What Are the Best Online and Virtual Grief Support Resources?
By CRYSTAL BAI •
The short answer: The best online grief support resources include virtual support groups (GriefShare, What's Your Grief, Modern Loss community), online grief therapy platforms (BetterHelp, Talkspace), podcasts, apps (Grief Works, Sanvello), and free resources from hospice organizations. Remote support can be deeply effective.
Why Virtual Grief Support Works
Grief can be isolating. Virtual and online grief support reduces barriers—geography, mobility, stigma, cost—that prevent people from seeking help. Research shows online grief support groups and therapy can be as effective as in-person support for many people.
Online Grief Support Groups
- GriefShare: Christian-faith-based video curriculum with in-person and online groups worldwide. Free or low-cost. griefshare.org
- What's Your Grief: Secular, psychologically grounded online community with courses, groups, and a robust free content library. whatsyourgrief.com
- Modern Loss: Online community with essays, shared stories, and live events for people navigating grief. modernloss.com
- The Dinner Party: Peer community for adults 20s–30s who have lost a parent, partner, child, or sibling. thedinnerparty.org
- Alliance of Hope: Online community specifically for suicide loss survivors. allianceofhope.org
Online Grief Therapy Platforms
- BetterHelp / Talkspace: Subscription-based therapy platforms with grief-specialized therapists. Insurance may not cover these directly.
- Psychology Today directory: Search for grief therapists who offer telehealth in your state.
- Open Path Collective: Sliding-scale therapy directory for people without insurance or financial limitations.
Grief Apps
- Grief Works: App-based grief journal and guided exercises. Developed by Julia Samuel, grief therapist.
- Sanvello: Mental health app with specific grief and loss tools.
- Calm / Headspace: Meditation apps with grief-specific programs.
Free Online Resources
- National Alliance for Grieving Children (NAGC): Resources for families with grieving children. childrengrieve.org
- Dougy Center: Resources for children and teens in grief. dougy.org
- SAMHSA Grief support: Free mental health resources including grief support. samhsa.gov
Death Doula Grief Support
Many death doulas offer post-death grief support sessions via telehealth. Renidy connects families with doulas who offer bereavement follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online grief support groups as effective as in-person groups?
Research suggests online grief support can be equally effective for many people, especially for reducing isolation and providing community. Some people benefit most from in-person support; others prefer the accessibility and anonymity of online options.
Is online grief therapy covered by insurance?
It depends on the platform and your insurance. BetterHelp and Talkspace often do not accept insurance directly, but some plans reimburse out-of-network therapy. A telehealth therapist found through Psychology Today may accept insurance.
What is the best grief app?
Grief Works by Julia Samuel is specifically designed for grief with evidence-based exercises. For general mental health support alongside grief, Sanvello and Calm are widely used. The 'best' app depends on your personal style.
Can a death doula provide virtual grief support?
Yes. Many death doulas offer telehealth sessions for grief support, legacy work completion, and bereavement check-ins. This is especially valuable for people in rural areas or those with mobility limitations.
Renidy connects grieving families with compassionate death doulas and AI-powered funeral planning tools. Try our free AI funeral planner or find a death doula near you.