Bereavement Counseling

Bereavement counseling is available through any Veterans Health Administration medical center to immediate family members of veterans who died while on active duty. Also eligible are family members of reservists and National Guardsmen who die while on duty. There is no cost for VA bereavement counseling.

Bereavement counseling is assistance and support to people with emotional and psychological stress after the death of a loved one. Bereavement counseling includes a broad range of transition services, including outreach, counseling, and referral services to family members.

This counseling is of limited duration and may only be authorized up to 60 days. The VA medical center directors have the authority to extend that period of time.

VA’s bereavement counseling is provided at community-based Vet Centers located near the families.

Bereavement services may be accessed by calling (202) 461-6530
or by email at vet.center@va.gov or contact the Social Work Service at your closest VA Medical Center to access bereavement counseling services.

Often counseling can be made available in the family’s home or where the family feels most comfortable.

More information about the support of veterans and their families can be obtained at vetcenter.va.gov