Grief is one of the most universal and deeply personal human experiences. After losing a loved one, the weeks and months that follow can feel isolating and overwhelming. Trusted Cremations cares about the families we serve — not just during the arrangement process, but in the difficult time that follows. This page is a resource guide for grief support available in Illinois and the Chicago suburbs.

Understanding Grief

Grief is a natural response to loss and looks different for every person. There is no right timeline, and no emotions are wrong. You may feel sadness, anger, relief, guilt, numbness, or a mixture — sometimes in the same day. What is consistent: having support — from friends, family, or professionals — makes a meaningful difference.

Hospice Bereavement Services

If your loved one was in hospice care before they died, the hospice agency is typically required to offer bereavement services to the family for at least 13 months following the death. Contact the hospice agency directly to ask about available counseling and support groups. Major hospice providers in the Chicago metro area include Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter (Glenview), Northwestern Medicine Hospice, Rush Copley Hospice, and Advocate Aurora Hospice services.

Grief Support Groups in the Chicago Suburbs

GriefShare: A national program with chapters throughout the Chicago suburbs — search for local groups at griefshare.org
Compassionate Friends: For parents and siblings who have lost a child — compassionatefriends.org
Local churches, temples, and faith communities — many offer bereavement ministries

Professional Grief Counseling in Illinois

Psychology Today therapist finder: psychologytoday.com — filter by grief and your zip code
Illinois Department of Human Services: dhs.illinois.gov for mental health resources by county
Contact your primary care physician for a referral
Check with your health insurance for covered mental health providers

Online and Phone-Based Support

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for anyone in emotional distress
Grief.com: Resources from David Kessler, a foremost expert in grief

How to Help a Grieving Friend

Show up. Your presence matters more than perfect words.
Offer specific help. Instead of “let me know if you need anything,” say “I am bringing dinner Tuesday — does 6pm work?”
Check in over time. Grief doesn’t end at the funeral. A call weeks later can be deeply meaningful.
Don’t try to fix it. Grief cannot be fixed. Simply being present is often what is most needed.

A Note from Trusted Cremations

We are a cremation provider — not a counseling service — but we care deeply about the families we serve. If you need help finding a grief resource in the Schaumburg area or anywhere in the Chicago suburbs, we are happy to point you in the right direction. Call us at (847) 404-2016. We are located at 1821 Walden Office Square, Suite #400, Schaumburg, IL 60173.