Grieving Care Options

Brandon Larsen
Oct 27, 2024
5 min read

Symptoms of Grief:

Grief affects people in different ways, both physically and emotionally. Some common symptoms include:

Emotional Symptoms:
- Sadness and Despair: Intense feelings of loss, sorrow, and heartache are typical of grieving, and they may come in waves.
- Anger or Guilt: Many experience feelings of anger, either towards the situation, others, or themselves, along with guilt about unresolved issues or conflicts with the deceased.
- Anxiety and Loneliness: A sense of helplessness, fear of the future, or intense loneliness may accompany grief.
Physical Symptoms:
- Fatigue and Exhaustion: The emotional toll of grief can leave one feeling drained and physically exhausted.
- Difficulty Sleeping: Many people have trouble falling or staying asleep due to the overwhelming emotions associated with loss.
- Changes in Appetite: Grief can cause some to lose interest in food, while others may eat more than usual as a coping mechanism.

Common Causes of Grief:

Grief is a natural response to loss and can arise from:

Death of a Loved One: The most common cause of grief is the death of a family member, friend, or loved one.
Divorce or Relationship Breakdown: Separation and divorce can trigger profound feelings of loss and mourning.
Life Changes: Events such as losing a job, moving away from a community, or receiving a serious medical diagnosis can also lead to grief.

Self-Care Options:

Express Your Feelings: Journaling, talking with friends or family, or engaging in creative outlets like painting can help process emotions.
Physical Activity: Gentle exercise such as walking or yoga can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote better sleep.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness exercises and guided meditation can help ground you during times of intense grief and anxiety.
Join a Support Group: Support groups, either online or in person, allow you to connect with others experiencing similar losses, offering comfort and shared experiences.

When to Bring in a Professional:

While grief is a normal process, sometimes professional help is needed to cope with overwhelming emotions. Consider reaching out to a professional if you experience any of the following:

Prolonged Grief Disorder: If your grief is all-consuming and interferes with daily functioning for a prolonged period, you may need extra support.
Depression or Anxiety: Grief can sometimes trigger mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, which may require treatment.
Difficulty Coping with Daily Life: If you’re unable to care for yourself or engage in regular activities due to grief, it may be time to seek professional help.

Telehealth Options:

Telehealth provides a convenient way to access grief counseling or therapy from the comfort of your home. Here are a few telehealth providers specializing in mental health support:

BetterHelp
BetterHelp offers online therapy through messaging, phone, or video chat. Licensed therapists can help you process grief, work through emotions, and offer coping strategies.
Cost: $60 - $90 per week, depending on the plan and location.
Talkspace
Talkspace connects users with licensed mental health professionals via text, audio, or video. Grief counselors can provide emotional support and help manage symptoms.
Cost: $65 - $99 per week, depending on the therapist and level of service.
Amwell
Amwell provides access to licensed therapists and psychologists through video consultations. You can schedule sessions specifically focused on grief or emotional support.
Cost: $109 - $129 per session for a therapist, $279 for a psychiatrist (initial consultation).
MDLIVE
MDLIVE offers therapy and psychiatry services, including help with grief. Licensed therapists provide virtual sessions, while psychiatrists can manage medication for related conditions like anxiety or depression.
Cost: $108 - $248 per session, depending on the service and therapist.

In-Person Care Options and Estimated Costs:

Individual Counseling: In-person therapy with a licensed therapist or counselor can help address grief, identify coping strategies, and offer emotional support.
Cost: $100 - $200 per session, depending on the therapist’s experience and location.
Group Therapy: Many find comfort in group therapy, where you can share experiences with others who are also grieving. Many groups focus on specific types of loss (e.g., death of a spouse or child).
Cost: $30 - $50 per session, though some nonprofit groups offer free or low-cost sessions.
Grief Support Groups (Nonprofit): Churches, hospices, and community centers often offer free or low-cost grief support groups, which provide a space to share with others and receive guidance.
Cost: Free or low-cost (typically a $10 - $20 donation or fee).
Hospitalization (Severe Mental Health Crisis): If grief leads to a mental health crisis, such as suicidal ideation or severe depression, hospitalization may be required for safety and stabilization.
Cost: $1,000 - $5,000 per day, depending on the hospital and level of care.

Additional Resources:

Hospice and Palliative Care Programs: Many hospice organizations offer grief counseling services to families of deceased patients for free or at a low cost.
Cost: Free or low-cost, depending on the organization.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Some employers offer EAPs, which include free or discounted counseling services, including grief counseling.
Cost: Free for a limited number of sessions (typically 3-5 sessions), then standard therapy rates apply.

Finding Cost-Effective Care:

Insurance Coverage: Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover mental health services, including grief counseling and therapy. Check your plan for details on copays or deductibles.
Sliding Scale Therapists: Many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income, so be sure to ask if this is an option if you’re concerned about cost.
Community Resources: Local nonprofits, religious organizations, and community centers often offer free or low-cost grief support services.

Recommended Care Pathway:

Start with a Telehealth Session: If you’re unsure where to begin, consider starting with a telehealth provider like BetterHelp or Talkspace. They can provide immediate support and assess whether in-person therapy might be needed.
Join a Grief Support Group: For additional emotional support, consider joining an in-person or virtual support group that aligns with your specific loss.
Consider In-Person Counseling: If your grief is deeply affecting your daily life, or if you prefer face-to-face interactions, individual counseling with a therapist specializing in grief may be beneficial.

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Meet John:

John, a 45-year-old accountant, lost his wife unexpectedly to a heart attack. In the months following her death, John struggled with overwhelming sadness, loneliness, and trouble sleeping. He began to isolate himself from friends and family and found it difficult to focus at work.

After reaching out to his employer’s EAP, John was connected with a local therapist who specialized in grief counseling. The first few sessions were free, and John found it helpful to talk about his feelings in a safe, supportive environment. After his EAP sessions ended, he decided to continue therapy, paying a reduced rate of $80 per session.

John also joined a grief support group at his local church, where he met others going through similar experiences. The group provided him with comfort and understanding, helping him feel less alone in his grief.

John’s total costs for his grief counseling and support group amounted to about $800 over six months, but the emotional healing and support he received were invaluable.