Grief Counseling for Teens & Young Adults
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Bereavement Group for Young Adults?
June 2011
I am a 22 year old woman whose father passed away several years ago. I am looking for recommendations for a grief counseling/support group for young adults, especially for those who have lost parents. I know that one-on-one counseling would be helpful, but I don't have the means for that right now, and I know that many support groups are low cost or free. Any suggestions? Thanks! Looking for understanding
I would suggest that you call some local Hospice organizations for some leads on groups. Try Hospice By the Bay, Sutter VNA, Pathways. I am confident that someone in the bereavement dept will be able to give some good direction. Good Luck. Shoshana
Both of my children were helped tremendously after the death of their father by the support group at Circle of Care in Oakland. They cover all ages, I would highly recommend. S
Support Group for teens who have lost a parent
July 2002
My 17-year-old stepdaughter lost her mother to cancer two years ago, and while she is a strong and courageous young woman who is healing well, she might benefit from some peer support. Does anyone know of a support group for teens who have lost parents? Thanks! Amy
Editor note: There are some previous recommendations about this: Circle of Care, formerly know as PediatriCare, a program of East Bay Agency for Children, offers support groups and home based counseling services for families coping with illness, bereavement or loss.... Circle of Care
The Women's Cancer Resource Center in Berkeley has a support group for teens who have a parent with cancer. They may be a good resource for a grief support group as well. Their phone number is: (510) 548-9272.
Alta Bates Comprehensive Cancer Center would also be a good resource: they offer a variety of support groups. Phone: (510) 204-1591.
I’m so sorry to hear about your son.
My husband was diagnosed as a young adult with a malignant brain tumor. He is now a 16 year survivor and is still doing treatment. It’s been a long road with ups and downs.
My advice is to look at organizations that serve the specific medical condition - many have programs where you can find support and mentorship. We have had a lot of help from the National Brain Tumor Society. Asking the doctor to connect you with social worker can open up other resources sometimes.
My husband has also found a good therapist through Kaiser- not sure if you have. I know many people are not happy with Kaiser mental health but he has found someone who works well for him and he has access to appointments twice a week at no cost so it has been great. He’s seen other therapists too but none have specialized in health crises except his Kaiser one
Good luck and sending good thoughts
You could also consider a Healthcare Advocate. There is a Bay Area group of Advocates, bayareahealthcareadvocates.org, and you can talk with them or your son can. They are experienced with helping people navigate through tricky healthcare situations, understand choices, and treatment options and work through the trauma of a new diagnosis. An advocate could work with both of you as needed because it’s traumatic for everyone.
I highly recommend Jennifer Kern, a therapist in Rockridge. she was a therapist at Berkeley city College, and has worked with young adults, dealing with grief, disability, and chronic illness. Her website is jenniferkerntherapy.com.