Find resources to help others who are grieving
Getting someone the help and support they need with grief will require you to find resources near them or online and may require getting in touch with a provider, organization or government agency.
If you want to connect some with professional mental health support, there are many different options available, including long- or short-term, paid or free, in person or online, video, phone or text support.
Use personal preference and budget to determine what’s best for the person in need.
You can get help finding resources from government programs and nonprofit organizations that focus on specific types of grief or that deal with specific mental health challenges.
Depending on the type of loss that was experienced, there may be bereavement support available through issue-specific organizations. For example, The Compassionate Friends provides support to families dealing with the loss of a child.
You may be able to find an organization that can help you deal with grief related to specific circumstances of the death. For example, GRASP focus on bereavement support for survivors of those who have passed due to substance use.
Other resources to help someone with their grief and processing grief include books, podcasts, support groups, and local meetups.
Helpful Tips
Organizations providing support for specific types of grief
Even if they do not directly provide free or low cost options, organizations such as the one linked below can usually point someone in the right direction for finding the help they need.
Types of therapy to recommend to a friend
There are many different options available for mental health support, including long or short term, paid or free, in person or online, video, phone or text support.
Use personal preferences and budget to determine what’s best for the person in need.
There are many different options when seeking professional mental health support.
Types of providers include, but are not limited to:
Psychologist
- A psychologist is mental health professional with a PhD (i.e., non-medical doctor) that specializes in human behavior.
- They help people learn healthy ways to manage their mental health and mental health challenges.
- Psychologists diagnose mental health disorders, make referrals, and in some states, may prescribe medicine.
Psychiatrist
- A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with a focus on mental illness and its treatment.
- Psychiatrists focus on the biological side of mental health.
- Psychiatrists tend to deal with more complex mental health issues.
- While psychiatrists may conduct therapy, they tend to rely on medications for treatment.
Therapist
- While used as general term for mental health professional, a therapist or psychotherapist is specifically a licensed and certified mental health professional with at least a master's degree and sometimes a doctorate (PhD).
- Therapists help people develop strategies for managing their mental health by talking through their problems.
- Therapists will consider deeper causes of mental illness and the ways past experiences have impacted an individual.
Counsellor
- A counsellor is usually a licensed and certified mental health professional with a master's degree but not all states require licensing or specific training for counsellors.
- Counsellors tend to focus on specific issues - e.g., grief, marriage problems, family problems, addiction - but may also provide general support.
- Counsellors are usually less concerned with the deep-rooted causes of mental health challenges and are more focused on coping mechanism that can be used now.
Social Worker
- A social worker is a licensed mental health professional with a master's degree in social work.
- Social workers are like counsellors and help people with problems in their everyday lives.
- Social workers focus on coordinating the mental health and other support an individual needs to deal with the challenges they are facing.
- A social work is usually part of and more familiar with the bureaucracy and institutions that can provide mental health and other services to improve someone's quality of life.
How to find free or low-cost grief support services
There are resources at the local, regional, state, and federal level for getting additional support with grief.
In many cases, grief support groups may be associated with local funeral homes or estate planning law firms. Conduct an online search to learn more about these options.
Some resources include:
Providers to Contact
Find a local grief group
Grief groups are support groups for people grieving the death of a loved one. They can provide emotional support and practical advice for dealing with grief. They can also be a place to share stories and connect with others going through a similar experience.
Find a local grief therapist
A grief therapist is a mental health professional who specializes in helping people deal with grief. They can provide support and guidance to help you cope with loss and process emotions.
Find a local psychologist
Psychologists are mental health professionals who specialize in human behavior. They can help people cope with mental health disorders, relationship problems, and stress. They can also provide psychological testing and counseling services.
Find a local psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. They can provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy. They can also help people with serious mental illnesses cope with the challenges of daily life.
