Survivor Services

If you’ve lost someone to suicide, know that you are not alone and help is available. There are supports to help you process and get through this difficult time.

The resources listed below should not be considered endorsements of any service. Rather it is a listing of what is known to be available and accessible by Survivors living in Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, and Jefferson Counties.

LOSS Team

The Local Outreach to Suicide Loss Survivors Team (LOSS) of the Lewis and Clark County Area provides an installation of hope and connection to grief services to survivors in the aftermath of a suicide. Teams aim to respond to the newly bereaved in Lewis and Clark County, often at the home of next of kin, within about 30 minutes. There, team members — fellow loss survivors and behavioral health professionals — offer empathy, referrals, resource materials, and access to two free visits with a grief counselor. These no-cost sessions are provided by our generous partners, the Awareness Network. Email jhegstrom@lccountymy.gov for more information or to volunteer.

Support groups

Helena Area Suicide Bereavement Support Group – Free

Provided by Breathe, Let’s Start a Conversation, this monthly suicide loss support group meets on the fourth Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Peter’s Health Education Center, 2475 E. Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601.

Gloria Soja
Email: gsoja.hgam@gmail.com
Phone: (406) 545-8645

Jason McNees
Email: jmcnees@helenaindianalliance.com
Phone: (406) 475-5003

Charlie Health’s Online Suicide Loss Support Group – Free

This virtual support group for loss survivors meets on the first and third Fridays at noon and is facilitated by Charlie Health’s Clinical Director Ann Matino. The support group will serve as a safe space for anyone who has been affected by the loss of a loved one to suicide where they can share stories, build community, and gain support. Register here to participate.

Grief Share Recovery Support Groups – Free

GriefShare is intended for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. Support is available whether a loss is recent or occurred a few years ago. The groups meet weekly, over a 13-week session, to help participants with challenges and move toward rebuilding their lives. The program is a non-denominational, Christ-centered video-based support group program. However, all are welcome regardless of their faith. Grief Share is not specific to suicide loss.

• Life Covenant Church Grief Share meets on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. at 800 N. Hoback. Contact Pastor Keith Johnson at 406-442-6813
• Hannaford Street Bible Church, please call 406-449-2273 for information.

Tamarack Grief Resource Center – Grief Support Groups – Free

For adults:

Suicide and Traumatic Loss Support Group is for individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one or family member by suicide or another traumatic incident. This group will explore and hold space for the unique considerations experienced by suicide and traumatic loss survivors, including trauma and possible feelings of guilt and shame. For more information, please call (406) 541-8472.

For teens:

Teen Council is a casual monthly gathering for teens (13-19) who are grieving the death of a loved one. For more information, please call (406) 541-8472.

Looking for another suicide loss support group in Montana or elsewhere in the U.S.? Find a support group here.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

APS special resources and programming provide compassionate care to all survivors of military suicide loss. Our unique approach will help stabilize you and your family, guide you through “healthy grief,” and put you on a path toward healing and growth.

TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline

Anyone who has lost a service member or Veteran can find support through the TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline.

The TAPS National Military Survivor Helpline consists of a network of trained professionals who are on call for you 24/7. Whether you are in emotional crisis, need to connect with TAPS resources and programs, or just want to remind yourself that you are a part of a loving, supportive family, call TAPS at 800-959-TAPS (8277), and know we’re here for you.

Grief Counseling

Mount Helena Counseling – provides supportive and competent care for individuals experiencing grief and loss through LCSW Anna Rolando. Learn more at https://www.mounthelenacounseling.com/grief-and-loss.html or call (406) 594-2321 or email alrolandolcsw@gmail.com.

Tamarack Grief Resource Center – provides stabilizing and strengthening care for those grieving a death by suicide. This includes group and individual counseling for youth, teens, adults, couples, and families across Montana using telehealth counseling and in-person counseling at its Missoula office. Call (406) 541-8472 for more information or to complete a Request for Service and schedule a visit with a Grief Specialist.

Other support

Healing Conversations – The Healing Conversations Program gives survivors of suicide loss the opportunity to speak with volunteers, who are themselves loss survivors. This is provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Montana Chapter. Learn more at http://pos.li/2h1q4e

Grief Camps – Tamarack Grief Resource Center offers several camps for youth and families who have experienced the loss of a loved one (not just by suicide). Learn more by calling (406) 541-8472 or by emailing info@TamarackGRC.org

• A Camp to Remember: Youth Camp is a healing summer camp for kids in grades third – ninth and involves a 4-day, 3-night stay at Georgetown lake. Held in August.
• A Family Camp to Remember: Held in October or November. Families who have experienced the death of a loved one come together to connect as a family and in age-based breakout groups, exploring the unique considerations of grief within family systems and at different ages.
• Women’s Rendezvous: Weekend getaways involve connection, hope and more for women-identifying individuals grieving the death of a family member or loved one.
• Teen Retreats: held at Flathead Lake, Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley
• Parent/Guardian Workshops: Parents of bereaved children face the challenge of supporting their children while journeying through their own grief. Parents are invited to join staff on the last day of camp for a workshop focusing on what happened at camp, ideas for supporting grieving kids, differences between child and adult grief, and what parents can do to take care of themselves while nurturing their kids.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day – Set for Nov. 18, 2023, this free virtual event in Helena gathers loss survivors together for an opportunity to feel supported, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and to better understand the grief process around suicide. It also gives them a chance to get connected with resources, honor their loved ones, and feel less alone, since suicide can be a very traumatic and isolating experience. It will be held virtually this year. Barring any pandemic challenges, it is normally held in the rotunda of the Capitol building. Check back for registration information as we get closer to the event.