Grief Psychiatrists in Washington, DC

Photo of Martha Blechar Gibbons, PhD, APRN, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Martha Blechar Gibbons
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, APRN, BC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
My specialties include relational and developmental issues, anxiety, depression, separation and divorce, eating disorders, loss, grief and bereavement, trauma and PTSD, parenting and self-esteem issues.
Whether you are faced with a current challenge or trying to untangle a web of complicated issues from the past, we can work together to co-create a more meaningful life. I am a nurse psychotherapist in private practice in a residential setting with the option to work out of doors in a private garden area. I am eclectic in my approach, incorporating different modes of therapy designed to address the child, adolescent, couple, adult or family's issues and concerns. Since each person I see is unique in terms of what they are seeking in therapy, my approach is tailored to what that person presents.
My specialties include relational and developmental issues, anxiety, depression, separation and divorce, eating disorders, loss, grief and bereavement, trauma and PTSD, parenting and self-esteem issues.
Whether you are faced with a current challenge or trying to untangle a web of complicated issues from the past, we can work together to co-create a more meaningful life. I am a nurse psychotherapist in private practice in a residential setting with the option to work out of doors in a private garden area. I am eclectic in my approach, incorporating different modes of therapy designed to address the child, adolescent, couple, adult or family's issues and concerns. Since each person I see is unique in terms of what they are seeking in therapy, my approach is tailored to what that person presents.
(202) 759-8317 View (202) 759-8317
Photo of Margo Pumar, MD, MA, Psychiatrist
Margo Pumar
Psychiatrist, MD, MA
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
I also treat, depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, ADHD, eating disorders, and grief and loss.
Hi! I'm a board-certified adult-trained psychiatrist with a holistic approach to working with patients and collaboratively creating evidence-based treatment. I have worked in a board range of clinical settings across the US and abroad and have been on faculty at UPenn and UCSF. For the last few years I served as the Medical Director for Perinatal Psychiatry in the UCSF Birth Center. Licensed in DC, MD, VA, and CA, I provide evaluations, psychotherapy, medication management and also focus on coping tools, nutrition, social supports and self-care to help patients achieve their goals.
I also treat, depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, ADHD, eating disorders, and grief and loss.
Hi! I'm a board-certified adult-trained psychiatrist with a holistic approach to working with patients and collaboratively creating evidence-based treatment. I have worked in a board range of clinical settings across the US and abroad and have been on faculty at UPenn and UCSF. For the last few years I served as the Medical Director for Perinatal Psychiatry in the UCSF Birth Center. Licensed in DC, MD, VA, and CA, I provide evaluations, psychotherapy, medication management and also focus on coping tools, nutrition, social supports and self-care to help patients achieve their goals.
(202) 946-7552 x415638 View (202) 946-7552 x415638
Photo of Dr. Shehram Majid, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Shehram Majid
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
Hi and welcome to my practice! My name is Dr. Shehram Majid and I founded the Center for Integrative Psychiatry so that I could have an avenue to provide the type of care that I feel my patients have benefited the most from. I work with patients struggling with general anxiety, depression, grief, family and relationship issues, college/early adulthood struggles, and career changes. I have also worked extensively with patients that struggle with the aftermath of growing up in dysfunctional family systems, children of emotionally unavailable parents, and victims of domestic abuse.
Hi and welcome to my practice! My name is Dr. Shehram Majid and I founded the Center for Integrative Psychiatry so that I could have an avenue to provide the type of care that I feel my patients have benefited the most from. I work with patients struggling with general anxiety, depression, grief, family and relationship issues, college/early adulthood struggles, and career changes. I have also worked extensively with patients that struggle with the aftermath of growing up in dysfunctional family systems, children of emotionally unavailable parents, and victims of domestic abuse.
(202) 816-7698 View (202) 816-7698
Photo of Dr. Renee Diane Parisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Renee Diane Parisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
18 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006  (Online Only)
The ideal client for me is someone who is seeking comprehensive and holistic mental health care to help them recover from past trauma, including disenfranchised grief (pet loss, perinatal loss, and others). This individual is open to exploring various treatment modalities beyond traditional Western medications and understands the importance of addressing all aspects of their well-being, including physical health, nutrition, sleep, and herbal supplements.
The ideal client for me is someone who is seeking comprehensive and holistic mental health care to help them recover from past trauma, including disenfranchised grief (pet loss, perinatal loss, and others). This individual is open to exploring various treatment modalities beyond traditional Western medications and understands the importance of addressing all aspects of their well-being, including physical health, nutrition, sleep, and herbal supplements.
