National & Local Mental Health Organizations for End-of-Life & Grief Support
Navigating end-of-life decisions and coping with grief and loss are some of life’s most challenging experiences. Finding the right support can provide comfort, dignity, and peace during these times. This article offers a guide to connecting with local and national organizations that provide end-of-life care, grief support, and mental health services. Our aim is to empower you with the information needed to connect with compassionate, reliable resources tailored to your needs or the needs of your loved ones.
Key Takeaways
- Explore national organizations offering hospice, palliative care, and grief support services.
- Learn how to find and verify trustworthy local resources for personalized care.
- Understand the different types of end-of-life care, grief support, and mental health resources available to you.
Understanding End-of-Life Care & Grief Support Options
End-of-life care and grief support encompass a range of services designed to provide comfort, dignity, and emotional support to individuals facing terminal illnesses and those grieving the loss of a loved one. Hospice care focuses on comfort rather than curative treatments, typically for patients with six months or less to live. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness and focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life alongside curative treatments.
Additionally, grief support includes counseling, support groups, and treatment options that help individuals process and cope with their loss. Choosing the right type of care and support depends on individual needs and circumstances.
National End-of-Life Care Organizations & Resources
National organizations play a pivotal role in providing resources, support, and advocacy for those facing end-of-life decisions. Because they have a national presence, they can be a good starting place for people who find themselves thrust into a crash course in these topics when tragedy strikes. These organizations often offer educational materials, hotlines, and access to hospice and palliative care services.
Hospice Foundation of America
Focuses on providing compassionate end-of-life care, educational resources, and bereavement support for families. The organization offers webinars, grief support programs, and resources for healthcare providers and caregivers.
Accessing Services: Patients and families can access resources through the Hospice Foundation of America website or by contacting their local hospice providers.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
The leading organization advocating for quality end-of-life care. It provides resources for patients, families, and healthcare professionals, including directories to find local hospice and palliative care services, educational materials, and advocacy for policy changes.
Accessing Services: Individuals can use NHPCO’s “Find a Provider” tool on their website to locate certified hospice and palliative care providers.
Compassion & Choices
Advocates for patient rights and autonomy at the end of life. They offer tools for advance care planning, support for medical aid in dying where legally available, and resources for navigating end-of-life decisions.
Accessing Services: Resources and guides are available on the Compassion & Choices website, which also provides information on local chapters and events.
Visiting Nurse Associations of America (VNAA)
Supports nonprofit, community-based home health, palliative care, and hospice providers. They help ensure patients receive quality care at home by enhancing the skills of caregivers through education and advocacy.
Accessing Services: Patients can access home health and hospice services through VNAA member organizations listed on the VNAA website.
Major End-of-Life Care Resource Directories
The resource directories listed below are curated and maintained by reputable organizations dedicated to providing accurate and up-to-date information. These directories often rely on contributions from experts in the field of end-of-life care, grief support, and mental health, ensuring that the resources listed are trustworthy and vetted.
NHPCO’s “Find a Provider” Directory
The NHPCO directory helps users locate certified hospice and palliative care providers in their area. It includes information about services offered and contact details.
Accessing Services: Available on the NHPCO website, this tool is designed for easy navigation to find local care providers.
211 – United Way’s National Helpline and Resource Directory
The 211 helpline connects individuals with local community resources, including hospice care, palliative care, and support services. It provides access to a wide range of health and human services in local areas.
Accessing Services: Individuals can call 211 or visit the 211 website to search for local end-of-life care services by ZIP code or specific need.
National Mental Health Organizations & Grief Support
In addition to end-of-life care, these national organizations are among those that provide essential grief support and mental health services for those dealing with loss. These organizations offer a range of services, including counseling, support groups, and educational resources.
GriefShare
Offers grief recovery support groups throughout the U.S. It provides a community for those coping with the loss of a loved one, offering structured group sessions and resources to help individuals process their grief.
Accessing Services: Individuals can find local support groups through the GriefShare website.
The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families
Provides grief support for children, teens, and families. It offers resources, training, and support programs to help individuals and organizations assist children dealing with grief.
Accessing Services: Services can be accessed through local programs and training offered via The Dougy Center website.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Provides comprehensive mental health support, including resources and support groups for those dealing with grief, depression, and other mental health challenges. They offer educational programs and advocacy for mental health awareness.
Accessing Services: Individuals can find local NAMI chapters and support groups through the NAMI website.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Offers support for those grieving the loss of someone to suicide. Their Survivor Outreach Program connects individuals with trained volunteers who have experienced similar losses, providing peer support and resources.
Accessing Services: AFSP resources, including local support groups and online communities, are available on the AFSP website.
The Compassionate Friends (TCF)
Supports families after the death of a child, providing a range of grief support resources, including local support groups, an online community, and national conferences.
