I'm so grateful to the staff at Kara. I spent countless hours trying to find adequate grief support before finding them. Lisa, the intake coordinator, spoke with me about my needs and she was able to match me with a therapist in training in two weeks. It is pricy, but at the time of this review, they have a sliding scale based on income. The person I worked with was just amazing, she gave me practical tips and helped me navigate challenging dynamics that came with this loss. I would recommend Kara for someone seeking care from people who understand grief. read more

it's been months, they never followed up with me with a one on one after i lost a loved one.

Do not use this organization. It's been three plus weeks since I reached out to them and I'm still in the intake phase. The coordinator today said it'll take up to 2 more weeks to get matched with a trainee therapist. $150 an hour for a trainee. They should mention these are clinicians in training from the onset. If I knew this, I would've skipped this whole process altogether. Intake coordinators come off callous and short, the opposite of what you'd expect for a grief counseling organization. The intake interviewer today seemed like she was half listening, misinterpreting most of what I was saying. If you need grief counseling skip the trouble that I went through and find a fully certified therapist. read more

I write this from a volunteer perspective. I have gone through the Adult Peer Counseling Training and am currently a Peer Counselor supporting bereaved adults. My experience with the Kara staff and leadership has been very positive and extremely supportive. Our Adult Services Director, Jaymie B., is a gem and wealth of knowledge. Having personally been a client of various different therapists outside of Kara (using many modalities), I have to say that I wish Jaymie was my therapist. Instead, she's my Adult Peer Counseling leader and does a phenomenal job. The Kara Grief organization does a lot for a small/lean team. The volunteer group has counselors who have been with the organization for 20+ years! Please don't give up if you need grief support. The need is always greater than the # of staff to support, but the leadership does their best to find you the right match in counseling and services. They have free peer 1:1 (adult & children) and group support services, as well as sliding scale therapy services. There is no risk to giving the organization a chance (or 2nd chance) if you could use some support. It is truly an honor for me to support my clients. I wish everyone well in their grief journey. read more

This place should be shut down. It's beyond me how they fundraise so much money (where does it all go? You have no clinicians, and all of your staff are perpetually busy with unclear tasks so they don't have time to speak to inquiries). Just as others have said, they don't actually follow through on referrals, and a lot slips through the cracks in their antiquated and disorganized process. I had to call 6 times before I got an appt, I get there and she had double booked, I finally meet with her and she gave me options of therapists. First of all, she gave me referrals to people who couldn't see me (no longer taking clients, not seeing widows, etc.) and when I came back to ask for others they had nothing for me (I even went to the director). What's the point of being a grief agency setting people up with care when they're in their darkest moments, if you can't actually set people up with care? Do you think a widow wants to sit on the phone with 20 therapists' offices to schedule an appt? I thought that's literally the job of the agency. Their groups are only for people who are doing super well and don't need a clinician, but they don't have clinician options for people who aren't doing super well - shouldn't that be the whole goal of a grief agency? Anyway mental note to never recommend this place for grief - just find your own grief therapist as that's what you'll end up doing anyway. read more

I called Kara the morning after my husband suddenly died, having heard wonderful things about them over the years, and knowing I would need some support. 3-1/2 months later, I have had one intake conversation in person, only after a friend who is a volunteer with them interceded. It took 3 months for that conversation to occur. During the intake visit, I was told at least three times that they would appreciate donations to Kara. The volunteer who was supposed to call me never did. I did also get a call from an intern trying to sign me up for a series of 8-12 individual sessions with a cost of $150/session, none of which I would be allowed to miss. That only happened after I called twice to find out what was going on. This is not what I call compassionate caring for the bereaved. It's painful. read more

Great organization with committed knowledgeable experienced sincere caring staff. Thanks to Colleen May

I had a very good experience at Kara after suffering from a loss. I received excellent 1:1 help. I really believe I am much better off for having someone to normalize the grieving process for me, and give me a sense of what to expect, and not expect. I still think about some of the ideas that were shared with me. Grieving is a process, and it was very valuable to have a guide. I also attended a drop-in group session which was really helpful. It was well run, and a positive experience to be in a room of people who "got it" in terms of what I was going through. It's nice to know you're not alone. I couldn't make it schedule-wise or I would have gone to one of the groups more. I did find the front desk to be a bit "unfriendly" on some days when I checked in. But the benefit of being there so great enough for me to push through that. It sounds like a few people have not been able to get connected to services, and got mixed signals, which is too bad. If you're worried about that, I guess I'd say give it a try--worst case, they say no and you're no worse off. The organization does help a lot of people. read more

Kara has been very helpful to me following my son's death, and I have participated in both group and individual grief counseling. They did ask that I wait six months to join a group, which I think was a good thing, as it might be difficult to even "go there" listening to the grief of other parents if yours was brand new. read more

