Grief counselors help people through the grieving process. They are assistants, confidants and shoulders to cry on during times of loss, and can help families and friends say goodbye to loved ones when death and other loss occurs.

Grief counselors most commonly help individuals whose friends or loved ones have died through their grieving process. However, they can also work with individuals who are grieving due to other losses, such as divorce or job loss. Grief counselors can be professionally licensed as counselors, social workers, or psychologists, but are not necessarily licensed depending on their scope of practice and state requirements.

Grief counselors fall into one of two categories: licensed and non-licensed. Licensed grief counselors have a degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related degree, and have met state requirements for licensure.

Non-licensed grief counselors can be hospice volunteers, funeral directors and religious leaders. Non-licensed counselors must limit their counseling to help and support during times of grief. If an individual is experiencing psychological issues beyond those of what is called "normal grief," a state-licensed counselor should be providing treatment.

• In addition to state licensure as a therapist, grief counseling has its own professional organization. The American Academy of Grief Counseling, a part of the American Institute of Health Care Professionals, offers a certification in grief counseling. This certification is not a license, and is voluntary. The Academy offers online courses and training for anyone who wishes to become a grief counselor.

There are also other organizations that provide education and training for those who want to be grief counselors. Hospices or hospitals may train volunteers to be grief counselors, and will also provide guidance on when to refer an individual for professional treatment.

• Grief counselors can work in a number of settings. They can work in hospitals, hospices and funeral homes, but can also be found in schools or offices after traumatic events such as shootings or deaths. Grief counselors who are state licensed may also have private practice offices that focus on treating individuals with problems regarding loss and grief.

Grief counseling can be one element of a health care, funerary, or religious professional's job. It can be a volunteer vocation or a full-time job for a licensed therapist.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional advice. Please contact your state licensing board before using the information presented here.