What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Grief & Bereavement Support

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for grief and bereavement support, children and their families often receive guidance on coping strategies and emotional care. The healthcare provider may suggest follow-up visits or recommend additional resources such as counseling, support groups, or educational materials. Telemedicine allows families to connect safely and conveniently with professionals trained to help with feelings of loss and sadness. It's important to continue monitoring emotions and seek help if feelings become overwhelming or if daily activities are affected. While telemedicine can provide valuable support, some situations may require in-person care or emergency attention. Families should feel encouraged to reach out whenever they need extra help or if new concerns arise.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• If a child talks about hurting themselves or others, seek emergency help immediately.
• If the child shows sudden changes like withdrawal from family or friends, severe mood swings, or inability to perform daily activities, contact a healthcare professional promptly.
• If the child experiences persistent nightmares, intense fear, or panic attacks that worsen over time, seek urgent medical advice.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing emotional support and counseling for grief and bereavement.
• Offering guidance on coping strategies and self-care techniques.
• Referring to specialized mental health resources and support groups.
• Monitoring ongoing emotional well-being through follow-up visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Managing severe mental health crises such as suicidal thoughts requiring immediate intervention.
• Performing physical examinations or medical procedures.
• Diagnosing complex psychiatric conditions without in-person assessment.
• Providing emergency medical care for acute psychological distress.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Telemedicine Visit

Right after your telemedicine visit, you might feel a mix of emotions. It's normal to feel relief from sharing your feelings or sadness as you think about your loss. The provider may give you tips on how to manage these feelings and suggest ways to remember your loved one. They might also recommend simple daily activities to help you feel better over time.

Follow-Up Care and Support

Your healthcare provider may suggest scheduling follow-up telemedicine visits to check on how you're doing. They might also connect you with counselors, therapists, or support groups that specialize in grief and bereavement. These resources can help you learn new ways to cope and provide a safe space to talk about your feelings.

When to Seek Additional Help

Sometimes grief can feel very heavy or last a long time. If you notice that sadness is interfering with school, sleep, eating, or friendships, it’s important to tell a trusted adult or healthcare provider. They can help decide if you need more support or if an in-person visit is needed.

How Families Can Support Children After the Visit

Family members can help by listening carefully, encouraging open conversations about feelings, and maintaining routines that provide comfort and security. It’s helpful to watch for changes in behavior and to gently encourage children to express their emotions in ways that feel safe.

Using Telemedicine Safely for Ongoing Support

Telemedicine is a safe and private way to get help from home. Make sure you have a quiet, comfortable space for your visits and a device with a good internet connection. Keep a list of questions or feelings to talk about during your appointments to make the most of your time with the provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private space for the telemedicine visit.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to the internet.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns about grief and feelings.
• Have a trusted adult present if needed to help with communication.
• Gather any notes or information from previous visits or support sessions.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any coping strategies or activities recommended by the provider.
• Schedule and attend follow-up telemedicine visits as advised.
• Reach out to recommended counselors, therapists, or support groups.
• Keep track of emotional changes and share them with your healthcare provider.
• Seek immediate help if red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

Can telemedicine help children who are grieving?

Yes, telemedicine can provide children with emotional support and guidance to help them cope with grief. Providers can offer counseling and connect families with additional resources, all from the safety and comfort of home.

What should I do if my child feels worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your child’s feelings worsen or if you notice signs like withdrawal, severe mood changes, or talk of self-harm, contact a healthcare professional immediately. Telemedicine providers can help guide you on the next steps, including in-person care if needed.

How often should follow-up visits happen?

The frequency of follow-up visits varies based on the child’s needs and the provider’s recommendations. Some children may benefit from weekly sessions, while others might need less frequent check-ins. Your provider will help determine the best plan.

Can telemedicine replace in-person grief counseling?

Telemedicine is a helpful option for many but may not replace in-person care in all cases. Some situations require face-to-face visits, especially when physical exams or urgent interventions are necessary.

What if my internet connection is poor during the visit?

If your connection is unstable, try to move closer to your router or use a wired connection if possible. If problems continue, contact your healthcare provider to reschedule or discuss alternative ways to communicate.

Sources

1. Grief and Bereavement — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Helping Children Cope with Loss — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Bereavement and Grief Support — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you or your child experience severe symptoms or emergencies, please seek immediate medical attention.