There are many places to turn to find counseling for teenagers in need of someone to talk with about their grief. Here a few resources to consider. 

Schools

Even in this era of budget cuts to schools, most schools retain counselors, especially for those crucial middle school and high school years. The counselor assigned to your teen can make a good starting place for finding a counselor your a teenager in the throes of grief. Sometimes, a young person just needs a neutral party to listen to them, someone who only has an investment in that student.

Even if the school counselor can’t take on your child as a client, per se, they can recommend community resources or other private counselors who could help. 

Church

A church or religious organization is also a great resource to find individual counseling for teenagers struggling with grief. Many churches train and maintain a cadre of advisors with some counseling training to work with church members. Teens can access these services, too, and find someone to confide in. Pastors and priests can also provide grief counseling and help a teen find some meaning or make peace with the loss of a loved on. Even if you aren’t a regular member of a church, many religious organizations work with people who aren’t members as part of their community outreach programs.

Community Organizations

Each person deals with grief in his or her own way. Sometimes teens may need to get involved in larger organizations and activities to process their emotions. Check with the network of non-profits and community organizations in your town. Many focus specifically on grief. Through these organizations, a teen has a wide range of options including individual counseling, group sessions and even recreational activities and creative outlets to express their grief.

Private Therapists

Some teenagers experiencing grief will need more intensive counseling. Many private therapists and counselors have specific expertise working with teens, who have very different needs from adults. Your young adult may benefit from developing a one on one, long term relationship with a private therapist who can help them come to terms with their grief and any other underlying issues they might face. You can get referrals from friends, family members, your school counselor or your insurance company.

Grief is a difficult emotion no matter what age you are or what stage of life you are in. Teens may have an even harder time processing grief while they are also learning so much about themselves as young adults. Counseling for teenagers dealing with grief can help them cope with this intense emotion in a positive, productive way.

*The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Never substitute, disregard, or delay seeking professional medical advice and assistance for any health or mental issue(s) you have or are concerned about because of something you have read.