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Grief Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Provides 24/7 free, confidential support to anyone in crisis or emotional distress. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call the lifeline for help. A skilled, trained crisis worker will answer. This person will listen to you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful. Services are available in English and Spanish. Deaf/Hard of Hearing/ASL users can access the video lifeline by visiting the website.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
Main Website: 988lifeline.org
Suicide Prevention Resource Center: sprc.org

Affirmations Psychological Services of Ohio

Program: Provides inclusive psychological/mental health therapy services in Columbus. Services include individual therapy, child and family therapy, and couples therapy for managing mental health symptoms, life transitions, grief, eating disorders, and more. Therapy approaches include parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), Gestalt, CBT, DBT, humanistic, and trauma-focused. Services are available in person or online/telehealth.
Eligibility: Children, adolescents, and adults.
Cost: Accepts most major insurance plans and self-pay.
Referral: Call or visit the website to request an appointment.
620 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
775 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
1020 Dennison Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 674-6076
affirmationstherapy.com

After the Storm Counseling

Program: Offers individual, family, and couples mental health therapy. Treatment areas include grief, trauma/PTSD, parenting and family issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, OCD, BPD, and ADHD. Therapy approaches include CBT, EMDR, DBT, play therapy, Gestalt, Gottman method, and more depending on the therapist.
Eligibility: Children, adolescents, and adults.
Cost: Accepts most private insurance plans or self-pay. Discounted self-pay rates are available for students.
Referral: Call or visit the website to request an appointment.
751 Northwest Boulevard, Grandview, Ohio 43212
7600 Farmsbury Drive, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
90 East College Avenue, Westerville, Ohio 43081
65 East Wilson Bridge Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 783-6010
afterthestormcounselling.com

Alive in My Heart

Provides support to grieving parents impacted by pregnancy and infant loss, from other parents with the same experiences. Their website has information on topics like pregnancy after loss, sibling grief, funeral arrangements, booklists and online resources for families. You can also find information on local parent support groups and community events. They provide one-time financial assistance for those who qualify, referral is required. Visit their website for program details and contact information.
PO Box 2631, Columbus, Ohio 43216
facebook.com/AliveinMyHeart

Buckeye Ranch Somali Outreach Program

The Outreach Team is fluent in Somali and English to provide culturally-focused clinical care for youth and families coping with trauma, loss, resettlement, and living among a new culture. Somali families are connected to mental health counseling, case management services, and 24-hour crisis support and intervention. Call for details.
2865 West Broad Street Columbus Ohio 43204
Intake: (614) 384-8012
buckeyeranch.org/our-services/education/somali

Camp Hope

A four-day summer day camp for children and youth ages of 6-17 who have lost a loved one. The goal is to help kids survive the bereavement journey with skills, caring, and friendships to support them along the way. The camp is sponsored by Hospice of North Central Ohio (covering Ashland, Knox and Richland counties) and is open to the public.
1021 Dauch Drive, Ashland, Ohio 44805
(800) 952-2207
hospiceofnorthcentralohio.org/types-of-care/bereavement-care

Camp Lionheart

A free, week-long summer camp for children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. Campers enjoy outdoor camp activities including swimming, hiking, games, and crafts. Campers also receive structured group grief counseling sessions with trained, licensed professionals. Campers grieve, learn ways to cope with their loss, make friends, and have fun. The camp takes place at Camp Oty’okwa in Hocking Hills. They also have opportunities for clinical volunteers, non-clinical volunteer, and donations. The camp operates on donations and families are not charged.
(614) 506-7959
camplionheart.org

Columbus CARE Coalition

A collaborative effort to address community trauma in Columbus. The Coalition meets once a month and meetings are open to all community members. Services include free trauma-responsive trainings and COPE (Community Outreach, Prevention & Engagement). COPE volunteers provide support in the community following a traumatic event by supporting. Call or go online to request a training, COPE outreach, or to join coalition meetings.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-6248
Peer Support Flyer: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2025/02/CARE-Peer.pdf
Website: columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health/Find-Health-Care-Resources/Neighborhood-Social-Services/Columbus-CARE-Coalition

Companions on a Journey Grief Support

A faith-based social service organization that provides bereavement support and educational services for children, teens, adults, and families in the Greater Cincinnati region, including West Chester and Liberty Township, Ohio, areas. They offer a variety of free programs open to anyone grieving the death of a loved one. Programs include grief-specific support groups including loss of a spouse, parent, sibling, child, infant or miscarriage, friend, or whose loved ones died by suicide.
8857 Cincinnati Dayton Road, West Chester, Ohio 45069
(513) 870-9108
companionsonajourney.org