(202) 831-9460 View (202) 831-9460
Photo of Wilhem Rivera MD, MD, Psychiatrist
Wilhem Rivera MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20011
Dr. Rivera employs an integrative style that focuses on the individual's sleep, diet, physical and mental fitness. He enjoys working in particular with weight loss, men's wellness, de-prescription from psychotropic medications, and detox from long-term substance use: tobacco, alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Furthermore, he specializes in the diagnosis and management of attention, mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. You and Dr. Rivera will discuss available treatment modalities that may include lifestyle changes, meditation and mindfulness, exercise, medication management, and hormonal balancing.
Dr. Rivera employs an integrative style that focuses on the individual's sleep, diet, physical and mental fitness. He enjoys working in particular with weight loss, men's wellness, de-prescription from psychotropic medications, and detox from long-term substance use: tobacco, alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Furthermore, he specializes in the diagnosis and management of attention, mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. You and Dr. Rivera will discuss available treatment modalities that may include lifestyle changes, meditation and mindfulness, exercise, medication management, and hormonal balancing.
(202) 516-7680 View (202) 516-7680
Photo of Dr. Nina Axiotakis, DO, Psychiatrist
Dr. Nina Axiotakis
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
I'm a Georgetown-trained psychiatrist & psychotherapist working with children, adolescents, adults of all ages in DC, Maryland, & Virginia. I'm at the heart of Dupont Circle in DC & virtual. I treat a broad array of conditions including those of mood, anxiety, psychosis, eating disorders, trauma, autism, ADHD, OCD, intellectual disabilities, behavioral issues, relationship issues, grief & any other life challenge. My perspective is psychodynamic, espousing a collaborative spirit not only toward symptom alleviation but equally toward the achievement of one's most fulfilling life. Don't hesitate to reach me. -Nina; DrNinaDC.com
I'm a Georgetown-trained psychiatrist & psychotherapist working with children, adolescents, adults of all ages in DC, Maryland, & Virginia. I'm at the heart of Dupont Circle in DC & virtual. I treat a broad array of conditions including those of mood, anxiety, psychosis, eating disorders, trauma, autism, ADHD, OCD, intellectual disabilities, behavioral issues, relationship issues, grief & any other life challenge. My perspective is psychodynamic, espousing a collaborative spirit not only toward symptom alleviation but equally toward the achievement of one's most fulfilling life. Don't hesitate to reach me. -Nina; DrNinaDC.com
(202) 417-7568 View (202) 417-7568
Photo of Lewis A Winkler, MD, Psychiatrist
Lewis A Winkler
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007
I am interested in trauma and loss of all types, and peer group interpersonal experiences wich shape and create today s difficulties Peer group abuse and insecurity and interested in patients who seek.
I work with a broad variety of patients and am very experienced in COMBINING and INTEGRATING individual, group, and couples psychotherapy with effective psychopharmacology,,, IF NEEDED I specialize in mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, both severe and more-moderate personality trait and style issues, and am also highly interested in helping people and couples grow out of "BINDS" they are in.. or... those that conflicting personality styles create,, I also specialize in workplace issues, work_created problems, vocational identity issues and have experience in E E O, Workers Comp, and other litigation
I am interested in trauma and loss of all types, and peer group interpersonal experiences wich shape and create today s difficulties Peer group abuse and insecurity and interested in patients who seek.
I work with a broad variety of patients and am very experienced in COMBINING and INTEGRATING individual, group, and couples psychotherapy with effective psychopharmacology,,, IF NEEDED I specialize in mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, both severe and more-moderate personality trait and style issues, and am also highly interested in helping people and couples grow out of "BINDS" they are in.. or... those that conflicting personality styles create,, I also specialize in workplace issues, work_created problems, vocational identity issues and have experience in E E O, Workers Comp, and other litigation
(202) 337-3444 View (202) 337-3444
Photo of Meateran Funwi, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Meateran Funwi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20001  (Online Only)
Meateran provides medication management for ADHD, anxiety, maladaptive coping skills, depression, grief, life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), peer relationships, relationship issues, school issues, self-esteem problems, sleep disorders, insomnia, stress, divorce, dual diagnoses, trauma, PTSD, impulse & control disorders, and mood disorders.
Meateran Funwi is a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner. Meateran supports his patients with compassion, empathy, clear communication, and problem-solving skills. He knows his patients often face challenges in their day-to-day lives and relationships in addition to their mental health concerns. His main goal is to help his patients pursue more enjoyable lives. Meateran uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and cognitive therapy. Meateran works with patients ages 6-64.
