Where to find psychological support after trauma or bereavement

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Start with how you are now

After traumatic events or loss, support should reflect symptoms and needs rather than an obligation to grieve correctly. Tell your GP about changes in sleep, everyday functioning, safety and coping.

You do not need to recount the event in detail during the first call. A broad explanation and the problems affecting life now are enough to start. Immediate danger must be addressed first.

NHS care and bereavement support

In England, NHS Talking Therapies ↗ accepts self-referrals for appropriate symptoms. The service assesses needs and offers a pathway; format and waiting times vary locally.

After a death, Cruse Bereavement Support ↗ provides information and routes to support. Check current local availability and age requirements. Bereavement support and treatment for diagnosed PTSD address different needs, though they may overlap.

Choosing a trauma practitioner

The NHS describes PTSD treatment ↗, including trauma-focused CBT and EMDR. The method follows assessment; using trauma in advertising does not establish appropriate training.

Check professional registration, experience with your concern, language and ability to work safely in your current circumstances. Ask how readiness for memory-focused work is assessed and what to do if symptoms worsen between sessions. You need not agree to detailed reliving without an understandable care plan.

Costs, review and crisis help

For private therapy, clarify fees, cancellation, duration and review arrangements. For charitable support, ask whether the particular service is free and whether there is a waiting list. Peer groups may help but do not replace a needed clinical assessment.

If you cannot keep yourself safe, use urgent NHS support ↗:111 in England, or 999 for immediate danger to life. Agree contacts and next steps with your regular practitioner. Waiting for therapy should not mean having no help during a crisis.