Seeking help for health crisis
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.
Aug 10, 2025
Parent Replies
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.