Cornerstone of Hope

Provides grief support to children, teens, and adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Services include counseling, support groups, in-school grief support, workshops, and memorial events. They offer several overnight summer camps for ages 6-12 or 8-17 at various locations in Ohio. Self-pay and insurance options are available for individual counseling.
253 North State Street, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 824-4285
cornerstoneofhope.org
Columbus: cornerstoneofhope.org/columbus

Courageous Parents Network (CPN)

Helps families and providers caring for children with serious illness. The website offers educational videos and guides on topics related to grief and navigating hospice care. They also provide opportunities to connect with other families and providers, as well as provide advocacy resources and information related to pediatric palliative care. The information provided on the website is also available in Spanish. Visit the website for contact information.
courageousparentsnetwork.org

Directions Counseling and Coaching

Program: In-person and telehealth counseling and coaching services for children, adults, couples, and families. Counseling can address mental health concerns such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, or behavior management. Specializations include Christian counseling, autism, teen counseling, marriage and family counseling, divorce and separation, anger management, play therapy, substance abuse, video game addiction, grief and loss, and sexual abuse recovery. They do not offer Psychiatry.
Eligibility: Ages 3 and older.
Cost: Self-pay only, No government insurance, No private insurance (although patients may choose to bill their insurance company themselves). Some therapists offer sliding scale fees.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by someone else. Call or go online to request an appointment.
1480 Manning Parkway, Powell, Ohio 43065
(614) 888-9200
directionscounseling.com

Encompass Adoptees

Provides a variety of services for youth, individuals, and families affected by adoption, foster care, and kinship care (AFK). They host free monthly support groups for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers (AFK Parents), separate support groups for adult adoptees and foster care alum (AFK Adults), and educational opportunities for child welfare professionals. They provide art therapy and mental health coaching for AFK youth. Creative Processing Art Workshops are monthly opportunities for AFK youth and adults. Services for families include coaching and consultation, and their website has informational resources. Scholarships are available for some services.
122 South Terrace Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 600-6183
encompassadoptees.org

Families Anonymous

A 12-step fellowship for families and friends of those who are experiencing issues caused by substance abuse and addiction. Any concerned person is encouraged to attend their meetings. They offer in-person and virtual options at locations across the United States.
Find a Meeting: familiesanonymous.org/meetings/meeting-directories
National Office: (800) 736-9805
familiesanonymous.org

First Candle

Provides bereavement support to families who have lost a child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), miscarriage, or stillbirth. They offer online support groups for families, and a grief line for support over the phone. The website has important information on safe infant sleep, breastfeeding, and bereavement resources. They also offer safe sleep training programs for professionals.
Grief Line: (800) 221-7437
firstcandle.org

Hearts Connected

Program: Provides virtual/telehealth sessions with Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS), who are clinically trained on the impact of illness, injury, trauma, and loss on child development. Interventions may include therapeutic play, art, emotional processing, trauma processing, education, and building coping strategies. They can help children, teens, and families facing challenging life circumstances such as anxiety, medical fears and preparing for a procedure, bullying, death or loss, coping with significant life transitions, and more. They offer 1:1 sessions for parents, and a free 15-minute consultation. Hearts Connected also provides virtual services for pediatric clinicians, and professional support for students pursuing Child Life certification.
Eligibility: Parents with children of all ages, Youth ages 4-21 years old.
Cost: Varies depending on the service. Families may be reimbursed for services through Private/Commercial Insurance. Families may apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid on the organization’s website.
Referral: Families may refer themselves by contacting the organization directly, or be referred by a professional.
(404) 516-0906
heartsconnected.org

Holistic Consultation

Program: Offers individual, family, and group therapy (in-person and telehealth options available). They specialize in trauma-informed care and culturally competent support for anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, life transitions, and mood/personality disorders.
Eligibility: Children, adolescents, and adults ages 6+ in Ohio.
Cost: Accepts private insurance, including OSU student and staff insurance. Fees are $110-190 per session with a sliding scale.
Referral: Accepts professional/community referrals. Clients may self-refer by calling to schedule an appointment.
2857 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
405 Public Square, Troy, Ohio 45373
(614) 607-0980
holisticconsultationllc.com

Hospice of Central Ohio

Provides comprehensive end-of-life care services at locations across Ohio. They also offer grief support groups for youth and adults and a youth summer camp.
General Information: (800) 653-4490
Referral Line: (888) 449-4121
Contact Information by Location: ohioshospice.org/locations
ohioshospice.org

Let the Light In

Supports those that have experienced miscarriage and pregnancy loss by providing resources and compassionate community. The Companion Support program offers free, personalized grief coaching in-person in Columbus, or virtually for those in other areas of Ohio. They also host free events in Central Ohio and provide connection to a vast network of community resources. Visit the website and complete the contact form to get started.
3246 West Henderson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 200-4032
ltli.org

