Grief support
Grief support services can help people to understand and process the death of someone close to them.
How to access grief support
Getting grief support can involve talking to a:
- psychologist
- grief counsellor
- psychiatrist
- support group with someone who has had a similar experience.
You can access these services in different ways, including through:
- one-on-one counselling
- support groups
- online or telephone support.
Your GP (General Practitioner) can give you care and advice about grief support. They can also refer you to specialist services if you need them. Some services might cost you less if you get a referral.
It's okay to seek help at any time.
For an overview of these services, see Grief Australia.
You can also access free, confidential grief and loss support services across NSW at the National Association for Loss and Grief (NALAG).
Learn more about grief and where to get support through Healthdirect.
Specialised support services
It can help to talk to people who understand more about your situation. These organisations offer specialised information and support for:
- young people – ReachOut
- families of victims of homicide – Victims Support Scheme
- people affected by suicide – Lifeline
- people aged 18 years and over having difficulty coping with grief - Griefline
- parents of babies that have died– Sands
- families of children that have died – Red Nose
- veterans and their families – Department of Veterans Affairs
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – Healthdirect.
Aboriginal families and communities can access support through Aboriginal Health Units. Contact your local Aboriginal Health Unit through your local hospital or health services.
Cost of grief support services
Grief services set their own prices, so how much you pay will depend on where you go and what kind of service you use.
While some services are free, many services charge a fee.
You can talk to your doctor about getting a mental health treatment plan. This lets you claim up to 20 sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year.
Learn more about what to expect when visiting a mental health professional at Healthdirect.