Meateran provides medication management for ADHD, anxiety, maladaptive coping skills, depression, grief, life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), peer relationships, relationship issues, school issues, self-esteem problems, sleep disorders, insomnia, stress, divorce, dual diagnoses, trauma, PTSD, impulse & control disorders, and mood disorders.
Meateran Funwi is a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner. Meateran supports his patients with compassion, empathy, clear communication, and problem-solving skills. He knows his patients often face challenges in their day-to-day lives and relationships in addition to their mental health concerns. His main goal is to help his patients pursue more enjoyable lives. Meateran uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and cognitive therapy. Meateran works with patients ages 6-64.
(202) 873-8124 View (202) 873-8124
Photo of Jason Wexler, MD, Psychiatrist
Jason Wexler
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009
Life is far from perfect. Everyone experiences loss, unforeseen change, and anxiety provoking stress. When these stresses become so powerful that they interfere with our work, self-care, or relationships, it is important to remember that we are not alone and help is available. With bravery, you can seek help and begin to heal. My goal is to help those who are facing these difficulties. I received my psychiatric training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Adult Psychiatry. With this experience, I am able to diagnose and treat a broad range of psychiatric illnesses, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
Life is far from perfect. Everyone experiences loss, unforeseen change, and anxiety provoking stress. When these stresses become so powerful that they interfere with our work, self-care, or relationships, it is important to remember that we are not alone and help is available. With bravery, you can seek help and begin to heal. My goal is to help those who are facing these difficulties. I received my psychiatric training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Adult Psychiatry. With this experience, I am able to diagnose and treat a broad range of psychiatric illnesses, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
(443) 247-0385 View (443) 247-0385
Photo of Dr. Emily Watts, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Emily Watts
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
As a women’s mental health specialist, I also treat women specifically related to mood, sleep and anxiety disorders during and after pregnancy, grief after miscarriage and infertility, trauma due to childbirth and mood issues related to the menstrual cycle or menopause.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health, adult psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. I provide a collaborative and integrative approach based off of individual needs such as a range of psychotherapies, stress management, lifestyle adjustments, nutrition, sleep training, mindfulness, and medication when necessary after careful consideration. I provide treatment for a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief, life transitions, career management and relationship issues among many other things related to an individual’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.
As a women’s mental health specialist, I also treat women specifically related to mood, sleep and anxiety disorders during and after pregnancy, grief after miscarriage and infertility, trauma due to childbirth and mood issues related to the menstrual cycle or menopause.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health, adult psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. I provide a collaborative and integrative approach based off of individual needs such as a range of psychotherapies, stress management, lifestyle adjustments, nutrition, sleep training, mindfulness, and medication when necessary after careful consideration. I provide treatment for a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief, life transitions, career management and relationship issues among many other things related to an individual’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.
(718) 568-6742 View (718) 568-6742
Photo of Fatima M Koroma - Leadeth Stillwaters , APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Leadeth Stillwaters
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007  (Online Only)
We are accepting new clients in DC, Maryland, & Virginia through telehealth (online). Struggling with sleep, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, grief or loss, past trauma or PTSD, self harm, impulsivity, OCD, irritability, anger, stress managements, and mood swings? Do you need medication management, prescription refill, or therapy? We can help & support you through evidence base approach treatment. We understand life gets tough, but don’t give up. With our support you can overcome the challenges that life brings. Contact us today, we can help.
We are accepting new clients in DC, Maryland, & Virginia through telehealth (online). Struggling with sleep, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, grief or loss, past trauma or PTSD, self harm, impulsivity, OCD, irritability, anger, stress managements, and mood swings? Do you need medication management, prescription refill, or therapy? We can help & support you through evidence base approach treatment. We understand life gets tough, but don’t give up. With our support you can overcome the challenges that life brings. Contact us today, we can help.
(301) 918-5379 View (301) 918-5379
Photo of Dr. Ifeanyi Olele - Genesis Psychiatric Solutions, DO, MBA, MS, Psychiatrist
Dr. Ifeanyi Olele - Genesis Psychiatric Solutions
