Pet Loss Counseling and Support Services in California
Burlingame
Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA
Address: 1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame CA
Phone: 650-340-7022, ext. 344
Email: lreynolds@PHS-SPCA.org
Contact: Lindsay Reynolds
When your companion animal dies, it's natural to feel grief and sadness, even depression. Our free support group is designed to offer anyone grieving the death, loss or terminal illness of a beloved companion animal. Led by a professional counselor, our group meets the second Thursday of each month, from 7 - 8:30pm. The group usually ranges in size from 2 to 6 participants. Some people come once or twice, others four or five times. Participants need not be PHS/SPCA adopters and are not required to sign up for the class.
Cardiff
San Diego County Pet Bereavement Program
Address: 2058 Oxford Ave. Cardiff, CA 92007
Phone: (619) 275-0728
Fax: (760) 436-6798
Contact: Lorri Greene, Ph.D.
The San Diego Pet Bereavement Program offers support and counseling for those pet owners who have lost or are anticipating the loss of a pet. Free telephone consultations and low cost counseling is available by a licensed psychologist.
Davis
Center for Animals in Society, School of Veterinary Medicine,
Address: University of California, Davis, CA 95616.
Phone: (800) 565-1526, Monday-Friday 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
Contact: Bonnie S. Mader, M.S., Associate Director/ Hotline Coordinator
Dublin
Hope Hospice Pet Loss Support Group
Address: 6377 Clark Avenue, Dublin, CA 94568.
Phone: 925-683-8463
Contact: Michele Shimamura
Group meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm. Please call for a brief phone intake. No fee.
Hermosa Beach - Los Angeles
Sandra R. Grossman, Ph.D.
PetLoss Partners
Certified Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselor
Phone: (818) 421-1516
Website: www.petlosspartners.com
Email: sandi-la@petlosspartners.com
I am a Certified Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselor trained through the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB). I hold a BA in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology. I am acutely aware of the depth of grief that the loss of an animal can cause in one’s life. My own experiences in working through the grief process in a Pet Loss Support Group and understanding that it is possible to heal from such a significant loss inspired me to enter the field of pet loss support.
I know first-hand the indelible imprint our pets leave on our hearts and how devastating the loss of a beloved pet can be. The healing effect of sharing our experience with others who are on the same path provides comfort in a safe environment and an opportunity to begin to return to a normal and productive life. I offer both Group and Individual counseling for Pet Loss/Anticipatory Pet Loss, in person or by telephone. Please call for information and appointment.
Irvine
Pet Loss Bereavement Counseling And Support Groups Of Orange County
Address: 4199 Campus Drive, Suite #550
Phone: 949.650.2442
Fax: (714) 836-4320
Email: akeithmft@gmail.com
Websites: www.time4therapy.com and www.pet-loss-therapy.com
Contact: Andrea Keith, M.A., C.E.A.P.
Many of us form intense attachments with our pets. When change disrupts this bond, we can feel emotionally devastated. Sometimes issues from the past can be triggered. Don’t suffer alone. Andrea Keith is a psychotherapist specializing in Pet Loss. Confidential sessions are available for individuals, children, couples, or family. A sliding scale fee is available. Support Groups meet monthly, are limited in size, and designed to assist you with your grief process. Please contact Andrea for more information or to schedule an appointment
Los Angeles
Dr. Lani Chin, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Address: 1328 Westwood Blvd., Unit 9, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: 310-344-5550
Website: http://www.drlanichin.com
What can you do with the pain of loss? Talk about it. Share your feelings. Cry. Talk about the great times you had together with someone who understands. Remember the happiness you had with your best friend. Grieve with someone who understands and cares about what you're going through. Dr. Chin is a registered member of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement as well as the Land of PureGold Foundation. She offers individual and group therapy to help you with your loss. Please contact her for more information about pet bereavement support.
