Grief/Bereavement Resources If You Have Lost a Loved One In San Diego

Note: This resource is provided for informational purposes only and is not endorsed or affiliated with any specific organization mentioned.

Grief and anguish over the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal experience. Others may say they understand, but no one else is inside your head and heart, so it’s common to feel alone with the overwhelming burden of emotions. On one hand, you know you have to move forward from bereavement, but doing so feels like losing the last connection you have with your loved one and you aren’t ready to let them go.

Even if you feel alone with your grief, it helps to know that others are experiencing similar emotions and there is help and support. If you lost a loved one in San Diego or the surrounding area, there are resources available to you that can be a positive first step forward. First, in the immediate aftermath of a loved one’s death, there are resources to help families organize a funeral and make burial arrangements. Then, consider a grief and loss support group where you can share your feelings and hear from others who are grieving a loss.

Sudden Loss Support for Those In the Aftermath of a Loss

Carson’s Village Sudden Loss Support: This organization helps victims of unexpected loss by assisting with the details of necessary arrangements for everything from what to do immediately after the passing, filling out necessary forms, informing family members, and the funeral.

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance: This FEMA organization provides assistance for funeral expenses for those who lost a loved one due to COVID-19.

The Burial Assitance Program: This program provides inexpensive cremation and burials as an option for indigent families or those with low incomes if the decedent leaves no estate and no family member can afford arrangements.

Grief and Loss Group Therapy in San Diego

Group therapy is one of the most impactful and effective ways to deal with grief. While you might know in your head that you aren’t alone, actually hearing from other individuals with similar feelings in a group setting guided by a licensed therapist provides insight into your emotions and can be a powerful outlet and tool for recovery.

• Grief and Loss Group in Camino Del Rio North: this group therapy for grieving individuals is hosted by therapist Emmarose Turret. You can find information on her Psychology Today page or call (619)273-0514 x500 for more information.
• The Elizabeth Hospice of San Diego provides free virtual group therapy sessions for adults through Zoom including sessions for child loss, spouse/partner loss, parent loss, parenting after loss, the Journey Through Grief Club, and the caregiver’s support group. In addition, The Elizabeth Hospice also offers group therapy sessions for children of differing age groups. Call (833)349-2054 or visit The Elizabeth Hospice website for more information.
• Griefshare recovery support groups: these weekly support group meetings for Christians suffering a bereavement take place in multiple locations weekly in San Diego. Visit the Griefshare website to find a location near you.
• Catholic Bereavement Support through the Diocese of San Diego: The Diocese of San Diego offers group therapy sessions for the loss of a spouse, the loss of a child, and loss from suicide.
• MyGriefAngels.org’s Gay Grief MOOC (Massive Open Online Course): This group offers LGBTQIA, open peer-led support group meetings online for those in the LGBTQIA community who are suffering bereavement.
• The Survivors of Violent Loss Program: This non-profit organization offers support groups for those grieving a loved one’s loss due to violent crimes, drunk driving, suicide, or other non-natural causes.

Suffering the loss of someone you love is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Fortunately, help is available for those in San Diego who are suffering through the grief and anguish of a recent loss. For legal help, contact the San Diego wrongful death lawyers at Haffner & Morgan, for a free consultation.