Psychiatrist, DO, MBA, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20004
Thank you so much for considering Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. It is really a big step. Here are some reasons why people contact us: We work with busy professionals, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, influencers, and creatives that are dealing with depression, anxiety, sleep issues, workplace stress/burnout, grief or trauma, OCD, and ADHD. We do not see you as a disorder, but a person who wants to improve their quality of life. We factor your total wellness and address it in your treatment.
Thank you so much for considering Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. It is really a big step. Here are some reasons why people contact us: We work with busy professionals, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, influencers, and creatives that are dealing with depression, anxiety, sleep issues, workplace stress/burnout, grief or trauma, OCD, and ADHD. We do not see you as a disorder, but a person who wants to improve their quality of life. We factor your total wellness and address it in your treatment.
(202) 516-1137 View (202) 516-1137
Photo of Yarelis Guzmán Quiñones, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist
Yarelis Guzmán Quiñones
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
Dr. Yarelis Guzmán Quiñones is a board-certified psychiatrist and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, focusing on women's mental health. Specializing in the emotional well-being of women, she addresses a range of issues, including ADHD, perinatal mental health, fertility concerns, perinatal loss, and postpartum depression. She completed her residency in General Psychiatry at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she served as the chief resident.
Dr. Yarelis Guzmán Quiñones is a board-certified psychiatrist and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, focusing on women's mental health. Specializing in the emotional well-being of women, she addresses a range of issues, including ADHD, perinatal mental health, fertility concerns, perinatal loss, and postpartum depression. She completed her residency in General Psychiatry at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she served as the chief resident.
(443) 888-2306 View (443) 888-2306
Photo of Eric Taswell, MD, Psychiatrist
Eric Taswell
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
"No man is an island...", John Donne wrote. No woman, either. From birth, we depend upon relationships to give life meaning. But life sometimes leaves us feeling alone with our troubles. We may feel misunderstood, sad, worried, scared or angry. We may struggle with our direction, fall short of our hopes, suffer a loss. Yet our social connections are at the core of our humanity. That is why I believe talking can help to relieve suffering and create new directions. I strive to help by listening carefully and reflecting with you to better understand obstacles to a more fulfilling life.
"No man is an island...", John Donne wrote. No woman, either. From birth, we depend upon relationships to give life meaning. But life sometimes leaves us feeling alone with our troubles. We may feel misunderstood, sad, worried, scared or angry. We may struggle with our direction, fall short of our hopes, suffer a loss. Yet our social connections are at the core of our humanity. That is why I believe talking can help to relieve suffering and create new directions. I strive to help by listening carefully and reflecting with you to better understand obstacles to a more fulfilling life.
(301) 685-0781 View (301) 685-0781
Photo of Ndubuisi Isaac Okoroafor - Cona Healthcare Services, DNP, PMHNP-B, MSc, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Cona Healthcare Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-B, MSc, MSN
Not Verified Not Verified
Washington, DC 20012
Yes, you are not alone as everyone experiences loss, unforeseen changes, relationship challenges, difficulty with sleep, and anxiety provoking stress that may interfere with work, self, and/or relationships. Help is available at Cona healthcare. Welcome to Cona Healthcare Health Services, where your journey to mental health and physical wellness begins. At Cona Healthcare Services, we provide virtual, physical, and mental health services at your comfort. We are always at your service to help you function at your optimum with a sound mind. Dr. Endy Okoroafor is Doctoral prepared PMHNP at University of South Alabama & Board-Certified.
Yes, you are not alone as everyone experiences loss, unforeseen changes, relationship challenges, difficulty with sleep, and anxiety provoking stress that may interfere with work, self, and/or relationships. Help is available at Cona healthcare. Welcome to Cona Healthcare Health Services, where your journey to mental health and physical wellness begins. At Cona Healthcare Services, we provide virtual, physical, and mental health services at your comfort. We are always at your service to help you function at your optimum with a sound mind. Dr. Endy Okoroafor is Doctoral prepared PMHNP at University of South Alabama & Board-Certified.
(301) 246-8005 View (301) 246-8005
Photo of Yunlay Bridges, MHA, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Yunlay Bridges
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MHA, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20003  (Online Only)
Each of us will experience life stressors (depression, anxiety, grief and trauma), which are part of the humanistic experience. Working together can allow us to unpack unhealthy behaviors. Therapy can be the pathway to finding the root cause and uncovering triggers to develop positive strategies to maneuver through life’s challenging moments.