Accessing Services: Individuals can find local support groups and resources through The Compassionate Friends website.
Major Grief Support & Mental Health Resource Directories
Psychology Today’s Grief Support Directory
A comprehensive directory that allows users to search for grief support groups and therapists specializing in grief and bereavement. It is searchable by location and offers detailed profiles of professionals.
Accessing Services: Available on the Psychology Today website, the directory provides contact information and specialties for local grief support providers.
Mental Health America (MHA) – “Find Support Groups” Directory
This directory lists various mental health and grief support groups across the U.S., including both in-person and virtual options. It helps individuals find support tailored to their specific needs.
Accessing Services: Individuals can search the directory on the MHA website to find local or online support groups.
211 – United Way’s National Helpline and Resource Directory
As mentioned above, 211 also provides a comprehensive directory for finding local grief support services and mental health resources. It’s a valuable tool for individuals seeking immediate or ongoing support.
Accessing Services: Users can call 211 or visit the 211 website to search for local grief and mental health services.
Making the Right Choice for You & Your Loved Ones
Choosing the right end-of-life care and grief support involves considering various factors, including the patient’s medical needs, personal preferences, and the emotional needs of the family. It is essential to assess these needs carefully and consult with healthcare providers and mental health professionals to make informed decisions.
Assessing Care and Support Needs
When determining the right type of care or support, it’s helpful to consider the specific needs of your situation. For instance, if you are caring for an elderly parent with a terminal illness, you might prioritize finding a hospice provider that offers not only medical care but also emotional support for the family. Alternatively, if you’re a parent looking for grief support for your child, you might seek out a local grief support group, such as those provided by The Dougy Center, which specializes in helping children cope with loss through age-appropriate programs. By understanding these unique needs, you can select resources that provide the most comprehensive support for your circumstances.
Consulting with Healthcare Providers and Mental Health Professionals
Open communication with doctors, care teams, and grief counselors is crucial for making decisions that align with the patient’s medical and personal needs.
Tips for Verifying the Legitimacy of Local Resources
Check for Certifications & Accreditations
To ensure you choose reputable local resources, it’s crucial to check for proper certifications and accreditations. For example, if you’re considering a hospice provider, look for accreditation from organizations like the Joint Commission or the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). These accreditations indicate that the provider meets rigorous standards of quality and safety.
Look for Reputable Reviews & Recommendations
You should also also consult online reviews or seek recommendations from trusted friends, family, or your healthcare provider. For instance, you might ask your doctor if they have experience working with a particular hospice service or if they know of a local grief counselor with a good reputation. These steps help ensure you are accessing high-quality care and support.
Finding Peace & Support in Difficult Times
End-of-life planning and dealing with grief are deeply personal processes. Having access to the right resources can make all the difference in ensuring comfort, dignity, and peace. Whether you choose to engage with national organizations for their extensive resources or local providers for personalized care, what matters most is finding a path that offers solace and support.
Written by Kevin Berk
I am Kevin Berk, a native San Diegan with more than twenty years of experience leading Operations, Web Design/Development, and Content teams of all types and sizes, ranging from local startups to grassroots nonprofits to international organizations. I am wholly committed to doing the best work possible, surrounded with talented people driven to level each other up, and being as good a person as I can be to the people who I spend my work and personal life with. I started Light at the End with Claire because, as someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety since I was able to talk, I wanted to help other people get the answers they needed, particularly about things people don't tend to talk about.
Edited by Claire Beutel
My name is Claire Beutel, and I bring over a decade of experience in digital marketing. I specialize in crafting and executing SEO strategies that deliver measurable organic results for businesses of all sizes. Beyond my technical expertise, I am deeply passionate about supporting mental health and wellness causes—a mission close to my heart shaped by my lifelong battle with depression. When Kevin approached me about creating a resource to help individuals navigate the overwhelming challenges of major life decisions, I immediately recognized it as a perfect opportunity. It was a chance to use my skills to truly make a difference in people's lives by providing guidance and support during some of their most difficult moments. I feel privileged to be involved in such a meaningful cause.
Sources
Hospice Foundation of America. “End-of-Life Care Resources.”
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “Find a Provider.”
Compassion & Choices. “End-of-Life Planning and Patient Rights.”
Visiting Nurse Associations of America. “Home Health and Hospice Services.”
GriefShare. “Find a Grief Recovery Support Group.”
The Dougy Center. “Resources for Grieving Children & Families.”
National Alliance on Mental Illness. “Mental Health Resources and Support Groups.”
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Survivor Outreach Program.”
The Compassionate Friends. “Support for Families After Child Loss.”
Psychology Today. “Grief Support Directory.”
Mental Health America. “Find Support Groups Directory.”
Grief Resource Network. “Find Support Directory.”
United Way. “211 Helpline and Resource Directory.”