Grief support center? They do a TERRIBLE job. I WAS ACTUALLY TURNED AWAY!!! I had a close loved one pass away. I was desperate for help. I found out about Kara and scheduled an initial interview. I had to wait a month and a half, but the person canceled the appointment which took another two weeks. Finally I was allowed to see someone. The despair flooded out. I showed my grief, sadness, shame, anger, resentment, helplessness. You know, the human things called emotions? "We are all full here we can't help you". Say what? I found out later that was a lie. Long story short I learned to interpret "we want the best for you" means "we can't deal with men with anger". I was turned away. Yes you read that right. I was turned away after being made to wait 2 months. Check out the advice from their website: How to Help Someone Suffering from Loss DO allow them to express as much unhappiness as they are feeling at the moment and are willing to share. DO remember they continue to need your caring and support after the first few weeks or months have passed. DON'T avoid them because you are uncomfortable (being avoided by friends adds pain to an already painful experience.) I have nothing good to say about a grief counseling center that gives you hope, makes you wait through the critical months following a death of a close loved one, and then turns you away. Can you think of anything more cruel? Mention my review. Ask them if they discriminate against men. I suspect they do. Cold-blooded. I just cry with frustration when I write about how they treated me. I feel like they should be shut down for doing this to people. read more

My teenage son committed suicide. I spent a year in my church's grief support group. I thought I was better. Then I realized that I wasn't able to function very well and needed more help. I had heard a lot of positive comments about Kara from acquaintances, so I called. I got an appointment immediately. I was expecting to get into group therapy. I was surprised that I was given a one-on-one peer counselor. A peer counselor is someone who has been through a similar situation and is also trained in counseling. Once again, I got an appointment immediately. I have been going once a week for several months now. It has helped me to be able to function on a day-to-day basis as I have a teenage daughter at home and cannot sit in bed and cry all day which is all I wanted to do. Kara also has special counselors for teenage survivors of suicide. I took my daughter into to see one. Once again I got an appointment immediately. Did I mention that this service is free? Kara is a non-profit organization. I'll never get over the suicide of my 14 year old son, but with the help of my peer counselor, at least I have reached a point where I can function in my daily life. read more

Back in 2009, in a period of just over three months, I lost my dog, my fiance, and my father. During the same three months, I fell sick to the H1N1 flu, which, as an asthmatic made me quite ill for months, and, in fact, killed my fiance. It was unquestionably the darkest time in my life. A friend and my doctor recommended Kara to me. I called for an appointment, and was soon matched with a volunteer "peer grief counselor," whom I saw weekly for close to a year and a half. Trained by Kara in grief and peer support, this woman had suffered a loss similar to mine, and provided me with an empathetic ear and a sustained relationship from the early and confusing days of losing my fiance and through the added trauma, two months later, of losing my dad. She was there with me through memorial services, birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and the road back to feeling like myself. She listened, let me tell and tell again "my story," so that "my story" became part of me, and I healed in a way that allowed me to slowly move forward with my life. Through Kara, I was also referred to a "Young Survivors" group, which, at the time I attended was comprised of five women, all of whom had lost their partners. This group was led by a skilled mental health professional, also affiliated with Kara. In yet another way, this group of women and the leader, helped lead me down the road to recovery. Though I have friends, family, and a full life, there was something very valuable for me to know and bond with women who had experienced a similar loss: "widowhood" at a young, and unanticipated age. I learned that I was not alone, and, while my story was tragic, I certainly didn't have the monopoly on catastrophe, sadness, and loss. In addition to the very personal services that they provided for me, Kara has an excellent website including their phenomenal tips on "How to Help Someone Suffering from Loss," but also resources for clients and the community on death, dying, and loss. They run an extensive program for children, including Camp Erin, weekend grief camp specifically for children. Around the winter holidays, they sponsor an interfaith candlelight ceremony of remembrance. There are drop in grief groups and also (for fee) grief-related therapy. The Kara staff, my peer counselor, and the programs to which Kara referred me saw me through the most difficult period of my life. It's now 2 years later, and, while my life is not as I would have anticipated or planned, it is a life that is filled with hope, meaning, and an appreciation that I didn't have before, or, in the darkest days, wondered if was ever possible. In my particular case, it really took a village, but the folks at Kara got it like no other, and I credit them directly with helping me to get my life back. Absolutely, positively, superb. read more

