How to find a licensed therapist for grief

What do therapist licenses mean?

Titles and rules differ by state, so treat this table as a general guide. In every case, the license should be active in the state where you are during the session.

Terms like "grief coach", "life coach" or "counselor" may not be regulated in every state. That does not mean the person is unhelpful, but it does mean there may be no license to check.

How do I verify a license?

1. Ask for the full name, license type and license number. A licensed professional should be able to give them.
2. Search for your state's licensing board for that profession. Boards are listed by state and profession, for example "[your state] board of professional counselors".
3. Check that the license is active, covers the profession they claim, and has no discipline you are not comfortable with.
4. If you plan to use video visits, ask which states they are licensed in and confirm your location is covered.

What questions should I ask before a first session?

• What is your license, and in which states?
• Do you work with grief or loss? With children, teens or families if needed?
• What does a session look like and how often do people usually meet?
• What is your fee per session, and what is your cancellation policy?
• Do you take my insurance, or can you give me a receipt for out-of-network claims?
• Do you offer sliding-scale fees?
• Do you offer video sessions and evening or weekend times?
• How do you handle privacy and records?

What are telehealth basics?

• Video therapy is common. Many providers also offer phone sessions.
• Generally, the therapist must be licensed in the state where you are located during the session. Confirm this if you travel or live near a state line.
• Choose a private place and a reliable connection, and ask how the platform protects your privacy.
• Ask what happens if there is a technical problem or an emergency during a session.

How do insurance and sliding-scale fees work?

• Call the number on your insurance card and ask for in-network mental health providers, your copay or coinsurance, any session limits, and whether telehealth is covered.
• Out-of-network providers may give you a receipt you can submit to your insurer. Ask your plan how reimbursement works.
• Many therapists reserve a few slots at reduced fees. Ask whether a sliding scale is available.
• Community mental health centers, university training clinics and nonprofits may offer lower-cost options. Mental Health America and SAMHSA list places to look.

What are red flags?

• Guarantees of a cure, a result or a timeline.
• Pressure to commit to many sessions or to pay up front.
• Refusing to share a license number or discouraging you from checking it.
• Telling you to stop seeing your doctor or stop medication.
• Blaming you for your grief, or dismissing your beliefs or culture.
• Asking for sensitive details through unsecured channels.
• Contact that crosses personal or professional boundaries.

Where can I search national directories?

These are established directories with their own websites. We do not run them and do not endorse any listed provider. Verify any license yourself.

• APA Psychologist Locator: search for psychologists by area, specialty, insurance accepted and language.
• AAMFT Therapist Locator: find marriage and family therapists.
• Psychology Today therapist directory: self-listed profiles you can filter by location, specialty such as grief, insurance and fees.
• FindTreatment.gov (SAMHSA): confidential locator for mental health and substance use treatment facilities.
• SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-4357: free, confidential referral service. It does not provide counseling.
• Your primary care doctor, hospice bereavement program or insurance directory.

Join the waitlist for our verified directory

Our verified directory is not live yet. We are planning a directory of licensed providers whose state licenses we check. Join the waitlist and we will email you if it launches. Joining does not match you with a provider. If you want to be contacted about support now, send a request. Please do not share health details.