Grief & loss resources
Our deepest condolences to everyone touched by an avalanche accident. Whatever you're feeling is valid, and help is here — now and later.
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline answers 24/7, nationwide. In an emergency, call 911.
Crisis lines.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential support any time, anywhere in the US.
Call 988 541-322-7500 ext. 9Deschutes County Crisis Line
24/7 crisis support, with walk-ins at 63311 NE Jamison St, Bend.
Call 1-800-923-4357Lines for Life — Oregon
Statewide 24/7 crisis and mental health support.
Call 541-323-5330Crook County behavioral health
County mental health services, Prineville.
Call 541-475-6575Jefferson County behavioral health
County mental health services, Madras.
CallYour sheriff's victim advocates
Each county sheriff's office has advocates who can help on the ground after an incident.
In the first 24 hours
Grief after a loss in the mountains can hit survivors, partners, families, bystanders and rescuers in different, complicated ways: shock, anger, disbelief, guilt, deep sadness. In the first day, it can help to ask:
- Who can I trust to stay with me and help me make a simple plan?
- What do I need right now to be safe, fed and rested?
- What else is weighing on me that someone could take off my plate?
When you're ready to talk.
Not a complete list: these focus on loss in mountain sports and on Central Oregon. If you already see a therapist, start there.
Partners in Care
Short-term individual grief counselling from Central Oregon's hospice team, experienced with sudden and traumatic loss.
VisitNAMI Central Oregon
Peer support groups and a directory of local mental health providers in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties.
Visit 541-706-2768St. Charles Behavioral Health
Assessments, counselling and referrals in Bend, Redmond, Prineville and Madras.
VisitBig Heart Big Hands
Connects people affected by wilderness rescue with grief and trauma professionals.
VisitS.O.A.R.
Survivors of Outdoor Adventures and Recovery: information and regular peer groups after adventure-sport accidents.
VisitA3 Resilience Project
The American Avalanche Association's support for mental health after avalanche accidents and close calls.
VisitAmerican Alpine Club Grief Fund
Connects people with therapists who know mountain sports, and helps pay for care.
VisitResponder Alliance
Resilience training for rescuers and avalanche professionals exposed to trauma again and again.
VisitKnow where you are on the stress continuum.
A simple self-check from the Responder Alliance, used across rescue and the avalanche world. The aim is to notice where you are and move back toward green; asking for help is strength, not weakness.
Green · Ready
Well, alert and able to handle stress as it comes.
Yellow · Reacting
Short-lived distress, like irritability or fatigue, that eases with rest.
Orange · Injured
Stronger or lasting distress that changes how you function day to day.
Red · Ill
A mental health condition that needs professional care.