Grief Counseling for Teens & Young Adults

Parent Q&A

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  • My young adult son is facing a health crisis with an uncertain outlook. I am seeking resources to support him, such as a therapist who specializes in the area of health crisis and grief, and/or a support group of other young adults dealing with this. Thank you.

    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.

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  • Hi -

    Is anyone aware of a teen/young adult bereavement group in or near North Berkeley? Does anyone know if UC Berkeley offers such a group to non-UC students? I have searched for a nearby group, but the closest I could find was in south Oakland, and the drive to and from south Oakland from North Berkeley in the late afternoon (after school) created more stress than the group would relieve. Thank you --

    You can call Elisa Youth Bereavement Coordinator at Sutter Care At Home hospice at 510-450-8596 for resources 

Archived Q&A and Reviews


Questions

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.