Short answer: A grief support group brings people together to share what loss has been like. Groups can be in person or online, led by peers or by a clinician, and general or focused on one kind of loss. Try one or two sessions, notice how you feel afterward, and leave if it is not the right fit.
This page offers general information and cannot replace professional care. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).
How does a grief support group work?
Formats differ, but most groups meet at a regular time with a facilitator who keeps the conversation respectful. You can usually listen first and speak only when you want to. Some groups run for a fixed number of weeks; others are drop-in.
- Meetings often last one to two hours.
- Some groups close to new members after the first sessions; others welcome people at any time.
- Ground rules usually include confidentiality and not giving advice unless asked.
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.
What types of groups are there?
| Type | What it usually means | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| In person | Meets at a community space, place of worship, hospice, hospital or nonprofit. | Easier to build connection for some people; depends on local availability and travel. |
| Online | Video meetings or moderated chat run by an organization. | Flexible for distance and schedules; ask how privacy and moderation work. |
| Peer-led | Facilitated by someone who has also experienced loss. | Shared experience; facilitators are not necessarily clinicians. |
| Clinician-led | Led by a licensed professional such as a counselor or social worker. | May cost more; ask about the leader's license and the group's structure. |
| Loss-specific | Focused on one kind of loss, for example a child, a spouse or a loss to suicide. | Can feel more understood; fewer options in smaller communities. |
| Faith-based | Hosted by a congregation and may include faith content. | Good fit for some; confirm the format before you go. |
Where can I look for a group?
These are established national organizations with their own websites. We list them for information only. We do not run these groups, and this is not an endorsement. Availability varies by location.
- The Compassionate Friends: support for families after the loss of a child, including bereaved siblings and grandparents. Its site describes local chapters and online communities.
- Dougy Center: peer grief support for children, teens and their families, with a locator for peer support programs. Read about its approach on its website.
- GriefShare: weekly groups for anyone grieving the death of a family member or friend, hosted at many locations and online. The program includes faith content.
- NAMI support groups: free peer-led groups for people with mental health conditions and for their families. These are not limited to bereavement.
- Open to Hope: articles, shows and stories about loss. Useful reading, though it is not a group directory.
- SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-4357: free, confidential referral and information service that can point to local support groups. It does not provide counseling.
Your hospice, hospital social worker, funeral home, place of worship or primary care office may also know about local groups. Many hospices run bereavement groups; ask whether they are open to the community.
How do I evaluate a group before I join?
- Who runs it?An organization with a website, a clear contact and a named facilitator is easier to check.
- What is the structure?Open or closed, how many weeks, how long each meeting runs.
- How is privacy handled?Ask about confidentiality, especially for online groups.
- What does it cost?Many are free; some ask for a small materials fee.
- Does it fit your loss and your beliefs?Loss-specific or faith-based groups may feel better or worse for you.
- How do you feel afterward?Tired is common. If you feel worse repeatedly, it is fine to try another group or another kind of support.
What questions can I ask the organizer?
- Is the group open to new members, and can I just listen the first time?
- Who facilitates, and what training or license do they have, if any?
- Is it peer-led or clinician-led?
- Is it for a particular kind of loss or relationship?
- What are the confidentiality rules?
- Is there a cost, and is there a sliding scale?
- What happens if someone in the group is in crisis?
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to talk in a group?
Usually not. Many groups let you listen for as long as you like. Ask the organizer before your first visit.
Is a support group the same as therapy?
No. A support group offers connection with others. Therapy is a professional service with a licensed provider. Some people use both.
How long should I stay in a group?
There is no set length. Some groups run a fixed number of weeks, and others have no end date. You decide what is useful for you.
Are online groups safe?
Quality varies. Prefer groups run by an established organization, check moderation and privacy rules, and avoid sharing personal details publicly.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.