How Grief Support Groups Can Help You Find Community After Loss
Grief is a deeply personal journey, yet it’s not one that anyone should have to face alone. Finding a community that recognizes your grief can offer comfort and reassurance during a time when you may feel isolated or in need of support.
Grief support groups provide a space to share experiences, learn coping strategies and receive encouragement from those who’ve also experienced some form of loss. Whether in-person or online, these groups help individuals navigate their grief in a safe and compassionate environment.
If You Need Immediate Support
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, you can:
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or use the chat feature at https://988lifeline.org/.
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor. The Crisis Text Line offers free confidential 24/7 support.
How to Find a Grief Support Group
If you’re looking for a grief support group, there are several resources available to help you find the right fit:
Speak with someone at your local funeral home – Most funeral homes offer grief resources or can direct you to local support groups.
Ask for resources at your local hospital or hospice – Healthcare professionals often have recommendations for grief support programs. If you’ve been assigned to or connected with a bereavement counselor after losing someone, they can serve as a starting point when searching for grief support groups or bereavement resources. They often have connections with local and online communities and can recommend groups based on your specific type of loss.
Visit a mental health website – Websites like Psychology Today provide directories of grief support groups in select major cities across the United States.
Meet with a licensed mental health professional – Therapists and counselors can help you find the right support group based on your needs.
Connect with friends and family – Sometimes, personal recommendations can lead to supportive grief communities.
Types of Grief Support Groups
Whether you prefer face-to-face meetings or virtual connections, many options are available to help you navigate your grief in settings that match your comfort level.
In-Person Grief Support Groups
In-person grief support groups provide face-to-face interaction and community engagement and are often held in churches, community centers, hospitals or therapy offices. They offer a structured environment where participants can share their experiences, receive emotional support and engage in guided discussions.
Online Grief Support Groups
For those who prefer digital support or cannot attend in-person meetings, online grief support groups offer flexibility and accessibility. They can take many forms, including:
Virtual group meetings – Scheduled video calls where participants can share their experiences and receive support.
One-on-one chat rooms – Private conversations with grief counselors or trained volunteers.
Online public discussion forums – Open platforms where individuals can post about their grief and receive responses from others.
Private online forums – Closed groups where members can share in a more secure setting. For example, at For Grief, we offer a private Facebook community where those who’ve experienced loss can share their story and turn to others for support.
Grief Support Organizations We Recommend
If you’re searching for a grief support group, we recommend exploring what the following organizations have to offer:
For Grief
About: An expert-led, peer-supported community offering grief resources and support.
Best for: Anyone seeking a community-driven approach to grief.
Pros: Wide variety of resources, expert-backed content and a supportive Facebook community.
Cons: Online-focused, which may not suit those preferring in-person support.
What’s Your Grief
About: Promotes grief education, exploration and expression through practical and creative means.
Best for: Individuals looking for educational content and emotional support.
Pros: Extensive resources, workshops and an active online community.
Cons: The site may be overwhelming due to the vast amount of content.
National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG)
About: Focused on supporting grieving children, teens and their families.
Best for: Families with children or teens experiencing grief.
Pros: Child- and teen-focused resources and professional guidance.
Cons: Primarily geared toward younger audiences and their parents.
HealGrief
About: Social support network aiming to create community after someone has died, inspired by their core belief that no one should ever grieve alone.
Best for: Adults looking for online grief support.
Pros: Virtual support groups and extensive grief resources.
Cons: Online-focused, which may not suit those preferring in-person support.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
About: Provides support for those grieving the loss of a military loved one.
Best for: Military families and their loved ones.
Pros: Specialized support for military-related loss.
Cons: The site may not be suitable for non-military grief.
More Recommended Organizations
Other organizations with grief support group offerings include:
Cake – Offers grief resources – including those surrounding grief support groups and counseling – and end-of-life planning tools.
Eluna – Provides support for children experiencing loss, including personalized support and in-person camps.
Help Texts – Text-based grief support.
Experience Camps – Free summer camps and other in-person programming for grieving children.
Alliance of Hope – Support for survivors of suicide loss.
The Compassionate Friends – Support for grieving families after the loss of a child.
When to Consider Joining a Grief Support Group
Wondering when to join a grief support group is common because the right time varies for everyone. Consider your feelings, the amount of effort it takes you to do everyday tasks, your physical and mental health and if you want to connect with others. A grief support group can offer a sense of community and understanding when you’re feeling alone in your grief or ready to share your story and connect with others who’ve faced similar losses.
Some benefits of joining a support group include:
Connecting with others who have experienced a similar loss
Sharing your story and emotions in a safe and supportive environment
Receiving guidance and support from experienced facilitators and group members
Learning healthy coping mechanisms and strategies for managing grief
Grief is a challenging journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Finding a grief support group can offer a sense of community, understanding and healing when you need it most. Whether you choose an in-person meeting or an online group, the right support can make all the difference in helping you process and learn to live with your grief.