Empath Health — Free Grief & Bereavement Support Groups — Tampa Bay

Empath Health, the parent organization of Suncoast Hospice, operates the Center for Loss serving the Tampa Bay community. Grief and bereavement support is free and open to all community members, whether or not the person who died was under hospice care.

What to Expect

Six-week facilitated grief support groups led by trained and experienced counselors. Group topics include loss of a spouse, loss of a parent, loss of a child, traumatic and unexpected loss, and general bereavement. One-on-one grief counseling is also available at no charge. The Center recommends waiting approximately three months after a loss before joining a support group, so attendees can engage with others’ stories without being in the earliest acute phase of their own grief.

Meeting Schedule

Groups run on rotating schedules — typically once a week for six weeks. The current calendar of groups is updated monthly. Locations include the Empath Health Center for Loss (Pinellas County) and partner sites throughout Tampa Bay.

Who This Group Is For

Adults grieving the death of a loved one — recent or longstanding. Specialized groups serve people grieving spouses, parents, children, siblings, traumatic loss, and workplace loss. Children’s grief support and family groups are also offered.

Why This Works

Professional facilitation combined with the lived experience of fellow group members lets people normalize their grief, learn coping strategies, and find community after loss. Six-week structured groups create a manageable commitment while still allowing relationship-building.

How to Join

Call (727) 549-7133 for the current calendar and to register. Walk-in is generally not available — registration is required so facilitators can match you to the right group and prepare materials. Visit suncoasthospice.org/grief-support for online forms and additional information.