Dr. Diane Kelley
Address: 1494 S. Robertson, Ste. 202, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Phone: (310) 559-3164
Dr. Diane Kelley is a licensed psychologist with practices in Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach and Costs Mesa. For the past 23 years, Dr. Kelley has successfully treated hundreds of clients in overcoming the grief of an anticipated loss or death of a pet. Dr. Kelley holds a Masters Degree and Doctorate Degree from the University of Southern California in Counseling Psychology and has advanced training in pet grief therapy. Pet Loss Support Hotline.
Pet Loss Support/Grief Counseling
Address: Los Angeles, CA 90029
Phone: (213) 694-0321
Contact: Donna S. Melinkoff, M.A., MFCC.
Donna Melinkoff is a pet loss grief counselor. She provides individual, family, group counseling and emotional support to help cope with loss. Donna has 20 years experience as a social worker and licensed counselor, specializing in relationships, life changes, transitions and grief/loss. She also provides talks, educational seminars, and consultation to community groups, animal health care providers and schools.
Los Angeles/Santa Monica
Claire Chew Gillenson, M.A. Life Transitions Coach/Pet Loss Educator
Address: 2001 Barrington Ave., West Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: (310) 314-9837
Email: claire@clairegillenson.com
Website: http://www.clairegillenson.com
There is an unspoken bond that we share with our pets. The unconditional love, companionship and joy they bring us is priceless. Equally hard is the heartache, loss and emptiness we feel when we lose our animal companion.
Having faced the death of her beloved companion Sophie, as well as immediate family members and other losses in life, Claire re-directed her career into one of coaching and guiding others through their grief and integrating loss with practial, lifelong tools. With a M.A. in Applied Psychology, certification in Grief Recovery, Certified Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselor, published author and speaker, Claire is an inspirational resource in one's journey of integrating and healing from pet loss. Her work ahs been featured in Marie Claire, InStyle, Martha Stewart's Living, Body + Soul, and on Good Morning America. She helps empower individuals to create their own joy while moving through life transitions. Claire specializes in grief that are not part of mainstream conversations: pet loss, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, suicide and recovery. Available for individual and group consults.
Mill Valley
Dr. Julie Austin
Address: 45 Camino Alto, Ste 200., Mill Valley, CA 94941
Phone: (415) 721-4310
Email: julie@noahaustin.com
I have been in clinical practice for 12 years, with extensive training and experience in grief work, working with clients with chronic and terminal illness, and clients dealing with depression. This background, in combination with my love of animals, brought me to the natural blending of my expertise and personal passion. I have been seeing clients for pet bereavement work for 6 years, and approach it as a unique type of grief. While the motional experiences of people grieving for their pet are similar to other types of losses, often the person who lost a pet must defend themselves against insensitivity which doesn't usually occur with human loss. I see clients individually, in families or group, and couple work.
Mt. Shasta
Emissaries of St. Francis Animal Loss Support
Address: P.O. Box 1056, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
Phone: (530) 926-6424
Fax: (530) 926-1245
Contact: Sharon Callahan
Sharon Callahan, internationally recognized animal communication specialist, offers grief counseling and grief counseling referral. Background in animal communication, grief and suicide counseling. 30 years experience. Call or write for a free information packet. Sharon works with all grieving adults, children and animals.
Newport Beach
Animal Bereavement Counseling
Address: 1000 Quail St. #245, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (714) 721-5750
Fax: (714) 721-9499
Email: Allegral@aol.com
Contact: Rebecca Lewis, Ph.D.
Animal Bereavement Counseling offers a safe arena which to explore the grief of a loved animal companion, which someone has lost, or who is sick. They offer a group setting to explore feelings as well as resolving the hurt and pain of grief. Trained staff is sensitive to people's loss and helps to bring closure and acceptance to a difficult time.
Ellie Freedman, MFT
PetLoss Partners
Certified Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselor
Address: 1151 Dove Street, Suite 201, Newport Beach, California
Phone: (949) 315-5616
Website: www.petlosspartners.com
Email: ellie-oc@petlosspartners.com
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Losing my Husky when he was 15 years old had a profound effect on me, and I found comfort and support through the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB). I completed an internship and am now an Assistant Host on the APLB chat line. I also completed the APLB counselor training program, the only one of its kind, to become a Certified Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselor.
