Bereavement Resources and Services
National bereavement resources
A program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Caring Connections is a national consumer engagement initiative to improve care at the end of life. It offers lots of information and support about grief and loss. The program can provide you with information regarding support groups in your area.
Centering Corporation, (866) 218-0101
A non-profit organization dedicated to providing education and resources for both professionals and the families they serve. Provides books, magazines and workshops on grief and loss for caregivers and families.
The Dougy Center, (866) 775-5683
Provides grief support resources specifically for grieving children, teens and their families. Offers an excellent selection of relevant books, brochures and suggested activities, as well as connections to nationwide centers offering grief counseling and related services.
Hospice Foundation of America, (800) 854-3402
Helps those who cope personally and professionally with terminal illness, death and the process of grief and bereavement.
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Local bereavement services
There are many local resources for children and adults seeking bereavement services. By the Bay Health is UCSF's preferred hospice.
San Francisco Bereavement Services
San Francisco Suicide Prevention 24-Hour Crisis Line, (415) 781-0500
Bay Area Jewish Healing Center, (415) 750-4197
Offers bereavement spiritual support groups, individual counseling, healing prayer and bereavement camp for children and families.
The Compassionate Friends, (877) 969-0010
Offers peer-led grief support after the death of a child.
By the Bay Health, (415) 526-5699
Offers individual counseling and support groups for adults and children on a sliding fee scale. By the Bay Health has been affiliated with UCSF since April of 2015.
Jewish Family and Children's Services, (415) 449-3879
Offers non-denominational bereavement support groups, workshops, individual and family counseling, healing and memory services.
Josie's Place, (415) 513-6343
Offers support groups for children and teens.
Pathways, (888) 755-7855
Offers grief support group, individual counseling and workshops.
Sutter VNA and Hospice, (415) 749-4200
Offers grief support groups and individual counseling.
Zen Hospice Project, (415) 863-2910
Offers grief support groups, individual counseling, mindfulness-based grief support group and workshops.
Peninsula and South Bay bereavement services
Centre for Living with Dying (Santa Clara), (408) 243-0222
Offers individual and group support for adults, children and families.
The Compassionate Friends (Burlingame, Santa Clara, Monterey), (877) 969-0010
Offers peer-led grief support after the death of a child.
By the Bay Health (San Mateo County), (415) 526-5699
Offers individual counseling and support groups for adults and children on a sliding fee scale. By the Bay Health has been affiliated with UCSF since April of 2015.
KARA – Grief Support for Children and Adults (Palo Alto), (650) 321-5272
Offers grief support groups for children, teenagers and adults.
Kaiser Permanente (South San Francisco), (650) 742-2439
Offers individual and group support for both Kaiser and non-Kaiser members.
Mid-Peninsula Widow and Widowers Association (Los Altos), (408) 259-4433
Offers peer-led social group providing support for widows and widowers.
Pathways (Sunnyvale, South San Francisco), (888) 755-7855
Offers individual counseling and support groups for children, teens and parents.
Seton Medical Center (Daly City), (650) 991-6439
Offers bereavement classes, grief support group.
Sutter VNA and Hospice (San Mateo), (650) 685-2821
Offers support groups for children, teens and parents.
East Bay bereavement services
By the Bay's Free Camp for Grieving Children and Teens
Young people and adults experience loss differently. For years, By the Bay Health (formerly Hospice by the Bay) has supported grieving children and teens by offering a free, all-inclusive, three-day summer retreat for ages 7 to 17 (up to 18 for current high school students). Visit our website or call (415) 526-5699 for information on upcoming sessions.
Circle of Care/East Bay Agency for Children (Oakland), (510) 531-7551
Offers support groups and individual counseling for children, teens and families.
The Compassionate Friends (Oakland, Stockton), (877) 969-0010
Offers peer-led grief support after the death of a child.
Contra Costa Crisis Center (Walnut Creek), (800) 837-1818
Offers individual counseling by trained volunteers in clients' homes or at Walnut Creek office. Also provides grief support program for adults, children and teens, as well as a 24-hour grief support hotline.
Crisis Support Services (Oakland), (800) 309-2131
Offers grief support for individuals, families and groups in Alameda County. Also provides general grief support, as well as support for survivors of homicide or suicide.
Family Service of the Tri-Cities (Fremont), (510) 574-2100
Offers counseling for youth and their families.
Hope Hospice (Dublin), (925) 829-8770
Offers individual counseling and grief support groups for adults, children and teens.
Jewish Family and Children's Services of the East Bay (Berkeley), (510) 704-7480, ext. 745
Offers a grief support group.
La Clinica De La Raza (Oakland), (510) 535-6200
Offers Spanish-speaking grief support group.
Pathways (Oakland), (888) 755-7855
Offers a grief support group and individual counseling.
Saint Rose Hospital (Hayward), (510) 264-4050
Offers a grief support group.
Sutter VNA and Hospice (Emeryville, Oakland, San Leandro), (510) 450-8596
Offers grief support groups, art therapy and remembrance services.
North Bay/Northern California bereavement services
By the Bay's Free Camp for Grieving Children and Teens
Young people and adults experience loss differently. For years, By the Bay Health (formerly Hospice by the Bay) has supported grieving children and teens by offering a free, all-inclusive, three-day summer retreat for ages 7 to 17 (up to 18 for current high school students). Visit our website or call (415) 526-5699 for information on upcoming sessions.
The Compassionate Friends (Cotati, San Rafael, Eureka, Ft. Bragg, Garberville, Yreka), (877) 969-0010
Offers peer-led grief support after the death of a child.
By the Bay Health (Marin County), (415) 526-5699 and (Sonoma County), (707) 931-7299
Offers individual counseling and support groups for adults and children on a sliding fee scale. By the Bay Health has been affiliated with UCSF since April of 2015.
Hospice of Lake County (Lakeport), (707) 263-6222
Offers individual counseling and groups for children, teens and adults.
Hospice of Petaluma (Petaluma), (707) 778-6242, ext. 122
Offers individual counseling and groups for children, teens and adults.
Sutter VNA and Hospice (Santa Rosa), (707) 535-5780
Offers grief support group, individual counseling and programs for teens and adults.
SAY WillMar Grief Services (Sonoma), (707) 935-1946
Offers grief support for children, teens and families.
More information
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