LifeStance Health

Program: A national network of mental health providers offering a variety of outpatient psychotherapy services for anxiety, depression, ADHD, personality disorders, daily life stress, trauma, grief, addiction, eating disorders, and more. Services include CBT, DBT, somatic therapy, psychodynamic therapy, psychiatry; individual, family, and group therapy; biofeedback, TMS, and psychological testing/evaluation.
Eligibility: Children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Cost: Accepts most private insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and self-pay.
Referral: Visit the website to search for a provider. Professionals can also refer a patient online.
Locations: Services may be available in person or online. They have locations across Ohio and many other states. Columbus locations are listed below.
lifestance.com

150 Taylor Station, Columbus, Ohio 43213
(614) 986-2790
2 Easton Oval, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 934-6890
807 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 687-0068
6455 Post Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
(614) 376-1430
3779 Trueman Court, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 541-5030
5123 Norwich Street, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 849-8204
1670 Fishinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221
(614) 456-2540
484 County Line Road West, Westerville, Ohio 43082
(614) 564-1155
631 Copeland Mill Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 948-0862

LOSS Community Services

Provides support for people coping with the shock, grief, and complex emotions that often accompany the loss of a loved one to suicide. They provide postvention services, support groups, one-to-one peer support, and more programs for survivors of suicide loss. They offer suicide prevention training to organizations and groups for a minimal cost.
3040 Riverside Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43221
(614) 530-8064
losscs.org

Mount Carmel Crime & Trauma Assistance Program (CTAP)

Offers evidence-based, trauma-focused outpatient mental health counseling and clinical case management for individuals impacted by trauma at no cost.
Program: Includes individual trauma-informed counseling, specialized groups such as trauma-informed yoga,
Eligibility: Ages 5 and up who have experienced a traumatic event
Cost: Free
Referral: Accepts both self-referrals and professional referrals to the program. Go online to complete the Referral form.
(614) 234-5900
mountcarmelhealth.com/about-us/community-benefit/outreach-programs/crime-and-trauma-assistance-program-ctap

National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) Ohio

Program: Offers an array of therapeutic services for youth and families including foster parent training, kinship care and adoption support, community-based and home-based behavioral/mental health services, group living care, independent and transitional living services, case management, substance abuse treatment, services for sexually reactive children, services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and services for unaccompanied youth. They offer services across the country and Ohio. Information for the Columbus office is listed below.
Eligibility: Ages 5 to 21.
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), private insurance and self-pay (sliding scale fees based on income).
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by someone else.
527 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 227-9444
nyap.org/ohio

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Big Lots Behavioral Health Services & Community Resource Directory

Offers inpatient, outpatient, and community-based psychiatry, psychology, and counseling services for youth up to age 21. Treatment areas include mental health crisis, anxiety, ADHD, depression, eating disorders, OCD, ODD, conduct disorders, autism, and psychosis. Use the online Community Behavioral Health Resource Directory to find treatment providers and community resources across Ohio by diagnosis, type of service, organization name, or county.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-8080
nationwidechildrens.org/behavioral-health

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Hospice Services

Provides at-home hospice care services for children with life-limiting illness. Care is meant to enrich the child’s physical, psychosocial, emotional, developmental and spiritual health. Services include coordination of care, music therapy, massage therapy, counseling, bereavement support, and more. Families have access to on-call pediatric staff 24/7.
255 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 355-1100
nationwidechildrens.org/hospice

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Support Groups

Support groups at NCH can connect you with other families and resources in your time of need. Call for more information about program specifics. Not all programs are listed online, call Case Management Team if you are interested in finding a group that suits your family’s needs.

Adolescent & Adult Congenital Heart Disease Online Community
(614) 722-5622
Bariatric Surgery Patient Support Group
(614) 722-5949
Cleft Lip and Palate Support Group
(614) 962-6366
Celiac’s Gluten Free Gang
(614) 722-3093
Endocrinology Patient and Parent Focus Group
(614) 722-6325

700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Case Management Team: (614) 722-6300
nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/support-groups

Nemours KidsHealth and TeensHealth

This website offers a lot of important health information for kids, teens, and their parents. Kids can find fun videos on how the body works and approachable answers to questions like, how do casts work? The teen website covers topics like depression, sexual health, smoking, coping with cliques, binge drinking, body image and much more. Parents can find medically-reviewed articles on how vaccines work, how to choose a car seat, developmental milestones, supporting kids’ emotional wellbeing, healthy eating, and more. Educators can also find free health-related lesson plans for PreK-12.
Kids: kidshealth.org/en/kids
Teens: kidshealth.org/en/teens
Parents: kidshealth.org/en/parents

