Support Resources for Families After a Traumatic or Unexpected Loss
If you are here because someone you love died suddenly or under traumatic circumstances, we are deeply sorry for your loss.
The hours and days following a violent, unexpected, or traumatic death often bring practical decisions long before there has been time to process what happened. This page exists to help connect you with trusted crisis services, grief counselors, victim advocates, financial assistance programs, and practical resources available throughout Tennessee.
Take what is helpful today. Leave the rest for another time. There is no correct order for grief, and there is no expectation that you should know what to do next.
Free resources • Tennessee organizations • Crisis support available 24/7
You Don’t Have to Figure Everything Out Today
People experiencing traumatic loss are often expected to make important decisions immediately while still in shock. This page is intended to reduce some of that burden by gathering reliable resources in one place.
Whether you need someone to talk to tonight, guidance about victim assistance, financial support, or practical next steps, help is available. Most of the organizations listed below provide free or low-cost services specifically for individuals and families experiencing crisis or traumatic grief.
If You or Someone You Know Is in Immediate Crisis
If there is immediate danger or someone may harm themselves or another person, call 911 immediately. Otherwise, the following organizations provide confidential support 24 hours a day.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone experiencing emotional distress—not only those considering suicide.
Free and confidential nationwide support.
Tennessee Crisis Services
855-274-7471
Statewide crisis intervention, emotional support, and referrals to local behavioral health resources throughout Tennessee.
Available 24 hours a day.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
A trained crisis counselor responds by text message for people who prefer not to make a phone call.
Available 24/7 throughout the United States.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
Confidential support, safety planning, referrals, and local resources for individuals experiencing domestic violence.
Available 24 hours a day.
If making a phone call feels overwhelming, ask a trusted friend or family member to stay with you while you call. You do not have to manage this alone.
Immediate Emotional Support
Traumatic grief often combines intense loss with shock, confusion, fear, guilt, or emotional numbness. These reactions are common after a sudden or violent death.
You Don’t Need the “Right Words”
Many people delay asking for help because they don’t know what to say. Crisis counselors and grief professionals understand this. Simply telling them that someone has died and you don’t know what to do is enough.
Their role is to listen, provide support, and help you take one step at a time.
Traumatic Grief Is Different
Loss following homicide, suicide, accidents, or unattended death often includes symptoms of trauma alongside grief. Specialized grief counseling can help people process both experiences together.
Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It is a healthy response to an extraordinarily difficult situation.
Grief Counseling & Mental Health Support
Traumatic grief often differs from grief following an expected loss. Sudden or violent deaths may involve trauma symptoms alongside grief, making specialized support especially valuable.
Centerstone
Centerstone serves Middle Tennessee communities including Maury, Williamson, Marshall, Rutherford, and surrounding counties.
Services include:
- Grief counseling
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Mental health crisis services
- Family counseling
- Behavioral health treatment
Tennessee Department of Mental Health
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services maintains a statewide directory of licensed behavioral health providers and crisis services.
Families can locate counselors experienced in traumatic grief, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other challenges following a sudden loss.
National Alliance for Grieving Children
Resources specifically designed for children, teenagers, caregivers, educators, and families coping with grief.
Alliance of Hope
Online support community and educational resources for people grieving the loss of someone to suicide.
Parents of Murdered Children
Peer support, local chapters, educational resources, and advocacy for families affected by homicide.
Concerns of Police Survivors
Support programs for families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
Victim Advocacy & Legal Support
If a crime was involved, victim advocates help families understand their rights, navigate the criminal justice system, apply for available assistance, and receive updates about court proceedings.
Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs
Coordinates victim services throughout Tennessee and helps connect survivors with local victim advocacy organizations.
District Attorney Victim Advocates
Every Tennessee judicial district has victim advocates who assist families with court information, victim rights, compensation applications, and available services.
Tennessee Crime Victims Law Center
Provides legal assistance and information for eligible crime victims throughout Tennessee.
Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence
Support, advocacy, education, and referrals for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Tennessee Sexual Assault Center
Counseling, advocacy, and crisis support for survivors of sexual violence.
National Center for Victims of Crime
National information, victim advocacy resources, educational materials, and referrals to local organizations.
Your Rights Matter
Victim advocates work for you—not the prosecution. Their role is helping you understand available services, your legal rights, financial assistance programs, and the criminal justice process while respecting your family’s decisions.
Financial Assistance Resources
Unexpected loss often brings unexpected expenses. Several programs may provide assistance depending on the circumstances surrounding the death.
Tennessee Crime Victims Compensation
Eligible victims and surviving family members may qualify for financial assistance covering certain crime-related expenses, including qualifying cleanup costs, funeral expenses, counseling, and other eligible losses.
Learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process.
Social Security Survivor Benefits
Eligible family members may qualify for survivor benefits or a lump-sum death payment through the Social Security Administration.
FEMA Funeral Assistance
Certain federally declared disasters may include funeral assistance programs for eligible families.
Funeral Assistance Organizations
National and local nonprofit organizations occasionally provide grants or financial assistance for funeral expenses depending on eligibility.
Take One Step at a Time
You are not expected to apply for every program or complete every form immediately. Victim advocates, counselors, and estate professionals can help you prioritize what needs attention now and what can wait until later.
Most importantly, remember that asking for assistance is not a burden to others—it is exactly why these programs exist.
Practical Next Steps After a Loss
In the first few days following a death, there can be many responsibilities. You don’t need to complete everything immediately. Focus on one task at a time and ask others to help whenever possible.
Notify Immediate Family
If possible, ask one trusted person to help communicate with relatives and close friends. You do not have to make every phone call yourself.
Contact a Funeral Home
A funeral director can guide you through transportation, arrangements, required paperwork, and available options without requiring immediate decisions.
Gather Important Documents
When you’re ready, begin collecting identification, insurance information, military records, Social Security information, and other important documents.
Accept Help
Allow family members, neighbors, faith communities, or friends to assist with meals, childcare, transportation, or household responsibilities.
Take Care of Yourself
Try to drink water, eat small meals, rest when possible, and spend time with supportive people. Basic self-care can become difficult during traumatic grief.
Seek Professional Support
If feelings of hopelessness, panic, or emotional distress become overwhelming, contact a counselor, physician, or crisis resource. Help is available at any stage of grief.
Helping Children & Teenagers Through Grief
Children often experience grief differently than adults. Their questions, emotions, and behaviors may change from day to day as they process what has happened.
Be Honest Using Age-Appropriate Language
Simple, truthful explanations are generally more helpful than avoiding difficult conversations.
Children often recognize when something serious has happened, even if adults try to shield them completely.
Expect Different Reactions
Some children cry immediately. Others continue playing, ask unexpected questions, become quiet, or seem unaffected for a period of time.
There is no single “correct” way for children to grieve.
Maintain Routines When Possible
Familiar routines help children feel safe during periods of uncertainty.
Even small routines—mealtimes, bedtime, school attendance, or favorite activities—can provide stability.
Know When to Seek Extra Help
Persistent withdrawal, extreme anxiety, significant behavior changes, prolonged sleep difficulties, or ongoing depression may indicate that additional professional support would be beneficial.
Many counselors specialize in helping children process traumatic grief.
Helpful Resources at a Glance
These organizations offer education, support, advocacy, and practical assistance for individuals and families navigating grief and trauma.
988 Lifeline
24/7 crisis support by phone or text.
Centerstone
Mental health counseling and behavioral health services across Middle Tennessee.
Tennessee Crime Victims Compensation
Financial assistance for eligible victims and surviving family members.
Victim Advocates
Guidance through court proceedings, compensation, and available services.
Alliance of Hope
Support resources for those grieving a suicide loss.
National Alliance for Grieving Children
Educational materials and grief support resources for children and families.
Parents of Murdered Children
Peer support and educational resources following homicide.
Social Security Survivor Benefits
Information regarding survivor benefits and death-related assistance.
A Gentle Reminder
Grief has no timeline. Some days may feel manageable while others feel overwhelming. Healing rarely happens in a straight line, and asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.
If today feels especially difficult, reach out to someone you trust or contact one of the crisis resources listed on this page. You do not have to face this alone.
A Note From Our Team
Every member of our team has met families on some of the hardest days of their lives. While our role is often practical, we never forget that every phone call represents someone experiencing an unimaginable loss.
The resources on this page were gathered because we believe families deserve more than technical information. Whether you need a crisis counselor, a victim advocate, grief support, or simply reassurance that help exists, we hope these organizations provide comfort and guidance during the days ahead.
If today feels overwhelming, remember that you are not expected to solve everything immediately. It is okay to ask questions. It is okay to accept help. It is okay to move forward one small step at a time.
Most importantly, please remember that you do not have to face grief alone. There are caring professionals, advocates, counselors, family members, and community organizations ready to help whenever you are ready to reach out.
Need Help Finding the Right Resource?
If you’re unsure which organization can best help your situation, we’re happy to point you toward the appropriate local or statewide resource. There is no obligation, and we’re always glad to help connect families with the support they need.
Support • Guidance • Compassion • Confidentiality
Serving Columbia, Maury County, and communities throughout Middle Tennessee.