I spoke to two women before getting an appointment for my intake, yes intake for grief support counseling. I was told that the group was completely full but if I pass the intake and someone cancels I may have the chance to get their spot off the waiting list. I am really struggling with the loss of my older and only brother as well as being a new mom. I literally lost my brother on the day of my first wedding anniversary and my baby was 3 weeks old. I made an appointment with an English woman named Sue for yesterday at 10am because it was her only availability and then she was going on vacation. I arrived early so I could feed my baby in the car before my appointment so I left at 8am from Half Moon Bay so I could make sure not to be late. At 9:55 I walked in to two women who just kind of looked at me and asked who I was there to see. I said Sue and they kind of looked at each other and said Sue blank. After a few minutes a lady came down the stairs and said Patricia? Which is not my name and she said oh your appointment is scheduled at 11am and I said no I know it is for 10am I wrote it down and put it in my phone immediately, she said "I am very rarely wrong!" She said we can wait but I explained that there was no way i was going to be able to wait for an hour then have a 45 minute interview w a 7 month old baby. She said ok well I will wait 10 more minutes for my 10am appointment and if she no shows then I can take you. Great way to start. Of course her 10am never came because I WAS HER 10AM! After bringing my baby and his diaper bag and stroller up two flights of stairs she takes me in an office and jumps into the interview without even turning on the lights. I would like to mention it was not ideal for me to have my son with me but I got the appointment last minute and my mom was out of town so I didn't have another option. I started to explain that my brother was killed in a hit and run car accident. I was already getting a little teary eyed and mentioned that he was also a drug user and that is a main reason my grief has been so difficult. Her tone and body language changed immediately. Wow I thought this lady can be even more rude, she said she was going to ask me some questions and I explained openly that I was a recovering alcoholic and I had relapsed one day on his memorial in February after being sober for 2 years. She stopped the interview and said "oh well you can't be a part of this sibling support group, you must have one year of sobriety. For the safety of the group." I cannot believe that I made such an effort to get to this appointment to be treated like a lower class citizen and was shamed by my alcoholism/recovery/relapse and that I wasn't informed of this before the 3 hour round trip drive I made to get there. I understand if that is their policy but I bet there are a few people who aren't sober in their full groups. What do they give you a breathalizer at the door. I am sure I am not the only one in grief who picked up a glass of wine lol. Anyway she then said I could continue the interview and I could try again to get into the group in a year. This place is not a grief support group!!!!! I cried all the way home. I was horrified that instead of getting the help I was desperately searching for I was treated like the plague. Sue should find a job elsewhere but she lacked all compassion and empathy! I hope no one is treated as badly as I was and that something should be done to make clear their policies before setting up intake interviews. read more

I have been going to kara for the last couple of months after the loss of my mother in August of 2012 and have been going to both day and night groups. I find them very helpful to talk about my problems and listen to others. I have made friends with at least one person so far and talk with them outside of the meetings. I would recommend it to anyone, who needs it \. Robert read more

The staff was great to work with and ready to assist throughout the entire process. A special thank you to Susan for being so attentive and genuinely happy to help. Thank you so much for everything you guys do. read more

What a wonderful organization. I feel sorry for the person who was turned away, but I do have to say that it takes a little persistence to find the right counselor. I met with someone following the loss of my father and she assigned me to a counselor. After a couple of meetings, I realized that it wasn't a good match. When I called the person I first spoke to, she seemed a bit put off that I wasn't giving the counselor a chance. I had to fight my way through (and almost gave up) to explain my reasons for not taking to the first person and why I would like to try someone else. And lo and behold, the second counselor called me, we were able to schedule an appointment with no problems, and the sessions are going superbly! It's hard to be pushy when you're mourning, but you have to fight for what's right and not be talked into something that doesn't feel good. There are resources and this is one of them to help with the very intense grief that can overwhelm at times. Because I took the initiative, I am now able to function through life's many challenges while trying to cope with the loss of my father. It's not easy, and I don't think it will ever be. However, I have the strength necessary to take care of my loved ones and take care of myself! Btw, many of the counselors are professional counselors themselves, so you're getting quality counseling. Best of luck... read more

Kara advertises itself to be 'Grief Support and Education for our Community'. I would give Kara zero stars, in truth. I called to get help with my grief after my sister died. It took weeks to actually connect with someone who could see me. Once I had an initial intake 'interview', which was very probing and personal, I was told literally that 'you need to be in regular therapy before we can treat you for your grief'. As I had no insurance, they referred me to a community service that provides sliding scale therapy. It has taken two months to get through the testing and intake. Now, two months later, still in deep grief, I called Kara back and said 'I'm ready for grief counseling, I have a regular therapist'. They sounded confused. Someone called me back and said 'I'm sure you heard what you said but in fact we cannot treat you at all'. I know that the therapist told me verbatim ' we cannot see you until you have a regular therapist in place. That should take about a week. Call us back when you are regularly seeing someone and we will help you'. Listen people, they lie. I did not misunderstand, I did not 'mishear' or anything else. Imagine spilling my guts to an intake counselor to be told 'come back when you have a therapist in place' and then that taking two months and THEN being told that this was never said. That I don't 'qualify' for grief therapy. If I had any money to donate, I would make sure NOT to give them any money until they fix their problems of dishonesty and mis-communication. It is shameful what they did to me, because of my deep grief. Misunderstandings and lies are totally unacceptable in this kind of organization. They never offered any other kind of service or help. I am extremely negative on this organization and cannot recommend it to anyone. Call your clergy to get help with your grief. read more