Each person grieves in their own way after a loved one dies. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and no set time for it.
Some people might feel less hungry or notice changes in their sleeping habits. Others might feel anger, sadness, guilt, loneliness, or emptiness. The help people need is not always the same.
At Memorial Sloan Kettering, we offer programs to help you after a loved one has died. These include counseling, support groups, and lectures to better understand grief.
Individual, Family, and Group Counseling
If you were a caregiver to someone who was treated at MSK, providers from these services can help you:
- Social Work: Our bereavement program offers free help by phone, support groups, lectures, and referrals. Our social workers can help with the emotional, social, spiritual, and practical concerns that come with grief. Email [email protected] to learn more or see our list of support groups. For families of children who were treated at MSK Kids, email [email protected] or call 212-639-6850.
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences: Our psychiatrists and psychologists offer therapy and support for those who are grieving, including individuals, couples, and families. We can also help manage psychiatric medicines. Call 646-888-0200 to learn more.
- Towards Tomorrow Bereavement Program: For families of children who were treated at MSK Kids, email [email protected] or call 212-639-6850.
- Spiritual Care Services: Our chaplains are here to listen, pray, support your family, or connect you with clergy or faith groups in your community. You do not need to belong to a religion to ask for support. The All Faith Mary French Rockefeller Chapel is always open for meditation and prayer. You’ll find it near the main lobby on the first floor of Memorial Hospital. Call 212-639-5982 to learn more.
Support Groups
If you have lost a loved one to cancer, it may help to talk with others who are grieving.
We offer many types of support groups led by social workers:
- Our monthly bereavement support group is for all family members and friends who lost a loved one treated at MSK.
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Our Parent Loss Support Group is for caregivers who lost a parent treated at MSK. This group runs for 8 weeks with the same members and leaders so you can get to know one another. Please register for the group that fits your schedule. You must be able to attend all sessions:
- Parent Loss Support Group: Winter 2026 (completed)
- Parent Loss Support Group: Spring 2026
- Parent Loss Support Group: Fall 2026
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Our Partner Loss Support Group is for caregivers who lost a partner treated at MSK. This group runs for 8 weeks with the same members and leaders so you can get to know one another. Please register for the group that fits your schedule. You must be able to attend all sessions:
- Partner Loss Support Group: Winter 2026 (completed)
- Partner Loss Support Group: Spring 2026
- Partner Loss Support Group: Fall 2026
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Our Young Adult Partner Loss Support Group is for young adult caregivers who lost a partner treated at MSK. This group runs for 8 weeks with the same members and leaders so you can get to know one another. Please register for the group that fits your schedule. You must be able to attend all sessions:
- Young Adult Partner Loss Support Group: Winter 2026 (completed)
- Each month, we run a Widowed Parents group. It’s for caregivers who lost a partner treated at MSK and are raising a child under 18.
- Every other month, we run an Adult Child Loss group for those who lost an adult child treated at MSK.
- The Department of Pediatrics offers a monthly online support group through the Towards Tomorrow Bereavement Program. This group connects parents who have lost a child at MSK with each other. Call 212-639-6850 or email [email protected] to learn more.
Learn More about Grief, Loss, and Bereavement
For many people, it helps to learn more about grief. We offer lectures and panel discussions on topics for caregivers, such as coping with loss or getting through the holidays.