OhioHealth Grief Support Services

Supports children, adolescents, and adults experiencing grief or bereavement in Franklin, Delaware, Marion, Richland, Athens, and Pickaway counties. Services include support groups for all ages, 1:1 counseling, art therapy, educational programs, referrals to community resources, and tailored support groups for pregnancy and infant loss.
OhioHealth Kobacker House at 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43214
Main: (614) 566-5377 or (888) 389-6231
Bereavement Office: (614) 533-6060
General Information: ohiohealth.com/patients-and-visitors/support/grief-support-groups
Register for a Support Group: ohiohealth.com/health-and-wellness/classes-and-events?category=Grief%20Support%20-%20Specific%20Loss%20Groups&page=1

OhioHealth Hospice Care

OhioHealth hospice care addresses pain management and offers social, emotional and spiritual support for patients and families. Services include medical and nursing care, therapy, bereavement programs, and 24/7 support.
24/7 Family Question Line: (614) 566-5377 or (888) 389-6231
ohiohealth.com/services/ohiohealth-at-home/hospice

PALS for Grieving Children

Fair Hope Hospice and Palliative Care offers free support groups for children of all ages experiencing anticipatory grief or bereavement. They also offer telehealth grief support services for children, teens, and families. Go online to learn more and register.
282 Sells Road, Lancaster, Ohio 43130
(740) 304-0869 or (800) 994-7077 Toll-free
fairhopehospice.org/grief-support/family-grief

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Supports parents experiencing postpartum depression, loss of a child, or other perinatal mood challenges. They offer free, virtual parent support groups for moms, dads, family members, queer and trans parents, military parents, adoptive and birth mothers, postpartum psychosis, and those experiencing lost pregnancy of death of a child. Call the PSI Helpline for information, support, and resources. They do not offer crisis services, medical advice, or treatment. Visit the website for information on perinatal mental health and warning signs of postpartum depression.
PSI Helpline: Call or Text (800) 944-4773
Text en Español: 971-203-7773
postpartum.net

Sesame Street in the Communities

Provides fun and educational resources for families from the child educators behind the Sesame Street show. Topics range from ABCs & 123s to tough topics that affect children’s lives; including health and wellness, social-emotional skills, trauma, race, grief, and more. They offer free videos, games, and worksheets for children to explore; and resources for parents and educators.

Sesame Workshop Resources for Families Website: sesameworkshop.org/resources
Kids’ Website: sesamestreet.org/home

St. Vincent Family Services (SVFS)

Behavioral health intervention and treatment services for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges.
Program: Outpatient and inpatient services (home-based and school-based), telehealth, therapeutic preschools and after school programs, residential care, support for foster families, and specialized services for Hispanic/Latino children. Children with an autism diagnosis are eligible for outpatient mental health and play therapies.
Eligibility: Youth ages 3-18 years old, and their families.
Cost: Accepts Medicaid, Private/Commercial insurance, and OhioRISE.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization. Walk-in services (no appointment needed) are available.
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0731 or (614) 824-5437
svfc.org

Still Standing: The Alexander Project

Provides grieving mothers and their families support by offering individual and group support and mentoring programs, outings, and events. This resource is focused on helping families who have lost a loved one due to violence.
(614) 597-0538
ssthealexanderproject.org

Syntero

Program: Offers outpatient behavioral health counseling, psychiatry, support groups, case management services, school-based therapeutic intervention and prevention services, and intensive outpatient programs for adolescents or substance use disorder. They also offer integrated primary care, pharmacy services, Help Me Grow, and educational training for parents and professionals. The Building Successful Families program offers home-based therapy for biological parents working on reuniting with children placed in foster care.
Eligibility: Ages 4 and older, varies depending on the program.
Cost: Medicaid, Private insurance, Self-pay (sliding fee scale for uninsured Franklin County residents).
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization. Visit the website for intake forms.

299 Cramer Creek Court, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 889-5722
3645 Ridge Mill Drive, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 457-7876
7100 Graphics Way, Suite 3100, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
(740) 428-0428
245 Neal Avenue, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338
(419) 949-4300

New Clients/Intake: (614) 889-5722, ext. 133
syntero.org

The Compassionate Friends – Child Loss Support

National organization offering support groups to help families cope after the loss of a child at any age. The Central Ohio chapter offers in-person and Zoom options. Use the website to find a support group near you, and for additional family grief resources.
1479 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
Columbus: (380) 223-1256
National: (877) 969-0010
Columbus: compassionatefriends.org/chapter/tcf-central-ohio-chapter
National: compassionatefriends.org

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Parent Resources

Grief Support