Finding Support: A Guide to Virtual and Open Grief Support Groups

Experiencing the loss of a loved one is a profoundly isolating journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The rise of virtual support groups has made it possible to connect with others who understand your experience, regardless of your geographic location. From peer-led communities to professionally facilitated sessions, there are numerous free resources available to help you heal.

Types of Virtual Grief Support

Depending on your needs, you may find that different formats of support provide the most comfort. Virtual options generally fall into two categories: professional bereavement services and peer-led communities.

Professional Bereavement Services

Organizations like VITAS Healthcare offer structured support groups provided by their Bereavement Services. These are often free of charge and can be accessed via phone or Zoom. These services include:

• Ongoing Weekly Groups: Regular sessions for specific needs, such as parents grieving children or LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Short-Term Groups: Focused sessions that last for a specific duration, ranging from six to 22 weeks.
• Specialized Loss Groups: Targeted support for spousal loss or general grief.

Peer-Led Support Communities

Peer-led groups are managed by volunteers who are also experiencing grief. My Grief Angels provides an all-inclusive, non-religious, and LGBTQIA-friendly environment. These groups are designed for those who have the approval of a mental health professional to participate in peer-led settings and are not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Available Group Schedules and Specializations

Different organizations cater to different types of loss. Here is a breakdown of available virtual options based on specific needs:

Specialized Support Groups (VITAS Healthcare)

• Parents Grieving Children: Mondays (3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT / 12 p.m. PT).
• LGBTQ+ and Grief: Tuesdays (6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. PT).
• Spanish Speakers (Grupo de Apoyo General para Hispanoparlantes): Wednesdays (8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT) and 2nd and 4th Fridays (3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT / 12 p.m. PT).
• Men’s Grief – Spousal Loss: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month (3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT / 12 p.m. PT).
• Men’s Grief – General: 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month (3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT / 12 p.m. PT).

General and Open Groups

• Hospice NW: Offers open grief groups via Zoom every Friday for anyone in the community experiencing a recent loss.
• Chat Grief: Provides a calendar of weekly open virtual peer-led groups where users can register for specific dates.
• My Grief Angels: Offers free virtual groups tailored for various types of loss, including pet loss.

Key Takeaways for Joining a Group

• Cost: Many of these virtual resources, including those from VITAS and My Grief Angels, are provided free of charge.
• Accessibility: Most groups utilize Zoom or phone-in options to ensure accessibility.
• Safety First: Peer-led groups are for general informational purposes. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you should contact the Suicide Line at 988 immediately.
• Holiday Breaks: Some services, such as VITAS, do not hold meetings on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and Novel Year’s Day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join a virtual grief group?

Most organizations require a simple registration process. For example, Chat Grief requires users to select a date on their calendar to receive a registration link. VITAS provides specific instructions for those wishing to participate in their Zoom video groups.

Are these groups professional therapy?

Not all. While some are offered by bereavement services, peer-led groups (like those from My Grief Angels) are managed by volunteers. These volunteers are not licensed therapists or counselors. they are individuals sharing their own journeys to support others.

Can I join if my loss happened a long time ago?

Yes. Inclusive communities like My Grief Angels welcome anyone grieving the death of a loved one, whether the loss was recent or occurred long ago.

Moving Forward

Finding the right support group is a personal process. Whether you prefer the structure of a 6-week program or the flexibility of an open weekly meeting, the availability of virtual platforms ensures that support is always within reach. As you explore these options, remember to consult with your own mental health professional to determine which type of group best suits your current needs.