I know first-hand the depth of the human/animal bond and the grief we experience when that bond is broken. Losing one’s pet can be devastating, and it is important to have the support of others who can help normalize our feelings and, in a safe and accepting environment, guide us through the grieving process to return to our productive lives. I offer both Group and Individual counseling for Pet Loss, Anticipatory Pet Loss and Seniors and Pet Loss. Please call for information and appointment.
Palo Alto
Bonnie Goodman, M.A., C.T.
Address: 220 California Ave. Suite 120, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
Phone: (650) 858-0755
Fax: (650) 724-6182
Website: www.goodmancounseling.com
Email: bonniemgoodman@aol.com
I hold a Masters of Arts degree in Education and Psychology, and completed The Professional Certificate Program in the Study of Grief and Loss at U.C. Berkeley. I am also Nationally Board Certified as a Thanatologist, sponsored by the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). I am a trained volunteer counselor in the Adult program for KARA, a nonprofit organization in Palo Alto that provides support to those grieving the death of a loved one.
Pasadena
Melissa Lopez, LCSW Psychotherapist
Address: 107 South Fairoaks Ave #312, Pasadena, CA 91105
Phone: (323) 841-9950
Email: mlopezlcsw@gmail.com
Website: www.mlopezcounselingservicesforallseasons.com
As a therapist I work with each client to help each person to create the space they need within session and in their lives outside of session by helping clients become empowered in their lives and learn concrete skills to help them manage difficult situations or create change. The focus is on working with each client as a teammate rather than pathologizing the client with diagnostic labels. I believe that you are the expert in your life, I work to help you find your strengths to help you improve the areas in your life that have created obstacles for you in your relationships or the relationship you have with yourself. I am here to work with each person as a guide to help you learn and develop coping skills and to help each person build better relationships in their lives.
Redlands
Brian Chichester, Psy.D., M.P.H.
Address: Redlands, CA
Phone: (909) 363-6263 voice mail
Contact: Brian Chichester, Psy.D., M.P.H.
Dr. Chichester is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice and life-coaching company in Redlands, California, specializing in children, adolescents, and young adults. He has experience treating a variety of mental health disorders, working with the learning disabled, developmentally disabled, and special needs children, as well as providing life coaching for non-disabled and high-achieving youth. He provides grief, loss, and bereavement services for youth, adults, and families who have lost a pet or who are preparing for the loss of a pet. He works with grieving working dog handlers, service dog handlers, law enforcement, and other canine professionals coping with the loss or impending loss of a pet partner. His work often incorporates animal-assisted therapy with therapy dogs and AKC Canine Good Citizens. Individual and Group services available.
Hsinya Chichester, Psy.D.
Address: Redlands, CA
Phone: (909) 553-0857 voice mail
Contact: Hsinya Chichester, Psy.D
Dr. Chichester is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in Redlands, California. Dr. Chichester has more than 8 years experience working with children, families, and individuals coping with issues related to grief and bereavement. Dr. Chichester’s research has focused on religious coping in grief, bereavement, and loss. She is a highly culturally competent practitioner who is sensitive to culturally mediated styles of grief. Services often include play therapy and animal-assisted therapy for children. Services may be provided in English, Spanish, or Taiwanese. Pet Loss support groups are available for children, adults, and families.
San Diego
Pet Loss Support Group, San Diego Humane Society and SPCA
Address: 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 299-7012, extension 2311
Website: www.sdhumane.org
One weekend morning and one weekday evening session per month
The Pet Loss Support Group is open to those ages 12 and up, including pet parents who are considering or preparing for euthanasia. Thanks to support from the San Diego Pet Memorial Park, sessions are free. Donations are appreciated. Please call (619) 299-7012, extension 2311, to make a reservation or for more information.
Pet Loss Counseling, Center for Effective Living
Address: 9815 Carroll Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92131
Phone: (858) 566-3333
Contact: Meg Kaufman, MFCC
Meg Kaufman is a marriage, family, and child counselor in private practice. Her specialties include bereavement counseling, especially for animal loss. She works with children, adolescents and adults and is available to speak to groups concerning the loss of a pet. Her background includes counseling in schools, hospices,outpatient psychiatric facilities and in private practice. She is also a certified animal lover!
