Grief and support
When do I need a grief counselor vs. a therapist?
Short answer
A grief counselor specializes in bereavement and is appropriate for most people after a significant loss. A therapist (especially one trained in trauma) is more appropriate if the death was sudden, violent, or involves complicated circumstances, or if the grief is significantly…
What this usually means
A grief counselor specializes in bereavement and is appropriate for most people after a significant loss. A therapist (especially one trained in trauma) is more appropriate if the death was sudden, violent, or involves complicated circumstances, or if the grief is significantly impairing daily function.
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What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.