Grief and Bereavement Treatment Online
Grief is the natural response to loss. While grief is universal, complicated grief — prolonged, debilitating mourning — is a clinical condition requiring professional support.
Hometown NP provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management via telehealth.
By the Numbers
Grief is universal. Prolonged grief disorder affects approximately 7–10% of bereaved individuals — roughly 1 million Americans each year.
Anyone who has experienced a significant loss can struggle with grief. Risk factors for complicated grief include sudden or traumatic loss, loss of a child or spouse, a history of depression or anxiety, and limited social support.
When to seek help
Seek professional support if grief is interfering with your ability to function at work or in relationships 6+ months after a loss, if you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, or if your grief is accompanied by persistent depression or anxiety.
Understanding Grief and Bereavement
Grief is the natural, healthy response to loss — the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, a health status, or any significant change. Grief is not a disorder; it is a human experience. However, for approximately 7–10% of bereaved individuals, grief becomes prolonged and complicated, interfering substantially with daily functioning for extended periods.
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), recognized in the DSM-5-TR, involves persistent yearning for the deceased, intense emotional pain, difficulty accepting the loss, bitterness, emotional numbness, and problems engaging in life — lasting more than 12 months (6 months in children). PGD is distinct from depression and PTSD, though all three can co-occur.
Telehealth grief support is particularly valuable — many bereaved individuals find leaving home for appointments difficult, and the ability to receive care from familiar surroundings can reduce barriers. Our PMHNPs provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management for grief-related depression and anxiety, and can provide referrals to grief therapists specializing in bereavement counseling.
Common Symptoms of Grief and Bereavement
Seek professional support if grief is interfering with your ability to function at work or in relationships 6+ months after a loss, if you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, or if your grief is accompanied by persistent depression or anxiety.
How Grief Is Diagnosed at Hometown NP
Grief assessment involves a careful exploration of the loss, the relationship, the circumstances of the death, and the trajectory of grief since the loss. Your PMHNP will distinguish between normal grief, complicated/prolonged grief disorder, major depression, and PTSD — which can look similar but require different treatment approaches. The Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG) may be used as a standardized assessment tool.
Treatment Options for Grief and Bereavement
General evidence-based options for Grief and Bereavement may include the approaches below. Hometown NP PMHNPs provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management; psychotherapy, when appropriate, is provided by a separately licensed therapist. Treatment plans are individualized based on your specific symptoms, history, and goals.
Grief-specific psychotherapy
CBT adapted for grief
Medication for co-occurring depression or anxiety
Peer support and grief groups
Frequently Co-Occurring Conditions
Grief often occurs alongside other mental health conditions. Our PMHNPs provide integrated care for co-occurring diagnoses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grief and Bereavement
Grief Treatment by State
Hometown NP provides Grief and Bereavement treatment via telehealth in 40+ states. Select your state for state-specific information:
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Explore your psychiatric care options
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