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 […]

Eating Disorder Residential – 4 Reasons It Might Be Right for You

The purpose of eating disorder residential treatment is to provide structure, safety, and accountability with 24/7 nursing and clinical support. This high level of care helps reduce the harmful effects of eating disorders quickly and effectively, while setting the foundation for lasting recovery. At Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (Sanford CTED), we recognize that […]

Back to School Eating Disorder Recovery Guide

Congratulations, you made it through the summer with all its triggers, temptations, and downtime with family and friends. In our article, How Can I Manage My Eating Disorder During Summer Break, we offered eight tips to get you through the transition to home life from college. Going back to college while in recovery from an […]

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 […]

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Ana Freed at Sanford Behavioral Health

Fun & Camaraderie at the JOHN Veterans & First Responders Open House!

Thank you to everyone who attended our JOHN Open House last week in honor of our new facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thanks also to Sanford Director of Nursing Natalie Frelix for the fabulous photos! The party was a great success, with Sanford Behavioral Health team members mixing with neighbors, veterans, referral partners, veteran services […]

Veterans and first responders at Sanford Behavioral Health JOHN program open house July 2025 enjoying community camaraderie

Announcing J.O.H.N. Veterans & First Responders Only Residential Treatment

At Sanford Behavioral Health, we have a history of adapting to the needs of those we treat and the community we serve. At our Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus, we have a full complement of psychiatric and medical providers and staff who offer individualized solutions for long-term recovery from mental health conditions. We saw a […]

Sanford Behavioral Health's J.O.H.N. program residence for veterans, featuring a historic stone and brick building with an American flag under a clear blue sky

How Do We Beat the Blues? Sanford’s Collaborative Care Team Gives 21 Tips!

During Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Sanford Behavioral Health had an opportunity to showcase some of our staff members doing what they do best to beat the blues and reset. The Instagram #IGETIT campaign was in coordination with JACK Mental Health Advocacy and Kevin Bacon’s Six Degrees.org to create a community and offer resources […]

5 Detox Myths That Might Stop You From Getting Help

Detoxification is the safe removal of alcohol and drugs from the body and managing the resulting withdrawal symptoms. When detoxing, patients can expect a variety of uncomfortable mental and physical symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and body discomfort. Fear of a painful withdrawal or past negative experiences with withdrawal are the primary reasons individuals avoid seeking […]

9 Reasons We Love Spring in Michigan!

Spring sneaks up on you when you live in Michigan. Suddenly, there is a fresher feel to the air – birds are tweeting, warbling, and chirping as you amble to your car in the morning. And miraculously, the barren trees are sprouting a riot of flowers. The grass is lush and green. I have to admit, […]

Spring Fever? 10 Ideas to Inspire Anticipation (and Mental Health)

I am already preparing for the family Easter egg hunt. An extravaganza that attracts new participants each year. It means dragging bins of plastic eggs from the attic, buying candy and trinkets, and planning brunch. Looking forward to the gathering of family and friends, children running on the grass, and the inevitable sighting of the […]