatedly in this process. Public stigma is the widespread belief that mental health and SUD conditions reflect weakness, poor choices, or lack of willpower. […]
Sober Fun (Holiday Edition)
One of the biggest lies people with an addiction believe is “If I don’t drink/smoke/use, I can’t have fun.” Unfortunately, the lies we tell ourselves are often the hardest to overcome—especially during the holidays. So, what does sober fun look like between November and January? You might be surprised to know it can look both very […]
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 […]
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 […]