Each of us will experience life stressors (depression, anxiety, grief and trauma), which are part of the humanistic experience. Working together can allow us to unpack unhealthy behaviors. Therapy can be the pathway to finding the root cause and uncovering triggers to develop positive strategies to maneuver through life’s challenging moments.
(301) 781-5365 View (301) 781-5365
Photo of Sharon L Bernier, PhD, CNS, Psychiatric Nurse
Sharon L Bernier
Psychiatric Nurse, PhD, CNS
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20003
I have an adult practice for persons over the age of 18. If you are seeking therapy, you are interested in improving your life in the areas of relationships, communications and any other areas causing emotional discomfort or pain such as: work, marital or couple issues, parenting differences, losses, life phase adaptations, body image and decision making. Effectiveness of therapy depends on your active participation. It requires time, effort and regularity. Therapy involves evaluating your thoughts and behaviors, identifying stresses and working to modify both. The therapy relationship is a collaborative effort with strict confidentiality and respect for the client.
I have an adult practice for persons over the age of 18. If you are seeking therapy, you are interested in improving your life in the areas of relationships, communications and any other areas causing emotional discomfort or pain such as: work, marital or couple issues, parenting differences, losses, life phase adaptations, body image and decision making. Effectiveness of therapy depends on your active participation. It requires time, effort and regularity. Therapy involves evaluating your thoughts and behaviors, identifying stresses and working to modify both. The therapy relationship is a collaborative effort with strict confidentiality and respect for the client.
(202) 609-8855 View (202) 609-8855
Photo of Robert Winer, MD, Psychiatrist
Robert Winer
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
Perhaps a relationship or a job or parenting isn’t going well, or you just feel bad (or angry, or frightened). I try to be of use to people who are in pain. How do I try to help? By having open and honest conversations, good talks. It’s not so easy to do that – we keep our guards up for compelling reasons, because of our experiences of being hurt and used and misunderstood in the past. Often it seems obvious what we need to do, and yet impossible to do it. In therapy we wrestle with the bind.
Perhaps a relationship or a job or parenting isn’t going well, or you just feel bad (or angry, or frightened). I try to be of use to people who are in pain. How do I try to help? By having open and honest conversations, good talks. It’s not so easy to do that – we keep our guards up for compelling reasons, because of our experiences of being hurt and used and misunderstood in the past. Often it seems obvious what we need to do, and yet impossible to do it. In therapy we wrestle with the bind.
(240) 392-1911 View (240) 392-1911
Photo of Alexa Andewelt, MD, Psychiatrist
Alexa Andewelt
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006
Depression, Anxiety, Trauma.... I am here to help you feel better! Initially we have a 2 hour intake I can get a good understanding of who you are and help identify symptoms that can then be the target of treatment. Treatment is cooperative- I educate patients as to what is going on in their brain, how treatments will affect their brain, body, and symptoms. I encourage patients to ask questions. Together as a team we work towards alleviating symptoms so you can feel better! PLEASE reach out with questions via EMAIL: AndeweltMD gmail.com
Depression, Anxiety, Trauma.... I am here to help you feel better! Initially we have a 2 hour intake I can get a good understanding of who you are and help identify symptoms that can then be the target of treatment. Treatment is cooperative- I educate patients as to what is going on in their brain, how treatments will affect their brain, body, and symptoms. I encourage patients to ask questions. Together as a team we work towards alleviating symptoms so you can feel better! PLEASE reach out with questions via EMAIL: AndeweltMD gmail.com
(202) 759-8837 View (202) 759-8837
Photo of Swati Divakarla, MD, Psychiatrist
Swati Divakarla
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006  (Online Only)
Dr. Swati Divakarla is a Board-Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist. She has experience working in a variety of clinical settings. She uses evidence based medicine as a guide in medication management of a variety of psychiatric symptoms. She has also had experience in multiple modalities of psychotherapy. She has had experience with working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and presenting with a variety of symptoms and problems.
Dr. Swati Divakarla is a Board-Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist. She has experience working in a variety of clinical settings. She uses evidence based medicine as a guide in medication management of a variety of psychiatric symptoms. She has also had experience in multiple modalities of psychotherapy. She has had experience with working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and presenting with a variety of symptoms and problems.
(202) 915-6420 View (202) 915-6420
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Grief Psychiatrists

How long does therapy take for grief?

There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.

When should you seek therapy for grief?

Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.

Can grief be managed without therapy?

Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.

What happens if grief is left untreated?

Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.