Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025If you are looking for grief support in Akron, this page can help you recognize grief symptoms, understand care options, and use local resources in practical ways.
Psychologist
1829 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514
Justine Grosso is a Psychologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Grief & Loss, Anxiety, Intimacy Concerns.
Integrative, somatic, trauma-informed psychotherapy. "You're not broken, your nervous system is trying to protect you."
Psychologist
Remote only
Christy Hofsess is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 4 years. They treat Grief & Loss, Parenting Concerns, Trauma.
My mission is to help individuals and couples reach their full potential for connection and growth using a holistic and culturally responsive approach.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Psychologist
1845 North Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Elaina Meier is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has been in practice for 12 years. They treat Grief & Loss, Depression, Athletic Performance.
Community serving Community: Therapy by the Community, For the Community
Psychotherapist, Psychologist
255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat Grief & Loss, Anxiety, Men's Issues.
Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.
Sport Psychologist
Remote only
Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Grief & Loss, Self-Harm, Bulimia Nervosa.
Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement
Psychologist
218 North Lee Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
DESIREE PEARSON is a Psychologist in Alexandria, Virginia and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Grief & Loss, Sexual Identity, Sexual Assault.
*IMMEDIATE OPENINGS AVAILABLE. I know college can be a time of transition and struggle. I welcome and affirm patients of all backgrounds and identities.
Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something important. It can bring sadness, numbness, guilt, anger, longing, sleep changes, appetite changes, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. These reactions can come and go in cycles and may affect routines, relationships, school, and work.
What you might notice internally:
- Waves of sadness, irritability, numbness, or guilt
- Looping thoughts about memories, regrets, or what-ifs
- Trouble focusing, starting tasks, or making decisions
- Sleep and appetite changes
- Chest tightness, stomach discomfort, fatigue, or heaviness
- Avoiding reminders or staying overly busy to avoid feelings
What others might notice:
- Withdrawing from plans or routines
- Seeming distracted, forgetful, or slower to respond
- Lower energy and unfinished tasks
- More tearfulness, impatience, or emotional overwhelm
Grief can be triggered by death, illness, relationship changes, housing or job loss, or other major transitions. It is shaped by past mental health, prior losses, trauma, support, health, sleep, and personal beliefs. In Akron, shift-work schedules, transportation barriers, limited transit frequency, and insurance complexity can make care harder to arrange.
Grief therapy can help with coping, adjustment, meaning-making, and rebuilding routines. Medication may help short-term sleep, depression, or anxiety symptoms when clinically appropriate. Peer support and bereavement groups can add connection alongside therapy.
Search for therapists with grief experience and ask about licensure, grief training, treatment approach, insurance, fees, telehealth, waitlists, and appointment times. If you work shifts or rely on transit, ask about early morning, evening, weekend, or online options.
Downtown, Highland Square, North Hill, Ellet, and surrounding areas may require car travel because transit frequency is limited. Parking is generally accessible, but winter conditions, University of Akron schedules, holidays, and summer events can affect appointment availability. Telehealth and same-week cancellation lists may help.
- Use Victim Assistance Program, United Way of Summit & Medina, Summit County Public Health, or OhioMeansJobs Summit County when practical needs or care navigation affect grief.
- Consider Akron-Summit County Public Library or Akron Public Schools Family Resource Center for low-pressure community support or family resources.
- Keep routines small and concrete: meals, sleep, hydration, light movement, and one supportive check-in.
- Ask about telehealth or flexible scheduling if shift work or transit makes appointments hard.
Call 988 or 911 if grief includes suicidal thoughts, self-harm, inability to care for basic needs, severe confusion, unsafe substance use, or immediate danger. Local options include Summit County ADM Crisis Line at 330-434-9144, Summa Health Akron Campus, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Western Reserve Hospital, and University Hospitals Portage Medical Center.
A first grief therapy appointment usually focuses on what happened, what daily life looks like now, and what kind of support feels tolerable. You do not have to tell the whole story at once. A therapist may ask about sleep, appetite, concentration, family or caregiving responsibilities, trauma history, spiritual or cultural beliefs, and whether the loss has affected work, school, or relationships.
As therapy continues, sessions may include talking through memories, planning for anniversaries and holidays, practicing ways to respond to sudden reminders, and rebuilding routines that grief has disrupted. If grief is connected with anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, or complicated family dynamics, the therapist may help you address those concerns alongside the loss. Many people also use therapy to decide how to talk with children or family members, how to handle belongings and rituals, and how to return to responsibilities without pretending they are fine.
Consistency matters, but grief can make scheduling feel harder than usual. Before the first appointment, write down your insurance details, availability, medication list if relevant, and two or three goals such as sleeping better, getting through workdays, or feeling less alone. If shift work, winter conditions, transit frequency, or car travel may interrupt sessions, ask about telehealth, cancellation policies, and backup appointment options.
It can also help to build a small support plan outside therapy. Choose one person who can check in, one calming place or routine, one practical task someone else can help with, and one crisis option to use if things become unsafe. This makes grief support more concrete: you are not only finding a provider, you are creating a steadier system for the hardest days, anniversaries, and unexpected reminders.
How do I know if I need a therapist?
Therapy may help if grief is disrupting sleep, work, relationships, self-care, or daily routines.
What if I do not connect with my therapist?
You can share what is not working, ask for referrals, or try another provider.
Is online therapy effective for grief?
Yes. Online sessions can be helpful when driving, transit, or scheduling makes in-person visits difficult.
What should I ask a potential therapist?
Ask about grief experience, treatment style, costs, insurance, scheduling, telehealth, and support for intense emotions or trauma-related loss.
Does therapy for grief work?
Therapy can help people process loss, use coping skills, and rebuild a life that still honors what was lost.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
