Short answer: Grief is a natural response to loss, and support can take several forms: one-to-one counseling, family therapy, support groups or online communities. This page helps you compare them. We are an information and referral resource, not a clinic, and we cannot diagnose or treat. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
This page offers general information and cannot replace professional care. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).
Where do I start?
If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide
Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Veterans: dial 988, then press 1. In an emergency, call 911. See all crisis resources on our crisis page.
There is no right pace for grief and no deadline for asking for help. You can start with reading, reach out to a person, or just save this page for later.
- Talk to someone
Send a short request and we will pass it to licensed partners when they are available.
- Find a licensed therapist
How licenses work, how to check one, and questions to ask before a first session.
- Find a support group
How groups work and national organizations to start with.
- Crisis resources
Phone and text lines that are open now.
What kind of support fits what I am going through?
This is a starting point, not an assessment. Choose the line that sounds closest and read from there.
- A loved one has passed
Practical steps first. Support can wait until you are ready.
- My family is in conflict
Disagreements over the funeral, money or roles are common and workable.
- My child or teen is struggling
Plain-language ways to explain death, by age, and when to ask for help.
- It has been a long time and I feel stuck
Different kinds of grief and signs that a professional can help.
How do individual counseling, family therapy, groups and online communities compare?
These are general descriptions of common practice. Formats and prices vary by provider and state, so confirm details and check your insurance before you book.
| Option | Who it often suits | Common format | How costs are usually structured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual counseling | Adults or older teens who want a private space and one-to-one attention. | Scheduled sessions with a licensed counselor, social worker, marriage and family therapist or psychologist, in person or by video. | Usually a fee per session. Some providers accept insurance, some offer sliding-scale fees, and some are out-of-network only. |
| Family therapy | Families who want help talking to each other, sharing roles or working through a disagreement after a death. | Sessions with several family members together, led by a licensed therapist. Often trained as a marriage and family therapist. | Usually a fee per session. Coverage and billing rules differ by insurer, so ask how family sessions are billed. |
| Support groups | People who want to hear from others with a similar loss and do not need one-to-one care. | Regular meetings with a facilitator. Peer-led or clinician-led; in person or online; sometimes for one type of loss. | Often free or low cost. Some charge a small fee for materials or are hosted by a community organization. |
| Online communities | People who prefer anonymity, live far from a group, or want support at odd hours. | Message boards, virtual meetings or chat rooms run by an organization. Quality and moderation vary. | Often free. Check who runs it and how it is moderated. |
Many people use more than one. None of these is a substitute for emergency care.
What should I look for in a provider or group?
- A license you can verifyLicensed professionals are listed by state licensing boards. Our therapist guide shows how to check.
- Clear information about fees and insuranceAsk before the first session, not after.
- No promises of a cure or a fixed timelineBe cautious about anyone who guarantees results.
- A fit that feels respectfulLanguage, culture and faith can matter. It is fine to try someone else.
For more, read our guide to finding a licensed therapist, or learn how support groups work.
Frequently asked questions
Does insurance cover grief counseling?
Many plans cover visits with licensed mental health providers, but coverage depends on your plan, the provider and the billing code. Call the number on your insurance card and ask about in-network providers, copays and any session limits.
How much does therapy or counseling cost?
It varies widely by provider, location and format. Many therapists charge per session; some offer sliding-scale fees. Support groups are often free or low cost. Ask for fees up front.
Can online support work for me?
Many people find video sessions and online groups more convenient, and others prefer meeting in person. What suits you is personal. Try one format and change if it does not feel right.
Do I need a diagnosis to get support?
No. You can seek support for any reason. Only a licensed professional can assess whether a particular condition applies, and we do not offer assessments.
Is this site a clinic?
No. We provide information and pass requests to licensed partners when available. We do not provide treatment, and we do not collect health details.
What is family grief therapy and how can it help?
Family grief therapy is counseling in which relatives work with a trained therapist to understand and support each other after a loss. It can help when family members grieve in different ways, when communication has broken down, or when children are struggling. A therapist helps create a safe space to share feelings and decide how to move forward together. Sessions may be in person or online. What to ask: ask a prospective therapist about their training in grief and family work, their fees, whether insurance is accepted, and how many sessions are typically recommended.
Where can I find a grief support group?
Grief support groups are offered by hospices, hospitals, houses of worship, community centers, and nonprofit organizations, and many are free. Hospices often welcome bereaved families even if their loved one was not a hospice patient. Online groups and phone support can help if you cannot travel. Some groups focus on specific losses, such as a spouse, a child, or a loss by suicide. What to ask: ask the group about its schedule, format, cost, and whether it is open to new members, and try more than one group to find a good fit.
When should I seek professional help for grief?
Consider professional help when grief feels unmanageable, lasts with the same intensity for a long time, or interferes with daily life, work, or relationships. Warning signs include being unable to function, using alcohol or drugs to cope, intense guilt, or ongoing difficulty accepting the loss more than about a year after. Persistent, disabling grief is sometimes called prolonged grief and can be treated. What to do: talk with your doctor or a licensed therapist who has experience with grief, and tell someone you trust how you are feeling so they can support you.
What does normal grief look like?
Normal grief can include sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating, and it often comes in waves. There is no single right way or timeline to grieve, and people in the same family may respond differently. Cultural and personal factors shape how grief is shown. Many people notice that the intensity gradually softens, even when the loss stays with them. What to do: keep simple routines, eat and rest as you can, lean on supportive people, and consider speaking with a counselor if you feel stuck or worried about how you are coping.
How long does grief last?
Grief has no fixed length, and for many people it changes in intensity over months and years rather than ending on a certain date. The first months are often the hardest, and difficult moments can return on anniversaries and holidays. Some people feel more able to function after a few months, while others need more time. The relationship, the circumstances, and personal support all matter. What to do: be patient with yourself, avoid comparing your timeline to others, and reach out for help if your grief stays overwhelming or prevents you from daily life.
How can I support a friend who is grieving?
The best way to support a grieving friend is to show up, listen, and offer specific help rather than saying you will do anything. Practical gestures such as bringing a meal, running an errand, or sitting with them are often welcomed. Avoid comparing losses or offering reasons for the death. Keep in touch in the weeks and months afterward, when others may have moved on. What to do: send a short note, offer a specific task, say the person's name and share a memory, and check in again after the funeral and on difficult dates.
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Not sure which option fits?
Tell us a little and we will pass your request to licensed partners when they are available. We are not a clinic.