Suicide Survivor Support Group
The loss of a loved one to suicide is devastating to families and close friends. These individuals, ‘survivors of suicide’, face unique questions and issues in grieving. Children and adolescents who lose a mother, father or sibling to suicide are particularly vulnerable to feelings of abandonment and guilt, and need support just as adults do. Surviving parents benefit from assistance for their children’s sake as well as for themselves.
Responding to the need in our community to support and assist those who have experienced the suicide of a loved one, MHA offers a professionally facilitated support group for survivors. The support group is facilitated by master’s level certified clinical social workers (CSWs), and/or doctoral level psychologists (PhDs, PsyDs) who are specifically trained in this model.
Services
The group is appropriate for adults (age 18 and older) whose loss has occurred within the past year. Individual discussions by phone or in person will help you know if this group is for you, at this time. If you choose, individual sessions may be helpful to you before joining the group, while participating in the group, or following its conclusion.
The group will provide support with the grieving process – the aspects that are unique to grief following a death by suicide and well as grief that is common among all who are bereaved. Often-experienced feelings of bewilderment, guilt, anger, shame, and isolation will be addressed. The group will also provide assistance to understand and manage new stresses and challenges in family relationships.
The group offers the expertise of professional facilitators and the support that comes from participating with others who have a shared experience.
Future groups will be offered to help children and adolescent survivors of suicide.
Information/Referrals
For additional information about these groups please contact:
Jenna Velez, LCSW at 914 666-4646 ext. 7702 or by e-mail at VelezJ@mhawestchester.org
You may also contact MHA’s Information and Referral Services by phone at 914-345-0700 ext. 7303, or by e-mail at help@mhawestchester.org for additional information.
Additional Services for Survivors
MHA provides individual sessions for those who are acutely bereaved and for those who choose not to participate in a group. Monthly drop-in sessions will be available.
MHA also provides community awareness and education about suicide.
Hours and Locations
The group will meet one time per week for 8 weeks. Monthly drop-in sessions will be available following completion of the group. Groups will be co-facilitated by trained mental health professionals. Group locations will include our Mount Kisco and White Plains sites.
Languages Spoken
Services are provided in English.
Cost
The fee is $300 for the 8-session group.
Helpful Links
Learn more about suicide at specific stages of life:
Guides for individuals, family members, and medical providers following a suicide attempt, as well as links to additional resources.
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