San Francisco
Grief Counseling for Pet Owners
Address: 449 Melrose St., San Francisco, CA 94127.
Phone: (415) 334-5036.
Contact: Betty J. Carmack, R.N., Ed.D.
Betty has been in private practice since 1982. She works with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Available for service dog owners. Betty leads a monthly pet loss support group at San Francisco SPCA and also works with staffs of humane shelters, laboratory animal medicine, and veterinary staffs on issues related to pet/animal loss, euthanasia, and other stresses.
Ryan Horvath, MFT
Counseling for those experiencing Pet loss and grief, and other pet relationships
Address: 126 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: 415-663-6286
Website: www.RyanHorvathMFT.com
I provide individual and couples therapy, specializing in pet relationships and grief and loss. Having an extensive background working with people and their pets, I am aware of the role our pets play in our lives and understand and can relate to the devastation that occurs when one loses a pet.
Please call or refer to my website to further explore if we can work together to help you cope in your time of need.
San Gabriel
Sandra R. Grossman, Ph.D.
Loving Memories - Healing Hearts
Certified Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselor
Phone: (818) 421-1516
Email: SGrossman18@gmail.com
I am a Cetified Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselor trained through the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB). I hold a BA in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology. I am acutely aware of the depth of grief that the loss of an animal can cause in one’s life. My own experiences in working through the grief process in a Pet Loss Support Group and understanding that it is possible to heal from such a significant loss inspired me to enter the field of pet loss support.
I know first-hand the indelible imprint our pets leave on our hearts and how devastating the loss of a beloved pet can be. The healing effect of sharing our experience with others who are on the same path provides comfort in a safe environment and an opportunity to begin to return to a normal and productive life. I offer both Group and Individual counseling for Pet Loss/Anticipatory Pet Loss, in person or by telephone. Please call for information and appointment.
Santa Clara
Pet Loss Support Group, Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley
Address: 2530 Lafayette St., Santa Clara, CA 95050
Phone: (408) 727-3383, ext. 869
Fax: (408) 727-7845
Contact: Helaine Ronen, MSW
Helaine Ronen possesses a Masters of Social Work. She has practiced in hospitals as a clinical social worker, in medical psychiatry and outpatient rehabilitation. She started this pet loss support group in 1997. This group is for persons who animals have died or for individuals considering euthanasia. The group meets four times a month. Groups are free. Support groups and telephone consultation are currently available.
Santa Clarita Valley
Sandra R. Grossman, Ph.D.
Loving Memories - Healing Hearts
Certified Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselor
Phone: (818) 421-1516
Email: SGrossman18@gmail.com
I am a Certified Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselor trained through the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB). I hold a BA in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology. I am acutely aware of the depth of grief that the loss of an animal can cause in one’s life. My own experiences in working through the grief process in a Pet Loss Support Group and understanding that it is possible to heal from such a significant loss inspired me to enter the field of pet loss support.
I know first-hand the indelible imprint our pets leave on our hearts and how devastating the loss of a beloved pet can be. The healing effect of sharing our experience with others who are on the same path provides comfort in a safe environment and an opportunity to begin to return to a normal and productive life. I offer both Group and Individual counseling for Pet Loss/Anticipatory Pet Loss, in person or by telephone. Please call for information and appointment.
Santa Rosa
Redwood Empire Veterinary Medical Association Pet Loss Support Group
Address: Montgomery Village Veterinary Clinic, 775 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Phone: (707) 527-9330
Fax: (707) 528-2648
Contact: Cheri Barton Ross
The REVMA Pet Loss Support Group assists pet owners who have experienced a pet loss or who are anticipating one. We have been operating for 10 years. Jane Sorensen, RN, MFCC, licensed marriage, family and child counselor and Roger Lake, CH.T. (Certified hypnotherapist) leads the group. The group meets Tuesday night (excluding holidays) from 7:15-8:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per individual, $15 for couples and families. |