Resources
Healing can extend beyond therapy to include support groups, literature, and meaningful community connections. Whether you're seeking information, peer support, or additional therapeutic services, I hope these resources offer you comfort, validation, and guidance on your journey — wherever you may be along the path of growth and self-discovery.
Grief & Loss
Educational articles, tools, and resources that explore the complexities of grief with practical, accessible guidance.
Resources developed by David Kessler covering the stages of grief, finding meaning, and coping with different types of loss.
10-step program and peer support communities for processing collective grief related to climate change and environmental loss.
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Support resources specifically for pet loss, including 24/7 chat rooms, trained counselor directory, and memorial services information.
Support Groups
By the Bay Health Grief Support
Contact: 415-526-5699
Professionally facilitated grief support groups and workshops in the Bay Area, offering both specialized loss-specific groups and general bereavement support.
Writing Through Grief® Workshops
Contact: 510-845-1557 | monheit@sonic.net
Therapeutic groups and writing workshops facilitated by Joan Monheit, LCSW, offering a supportive space where participants explore grief through guided prompts and expressive exercises.
Crisis Support Services of Alameda County
Contact: 800-309-2131
Offers specialized grief counseling and structured support groups for various types of loss, including sudden loss and suicide bereavement.
San Francisco SPCA Pet Loss Group
Contact: 415-544-3000 | petloss@sfspca.org
In-person monthly support group specifically for those grieving the loss of companion animals, led by experienced facilitators. 1st Tuesdays 7:30-9:00 pm @ SF SPCA Adoption Center.
Berkeley East Bay Humane Society Pet Loss Group
Contact: 510-393-1359
Free virtual monthly support group facilitated by Jill Goodfriend, RN, LCSW, offering a safe space to process the grief of losing a pet. 2nd Wednesdays 7:00-8:30pm.
Books & Podcasts
Beyond cookie-cutter tools for navigating deep loss on your terms.
A holistic approach to transforming sorrow into healing through 5 pathways.
Mindfulness practices with grief psychology to transform loss into meaning and renewed purpose.
Award-winning podcast where comedians share personal experiences with grief, with humor and honesty.
Candid podcast by Amber Jeffrey exploring young people's grief through stories and interviews.
Jess Serante and Joanna Macy examine ecological grief and how to transform climate despair into meaningful action.
Aging
Providing education, publications, and advocacy resources to enhance quality of life for older adults.
California Department of Aging
State-funded programs including legal services, meal delivery, transportation assistance, and caregiver support.
San Francisco Institute on Aging
Contact: 415-750-4111 | Friendship Line: 888-670-1360
Integrated care management, mental health services, and support programs for older adults and caregivers. The Friendship Line is a 24-hour toll-free hotline for older adults and adults with disabilities, providing emotional support, grief counseling, and wellness checks.
Books & Podcasts
Heartfelt exploration of our elder care crisis amidst the "elderboom" demographic shift, advocating for solutions that honor aging while improving quality of life.
Beyond cookie-cutter tools for navigating deep loss on your terms.
Mindfulness practices with grief psychology to transform loss into meaning and renewed purpose.
Award-winning podcast where comedians share personal experiences with grief, with humor and honesty.
Illness & Caregiving
California Alliance of Caregivers
Statewide network offering free assessments, counseling, support groups, respite care, and training specifically for family caregivers.
Comprehensive collection of practical guides, videos, and checklists covering medication management, home safety, stress reduction, and navigating healthcare systems.
National organization providing education, services, research, and advocacy for family caregivers, including specialized resources for dementia care.
Books & Podcasts
How to bring soul and meaning to healthcare, for both patients and caregivers navigating medical challenges.
Essential guide for caregivers & helping professionals on preventing burnout while sustaining compassion in emotionally demanding work.
Podcast sharing honest, first-hand accounts from dementia caregivers along with practical advice and emotional support.
Hosted by Colleen Kavanaugh, this podcast explores the emotional aspects of caregiving with practical strategies for maintaining resilience and preventing burnout.
Hair Loss
Resources for managing the emotional and practical aspects of cancer-related hair loss, including financial assistance for wigs.
National Alopecia Areata Foundation
Organization dedicated to research, support, and advocacy for those with autoimmune-related hair loss conditions.
American Hair Loss Association
Nonprofit organization providing education, support, and resources for all types of hair loss, including treatment information and physician referrals.
Support Groups & Coaching
Searchable directory of in-person and virtual support groups specifically for people with alopecia areata and their families.
Contact: alison@aidbyali.com
Supportive coaching and resources by Alison Mann for women experiencing hair loss, offering emotional support and practical guidance through the hair loss journey.
End-of-Life
Death Literacy & Education
Global movement hosting non-profit events where people gather informally to discuss death over refreshments, with the aim of increasing awareness and reducing fear.
East Bay End of Life Doulas Care
Directory service connecting families with certified end-of-life doulas in the East Bay who can provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support during the dying process.
End-of-Life Doula Training (INELDA)
Professional organization providing certification training for doulas who offer non-medical support to dying individuals and their families.
Advance Care Planning
Advocacy organization providing detailed information on California's End of Life Option Act, advance directives, and patient rights.
Coalition for Compassionate Care of California
Statewide partnership offering tools for facilitating end-of-life conversations, POLST forms, and cultural considerations in advance care planning.
Legally valid advance directive document that addresses medical, personal, emotional, and spiritual needs, available in 30 languages.
Books & Podcasts
Buddhist teacher and founder of the Zen Hospice Project on how facing death can transform how we live with presence, purpose, and connection.
Practical guidebook offering actionable chapters on preparing for a good death at different life stages, from resilient elderhood to active dying
Soulful memoir by a neurosurgeon facing terminal cancer, weaving medicine and philosophy to provide gentle wisdom for those confronting illness, mortality, and life's deepest questions.
Educational podcast from mortician Caitlin Doughty and the Order of the Good Death, exploring death practices and challenging death taboos
Other Clinicians
I'm fortunate to know and collaborate with some wonderful clinicians who also offer support in similar areas, including grief, aging, illness, caregiving, and end-of-life care. Should my practice lack current availability, I wholeheartedly recommend these colleagues with the utmost care and confidence:
Contact: 510-545-3837 | anniebrashem.lcsw@gmail.com
Contact: 415-212-8648 | info@biglifechangetherapy.com
Contact: 510-738-2932 | ilana.brosh@gmail.com
Contact: 415-820-1512
Contact: 415-295-2556 | alison@dralisonhu.com
Contact: 925-257-2299 | Patti@pattilibermantherapynurse.com
Contact: 510-473-2533 | hello@lauramatthewsLCSW.com
Contact: 510-845-1557 | monheit@sonic.net
See above listing for group offerings.
Contact: saraouimettemft@gmail.com
Contact: 510-631-0471 | julie@juliestroudpsychotherapy.com
Crisis
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for immediate support:
Contact: Call or text 988
National 24/7 network providing free, confidential support through trained crisis counselors for anyone experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.
Crisis Support Services of Alameda County
Phone: 1-800-309-2131
Local 24/7 crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and grief counseling hotline serving Alameda County residents in multiple languages – see above listing for group offerings.
Please Note: This page includes an array of resources which I personally recommend as helpful starting points, not as endorsements or substitutes for professional care. Please contact any providers that resonate with you to learn more about their services.