Grief can feel overwhelming, and finding the right support shouldn't add to that burden. Online therapy has made grief counseling more accessible than ever—no driving to appointments when you're already exhausted, no waiting weeks for availability. This guide compares the best online platforms for bereavement support so you can find help that fits your needs.
What's in This Guide
Why Choose Online Grief Therapy?
Online grief therapy offers unique advantages during one of life's hardest seasons:
Accessibility When You Need It
- No travel: When grief is exhausting, driving to appointments is another burden
- Faster availability: Often can start within days, not weeks
- Geographic flexibility: Access specialists regardless of location
- Comfort of home: Grieve in your own space, surrounded by familiar things
Flexibility for Unpredictable Grief
- Evening and weekend availability: Many platforms offer flexible scheduling
- Message-based options: Process thoughts between sessions
- Easy rescheduling: When grief makes it hard to function, flexibility matters
Often More Affordable
- Lower overhead means lower costs
- Subscription models provide predictable pricing
- No transportation costs
- Many accept insurance
Best Online Therapy Platforms for Grief
Best for 24/7 Support: Marina AI
Marina AI provides immediate, always-available grief support:
- Instant access: No appointments needed—support when grief hits at 3 AM
- Unlimited conversations: Talk as much as you need
- Voice-first design: When typing feels like too much
- CBT-based approach: Evidence-based techniques for processing grief
- Cost: $33.33/month unlimited
Why it stands out: Traditional therapy happens once a week—but grief doesn't wait for appointments. Marina AI bridges the gaps, providing support whenever memories surface or emotions overwhelm. It's not a replacement for human therapists but a powerful complement. Learn more about Marina AI for grief.
Best Large Platform: BetterHelp
The largest online therapy platform with grief-specialized therapists:
- Features: Video, phone, chat, and messaging with licensed therapists
- Grief specialists: Filter for therapists experienced with loss and bereavement
- Flexibility: Switch therapists easily if fit isn't right
- Cost: $65-100/week; financial aid available
Best for: Those wanting a licensed human therapist with flexible communication options.
Best Value: Talkspace
Established platform with insurance options:
- Features: Video sessions plus unlimited messaging
- Insurance: Accepted by many major insurers
- Matching: Algorithm matches you with appropriate therapist
- Cost: $69-109/week; often covered by insurance
Best for: Those with insurance coverage or wanting text-based communication between sessions.
Best for Specialized Grief Therapy: Grief.com / Dr. Wolfelt Programs
Specialized grief resources from leading experts:
- Features: Online courses, support groups, therapist directories
- Expertise: Developed by recognized grief specialists
- Focus: Exclusively grief-focused rather than general mental health
- Cost: Varies by program
Best for: Those wanting grief-specific expertise and programs.
Best for Group Support: GriefShare
Structured group grief support with online options:
- Features: 13-week video seminar series with group discussion
- Approach: Faith-based but welcoming to all
- Format: In-person and online groups available
- Cost: Usually $15-20 for materials
Best for: Those who find comfort in group support and structured programs.
Best for Peer Connection: The Dinner Party
Virtual peer support for those who've experienced significant loss:
- Features: Virtual table gatherings, peer-to-peer support
- Focus: 20s-40s who've lost significant people
- Approach: Community-based, less clinical
- Cost: Free
Best for: Younger adults wanting connection with peers, not just therapy.
What to Expect from Grief Therapy
Goals of Grief Therapy
Grief therapy doesn't "fix" grief or make you "get over" your loss. Instead, it helps you:
- Process the reality of the loss: Moving from shock to acknowledgment
- Experience and express grief: Making space for difficult emotions
- Adjust to life without the person: Practical and emotional adjustments
- Find ways to maintain connection: Honoring memories while moving forward
- Develop coping strategies: Managing waves of grief when they hit
Common Therapeutic Approaches
- Complicated grief treatment: Specific protocol for prolonged, intense grief
- CBT for grief: Addressing unhelpful thought patterns (guilt, "should haves")
- Meaning-making therapy: Finding purpose after loss
- Continuing bonds approach: Maintaining healthy connection with the deceased
- EMDR: For traumatic grief (sudden, violent losses)
Timeline
There's no set timeline for grief therapy. Some people find several months helpful; others benefit from longer support. Many find:
- Initial phase (2-3 months): Processing acute grief
- Middle phase: Working through complicated emotions, adjusting
- Later phase: Integrating loss, building new life
- Ongoing: Many return during anniversaries or difficult periods
Choosing the Right Grief Therapist
Look for Grief Experience
Not all therapists have grief expertise. Ask about:
- Training specifically in grief and bereavement
- Experience with your type of loss
- Familiarity with complicated grief
- Approach to grief therapy
Questions to Ask
- "What is your experience working with grief?"
- "What therapeutic approach do you use for bereavement?"
- "Have you worked with someone who lost a [relationship]?"
- "What can I expect from our sessions?"
Trust the Fit
The therapeutic relationship matters enormously in grief work. If you don't feel comfortable after a few sessions, it's okay to try someone else. Online platforms make switching easier.
Complementary Support Options
Grief therapy works best as part of a broader support system:
Daily Support
Therapy happens weekly—but grief is daily. Consider:
- Marina AI: 24/7 support between therapy sessions. Try a free session.
- Grief apps: Journaling, meditation, daily check-ins. See our guide to grief support apps.
- Support groups: Weekly connection with others who understand
Crisis Support
If you're in crisis between sessions:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Your therapist's crisis line: Most platforms have emergency resources
Self-Care Basics
Grief is physically exhausting. Support your body:
- Sleep support: sleep apps for grief-related insomnia
- Basic nutrition, even when eating feels impossible
- Gentle movement when you can manage it
- Limiting alcohol, which worsens grief symptoms
Start Getting Support
You don't have to navigate grief alone. Whether you choose traditional online therapy, AI support, peer groups, or a combination, taking the step to get help is an act of strength.
If you're not ready for formal therapy, Marina AI offers a gentle first step—available whenever you need to talk, with no commitment or scheduling required.
Need support right now? Try a free session with Marina AI—compassionate grief support available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online grief therapy as effective as in-person?
Research shows online therapy is generally as effective as in-person for most conditions, including grief. Some people actually find it easier to open up from the comfort of home. The key is the quality of the therapeutic relationship and the therapist's expertise, not the medium.
How do I know if I need grief therapy?
Consider therapy if grief is significantly impacting your daily functioning, if you're experiencing complicated grief (intense grief lasting beyond 12 months), if you have thoughts of self-harm, or if you simply want support. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from grief therapy.
Will insurance cover online grief therapy?
Many insurance plans cover online therapy. Platforms like Talkspace and BetterHelp accept insurance from major providers. Check with your insurance company about coverage for "telehealth" or "teletherapy" mental health services.
What's the difference between grief counseling and grief therapy?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Generally, "grief counseling" refers to support for normal grief, while "grief therapy" may indicate treatment for complicated grief using specific therapeutic techniques. Both can be helpful; what matters is the provider's expertise and your fit with them.