How to Find Help & Support
Losing your child is such an unimaginable loss. Often times, when someone loses a child, they do not know where to turn or how to seek resources. I am deeply sorry that this list is ever needed and that you or someone you love is experiencing this loss. Below are some resources that may be helpful in finding support and knowing you are not alone.
Local Resources (Long Island)
DTTB Angel Baby Corp. is a nonprofit located in Patchogue offering flower preservation services free for families grieving the loss of a child. DTTB Angel Baby Corp. is also in the process of constructing a memorial garden and greenhouse at their shop where all will be welcome to honor and remember their child.
Stony Brook Medicine - Help for Grieving Families has an entire office dedicated to helping families who are grieving the loss of an infant or young child. There is also a statewide office and local offices throughout NY state.
Long Island Community Hospital offers many bereavement groups, including for parents and grandparents experiencing loss.
Northwell Health offers a Center for HOPE providing support to parents who have lost a child, as well as children who have lost a sibling or parent.
Local hospice services also provide bereavement services and resources to those experiencing loss. On Long Island, there are multiple hospice groups.
Good Shepherd Hospice (Member of Catholic Health Services)
Visiting Nurse Services (VNS) Hospice
SIBSplace is a place for children who have experienced the loss of a sibling. They offer support, resources, and even a camp for siblings.
Online & In Person Support Groups
The Compassionate Friends was founded to help bereaved parents regardless of their child’s age or cause of death. They offer online groups, including Facebook groups, as well as in person support groups.
COPE Foundation provides supports to children, teens, and adults coping with the loss of a sibling/child. They offer in person groups, online support, and numerous resources.
Still Standing Magazine is a online publication that shares stories of those who have suffered a child loss or infertility. Over the past 10 years, they have posted stories and content from parents who have been there and know the pain of losing a child.
Faces of Loss, Faces of Hope is an online community run by Loss Mamas and those who have experience supporting a Loss Parent. It focuses on miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss and is a place to share stories, connect, and know you are not alone.
Bereaved Parents of the USA offers in person meetings, support, and resources for bereaved parents and families in the United States. They offer support for grandparents and siblings in addition to the parents.
March of Dimes offers support for those experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, or certain types of infant loss. The March of Dimes has resources and a community of support. Their goal is to advanced maternal and infant health with the hope of lessening the number of losses each year.
Hello Grief is an online community with the goal of lessening the stigma and avoidance surrounding grief. It is not specifically about child loss and provides support to numerous types of loss.
How to Find a Therapist
Psychology Today has an online listing of psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and other licensed mental health professionals. Once a location is entered, there are options to input insurance information, cost, issue/concern, age of client, etc. in order to find the best match for you.
You can also do a search of the following terms near you to find local therapists:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Psychologists
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor (LMFT)
If you are concerned about insurance covering the cost of therapy services, I highly recommend checking your insurance provider’s website or member’s area to search for an in-network provider.
If there are any other resources that you or someone you know have found helpful, please let me know. My goal is to continue to expand on these resources in hopes of helping other loss parents and their families.