Question 1

How much are services?

Accepted Answer

We use a pay-what-you-can approach. This means you decide what feels manageable for you financially. At CGC, we believe grief care should be accessible, humane, and responsive to real life—not limited by rigid fee structures.

Question 2

How long does grief support take, and when can I expect to start feeling better?

Accepted Answer

Grief support looks different for everyone—there’s truly no one-size-fits-all timeline. Sometimes we meet with clients for just 6 weeks, and they feel they’ve gotten what they need on their grief journey. Other times, it’s 6 months, or longer, depending on what feels supportive and where they are in their process.

It’s also common for people to end or pause grief support and return periodically, especially around anniversaries, life changes, or unexpected waves of sorrow.

While structured grief therapy for traumatic or complex losses often lasts a few months, healing itself is not linear—and it doesn’t mean forgetting or “moving on.” The goal is to find more room to breathe and live alongside your grief, at a pace that’s right for you. Whether that means brief support or a longer journey, we’re here to walk with you.

Question 3

Do I need grief therapy or a group right now?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Grief is deeply personal, and there’s no one “right” way to move through it. Some people find healing in conversation and connection—whether in therapy or a group. Others lean on family, faith, nature, journaling, or quiet rituals that help them feel grounded.

That said, if your grief feels especially heavy, isolating, or disruptive, support from a professional can make a meaningful difference. You don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re wondering whether grief therapy or a group might help, we invite you to reach out and talk it through with us.

Question 4

Is grief support only for the death of a loved one?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Grief comes in many forms. We work with people navigating the pain of divorce or breakup, illness, career upheaval, aging, identity shifts, or big life transitions. Grief is about loss and change—whatever that looks like for you.

Question 5

What is Catharsis Theater, and how is it different?

Accepted Answer

Catharsis Theater is a powerful, experiential approach we’ve created to help people move through grief and emotional pain in community. It blends elements of psychodrama, group sharing, creative expression, and witnessing. Unlike traditional therapy sessions, these workshops are held in a supportive theater setting, where we explore stories of loss, resilience, and hope together.

Participants often describe it as transformative, surprisingly uplifting, and deeply connecting. It’s especially helpful for people who feel stuck in their grief, or who long for a way to process their experiences that goes beyond talking.

Question 6

Can CGC support clients with other mental health issues?

Accepted Answer

At the California Grief Center, our mission is focused and intentional: we support individuals navigating grief, loss, change, and life transitions. While we understand emotional pain takes many forms, our expertise and services are dedicated specifically to grief-related care.

If you’re seeking help for other mental health concerns, we want you to find the right support. Below are trusted directories and resources that can guide you:
 • Therapy Den
 • Open Path (reduced cost $40–70/session)
 • Inclusive Therapists
 • Psychology Today
 • Good Therapy
 • Mental Health Match
 • Clinicians of Color
 • Therapy for Black Girls
 • Therapy for Black Men
 • Latinx Therapy
 • Therapy for Latinx
 • South Asian Therapists Directory
 • Asian Mental Health Collective
 • National Alliance on Mental Illness
 • National Domestic Violence Hotline
 • National Sexual Assault Hotline
 • SAMHSA (Substance Use and Mental Health Services)
 • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
 • Crisis Text Line: text "HOME" to 741-741

If you or someone you love is in crisis or experiencing a medical or psychological emergency, please reach out immediately by calling 988 or your local emergency services (911).

Question 7

Can I use my insurance?

Accepted Answer

While we don’t accept insurance directly, we’re happy to provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company, which may offer partial or full reimbursement. We’ll walk you through the process to make it as smooth as possible.

Question 8

How do I take the next step?

Accepted Answer

If you’re here, you’ve already taken a brave first step. From here, it’s simple: reach out. We’ll start with a gentle conversation—no pressure, no expectations—just a chance to explore what support might look like for you.

When you’re ready, you can fill out the short contact form you’ll find at the bottom of every page on this website, or, if it feels more comfortable, simply send us an email. Either way, we’re here to listen and help you figure out what support might look like for you.

To speak with us or learn more about upcoming workshop events, click here.

"If nothing saves us from death, at least love should save us from life."
- ‌Pablo Neruda

Whether you’re reaching out for support, curious about our groups, or just wondering where to begin—we’re here.

If you're in crisis or need immediate support, please don’t wait—help is available 24/7.

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—confidential support for mental health, substance use, or emotional distress.

To speak with us or learn more about upcoming workshop events, click here.

"If nothing saves us from death, at least love should save us from life." - ‌Pablo Neruda

Whether you’re reaching out for support, curious about our groups, or just wondering where to begin—we’re here.

If you're in crisis or need immediate support, please don’t wait—help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—confidential support for mental health, substance use, or emotional distress.

"If nothing saves us from death, at least love should save us from life."
- ‌Pablo Neruda

If you're in crisis or need immediate support, please don’t wait—help is available 24/7.

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—confidential support for mental health, substance use, or emotional distress.