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Local Resources for Loss Survivors in the National Capital Area

4 min read

afsp loss

If you have lost a loved one to suicide, here are some resources that can help.

Visit AFSP's I've Lost Someone website to learn more about the many resources and programs we have to support survivors of suicide loss throughout their grief journey. 

Suicide Bereavement Trained Clinicians: AFSP provides a list of clinicians who are knowledgeable about bereavement after suicide and able to provide grief therapy for survivors. 

Bereavement Support Groups:  AFSP lists U.S. and international suicide bereavement support groups as a public service to loss survivors.  Search for a support group in your area.

See additional information for Support Group Facilitators, including how to list support groups on AFSP's Support Group search.

Local Resources

The AFSP National Capital Area Chapter serves Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Please find and contact your local AFSP chapter for information about resources and programs outside of our chapter's geographic service area.  

The following resources are available in the National Capital Area specifically for those who have been affected by a suicide loss.  AFSP does not run, recommend, endorse, or fund any of the groups listed. If you run a support group in the area and would like your listing included, please contact us [email protected]. 

Natoinal Capital Area (DC, MD, VA)

Capital Caring Grief Support: Offers a variety of grief and loss services, including grief counseling, support groups, and workshops. Grief counseling is free and limited to relatively short-term counseling. Drop-in support groups are available with no registration required. Serves adults, teens, and children.

Point of Hope Center Groups meet at locations throughout the metro area in D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Visit capitalcaring.org for details or call:

  • (800) 856-1348 -- to request start of care
  • (800) 737-2508 -- access the 24-hour care line

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is a national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving a death in the military or veteran community. Visit taps.org/suicideloss for more information about the full range of services or call:

  •  TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline: (800) 959-TAPS (8277) 

Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) offers counseling, grief support groups for teens and adults, educational programs, and community outreach. Visit jssa.org/services/mental-health/suicide-support for more information or call 240-800-JSSA (5772)

District of Columbia

The Compassionate Friends - DC provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a child, and helps others better assist the grieving family. Visit compassionatefriends.org/chapter/tcf-of-the-district-of-columbia or contact [email protected] for more info. 

The Wendt Center for Loss & Healing helps people in the Greater Washington area rebuild a sense of safety and hope after experiencing a loss, life-threatening illness, violence, or other trauma. They provide an array of holistic services for children, teens, adults, families, and our local communities. Visit www.wendtcenter.org or call (202) 624-0010 for more info. 

Northern Virginia

Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN) - Support for After a Suicide Visit www.suicidepreventionnva.org/support-after-suicide for more info on their resources and programs to support survivors of suicide loss.

The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a child, and helps others better assist the grieving family. For more info, visit:

Haven of Northern Virginia is a non-sectarian community organization of trained volunteers that offers grief support to the bereaved. They host support groups and offer individual grief support. Visit havenofnova.org, call (703) 941-7000, or email [email protected] for more info. 

Life After Loss Support Group is open to anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one. Visit djcfoundation.org/support-groups.html or email [email protected] for more info. 

Mary Washington Grief Support Programs: Their mission is to nurture individuals and families along their grief journey as they cope with the death of a loved one, and to be able to offer programs at no cost to the participant. Visit www.marywashingtonhealthcare.com/our-services/hospice/grief-support-services for more info. Programs include:

Friends of Loudoun Mental Health - Suicide Loss Support Groups: Visit loudounfriends.org/what-we-do or email [email protected] for more info. 

selfcare

Mental Health Referrals

Although AFSP does not endorse or recommend specific professionals or businesses, the following sources may help you identify local mental health professionals in the area.

  • Ask your doctor for a recommendation
  • Ask other loss survivors for a recommendation
  • Contact your insurance company or behavioral health care organization for a list of mental health care providers covered by your plan
  • Contact the Department of Psychiatry at a local university or hospital

National Resources

Local Community Mental Health Centers

  • District of Columbia (888)793-4357
  • Northern Virginia
    • Alexandria City: (703) 746-3400
    • Arlington County: (703) 228-4864
    • Fairfax County: (703) 481-4230
    • Loudoun County: (703) 777-0320
    • Leesburg: (703) 771-5100
    • Sterling: (571) 258-3026
    • Manassas: (703) 792-7800
    • Woodbridge: (703) 792-4900
  • Southern Maryland
    • Montgomery County: (240) 777-1400
    • Prince George's County: (800) 888-1965

If You Are In Crisis

Please call the 988 Lifeline by dialing 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.