STAR-Center provides psychoeducational groups for parents of children with mood disorders, surviviors of suicide and bereavement as well as a children's grief group.

Survivors of Suicide (SOS/Bereavement Groups)

• The purpose of the group is to give survivors an opportunity, in a safe environment, to voice the many painful feelings that suicide leaves in its wake.
• A professionally-led support group to help members cope with the death of a loved one from suicide.
• Open to anyone over 18 years of age, and with any type of relationship to the deceased.
• The group meets in an 8-week session.  A new group begins each fall, winter, and spring.
  
• There is a monthly group for those who have participated in the weekly group.

Children's Grief Group

• A grief support group can provide children with the opportunity to share their experiences with others who have also lost someone.  The group leaders can help children to learn more about how to express their feelings and more about the natural processes of grief.
• A professionally-led support group to help members cope with the death of a loved one.
• Open to children ages 5 to 18 who are family members of the deceased.
• Children’s group continues until the family or child feels they are done but can return at any time.
• Children may share their feelings in a supportive atmosphere while going through the grief process.

For more information on these services, please contact Susan Wesner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, at wesners@upmc.edu.