When faced with the loss of a loved one, children need a safe, non-judgemental place to turn to for immediate and ongoing support, counseling, and therapy. Since 1976, Barr-Harris Children’s Grief Center has been that place for children in the Chicago area.

Barr-Harris's Mission Is:

  • To provide geographically and financially accessible therapeutic services to children ages 2-17 and families who have suffered a profound loss from death, divorce, abandonment, or other traumatic loss.
  • To increase public awareness of the immediate and enduring effects of traumatic loss in childhood.
  • To provide training and consultation about childhood grief to those working directly with children or on their behalf.

Compassion…Understanding…Support…Guidance…Resources

Barr-Harris responds immediately to calls for help, whether it is a family in crisis or a family seeking help for an earlier loss. Our professional staff of therapists has the training and experience to help children and their families cope with the loss of a parent through death, divorce, separation, or abandonment. We provide both individual counseling with the child and child guidance and support for the caregiver or family.

Although other organizations may offer psychological help for children, Barr-Harris Children’s Grief Center is distinct in its deep understanding of the unique grieving process in children and the need to provide both immediate relief and therapy when needed. Since our inception, we have helped thousands of children and their families find a way to better their lives.

As part of our mission to serve all children in need of our counseling services, our service fees are set on a sliding scale and we never turn away a family because of inability to pay.

Who We Serve

The Barr-Harris Children’s Grief Center helps children ages 2 -17 recover from:

  • The death of a parent, sibling, or other loved one;
  • Separation, divorce, or abandonment;
  • Violence or trauma at home, school, or in the community.

What We Do

  • Evaluate needs of the child, parent, and other family members.
  • Provide short and long-term grief therapy and counseling services.
  • Provide guidance and support to other family members.
  • Provide consultation and guidance for teachers, social service and mental health professionals, and others working with the child.
  • Provide telephone consultations for those seeking immediate response to a loss or crisis.
  • Provide referral services.
  • Provide workshops and presentations to educate professionals and the community.

The Barr-Harris Children's Grief Center serves children who have suffered the loss of a loved one through death, divorce, or abandonment. It provides diagnostic evaluations, short- or long-term treatment if necessary, and parent guidance. Barr-Harris staff also make educational presentations and provide consultation to schools, community agencies, hospitals, and other organizations.