Online Grief Support
You don't have to do this alone.
GriefShare
FREEFaith-based grief support groups in 12,000+ locations. Some virtual.
Best Christian.
Compassionate Friends
FREEFor parents who lost a child. Local + online groups.
Best parental loss.
WidowsHope.org
FREECommunity for widows + widowers.
Best for spouses.
Modern Loss
FREESecular community, articles, online conversations.
Best secular.
VITAS Bereavement Services
FREE (after hospice)Free for 13 months after hospice loss. Phone + group support.
Best post-hospice.
BetterHelp / Talkspace
$280-400/moOnline therapy. Often covered by Medicare Advantage.
Best for individual therapy.
Local resources
- Local hospice — most offer free bereavement groups for 13+ months even if your loved one wasn't their patient.
- Funeral home grief programs — many host monthly free groups.
- Senior centers — peer support groups.
- Stephen Ministry (church-based) — trained one-on-one care.
- Hospital chaplains — even after the death, often available.
When to seek therapy
- Grief lasting more than 12-18 months without lifting.
- Can't function — eating, sleeping, household.
- Thoughts of self-harm.
- Heavy drinking / substance use to cope.
- Memory + concentration problems beyond first months.
- Therapy is helpful at any stage. Not a sign of weakness.
Books that help
- It's OK That You're Not OK — Megan Devine.
- A Grief Observed — C.S. Lewis (Christian).
- The Year of Magical Thinking — Joan Didion.
- Option B — Sheryl Sandberg + Adam Grant.
- On Grief and Grieving — Kübler-Ross + Kessler.
Crisis right now?
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988. 24/7 free. Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741. SAMHSA — 1-800-662-4357. Real humans, all hours.