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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Veterans and First Responders Exclusive Programming – JOHN Opening October 27, 2025
JOHN Executive Director Matt VanLiere has waited patiently for an exclusive first responders and Veterans program at Sanford Behavioral Health. He first raised the idea nearly four years ago, after joining Sanford to build its safety team. Matt has a BA in Criminal Justice and 29 years of experience in law enforcement. He also has […]
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 […]
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 […]
