Takeaway: Loss is part of being human, but you don’t have to face it alone. Bereavement groups offer a space to process grief with the support of a therapist and others who understand. At the New York City Psychotherapy Collective, we provide groups for losses like estrangement and breakups. Here, we’ll tell you more about our groups and share other NYC resources to help you find the right fit.
Recommended NYC grief groups at a glance
NYC bereavement group details
Grief group for breakups
Offered by: New York City Psychotherapy Collective
Facilitator: Greta Weiss, LMSW
Participants: Adults going through a breakup of a romantic relationship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Sliding scale, $25-$75 per session. Aetna insurance accepted
Grief group for friendship breakups
Offered by: New York City Psychotherapy Collective
Facilitator: Johanna Bellorin, LMSW
Participants: Adults navigating the ending of a friendship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Sliding scale, $25-$75 per session. Aetna insurance accepted
Grief group for caregivers of aging & ill parents
Offered by: Shifting Tides Psychotherapy
Facilitator: Ava Iannitti, LMSW
Participants: Adults who are caring for an aging or ill parent
Location: Virtual
Cost: $80, sliding scale available
Grief group for medical professionals
Offered by: Shifting Tides Psychotherapy
Facilitator: Ava Iannitti, LMSW
Participants: Adult frontline medical professionals navigating vicarious trauma, burnout, & grief
Location: Virtual
Cost: Contact to inquire about cost
Grief group for pandemic loss
Offered by: Shifting Tides Psychotherapy
Facilitator: Ava Iannitti, LMSW
Participants: Adults who experienced loss during the COVID-19 pandemic or who are grieving the pandemic experience as a whole
Location: Virtual
Cost: Contact to inquire about cost
Grief group for sibling loss
Offered by: Shifting Tides Psychotherapy
Facilitator: Madeline Pucheril, LMSW
Participants: Adults who are grieving the loss of a sibling
Location: Virtual
Cost: Contact to inquire about cost
Grief group for pet loss
Offered by: Shifting Tides Psychotherapy
Facilitator: Madeline Pucheril, LMSW
Participants: Adults who are grieving the loss of a pet
Location: Virtual
Cost: Contact to inquire about cost
Grief support group for the loss of a loved one
Offered by: Shifting Tides Psychotherapy
Facilitator: Deanna Doherty, LCSW
Participants: Adults who are grieving the loss of a close loved one
Location: Virtual
Cost: $80, sliding scale available
What to expect from bereavement support groups
In a bereavement support group, you’ll find a safe and compassionate space to share your story, listen to others, and feel less alone in your grief. The groups featured here are led by trained therapists who guide discussions and offer coping strategies.
During the meetings themselves, you can expect to talk about your experiences when you feel ready, hear from other group members, explore your emotions, and learn tools to support your healing. Most importantly, you’ll be surrounded by people who understand the challenges of loss and are walking a similar path.
How to prepare for your grief group
Starting a bereavement group can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. A little preparation can help you feel more comfortable and get the most out of the experience.
Reflect on your goals: Think about what you hope to gain—whether it’s connection, coping tools, or simply a place to be heard.
Bring an open mind: Every person’s grief looks different. Be ready to listen without judgment and share at your own pace.
Allow yourself to feel: Strong emotions may come up, and that’s okay. Groups are designed to hold space for whatever arises.
Take care of basics: Bring water, tissues, or a notebook if it helps you feel more grounded.
These small steps can help you feel more prepared and ease any anxiety you may have about getting started. Remember, the other group participants may be nervous, too.
FAQs about grief support groups
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Grief, though a universal part of being a human, is a highly personal experience, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. What feels right for you at the early stages of your grief may not meet your needs later on, and vice versa.
With that being said, we’ve seen how healing it can be to grieve in community. That’s why these grief support groups are so valuable. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about connecting with others who have been through a similar experience. While it doesn’t take away the pain of your loss, it can be comforting to know that you’re not alone.
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There’s no singular “best” kind of therapy for grief. Some people prefer one-on-one grief counseling, while others prefer grief support groups, and some others may participate in both. What matters most is finding what feels right for where you’re at in your grief journey.
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Many insurance plans offer coverage for grief counseling. However, coverage depends on your specific plan. We recommend contacting your insurance company for more information about coverage for individual therapy and group therapy.
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The New York City Metro chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers several free peer support groups, some of which are bereavement-focused. Keep in mind that these are peer-led groups, which differ from the therapist-led groups featured in our round-up here.