Development of a Bereavement Group in a Geriatric Mental Health Clinic for Veterans.

OBJECTIVES: This article describes the development and program evaluation of an 8-session outpatient geriatric mental health clinic bereavement group for United States military veterans who experienced the death of a loved one.

METHODS: Group materials were developed based on a review of literature, with a focus on the dual process model of coping with bereavement and complicated grief treatment. Data are presented from 19 veterans who attended at least 4 of the 8 sessions across the five offerings of this group between 2013 and 2015.

RESULTS: Self-report measures of complicated grief and depressive symptoms decreased significantly from the first to the final session. Veterans indicated that the group met their treatment goals and that they would recommend it to others. Adaptations made to the group over time based on feedback from members and facilitators are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence suggests that the group described in this manuscript is effective for bereaved older, male veterans. Future research would be helpful including larger samples and controlled studies.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Most bereaved individuals do not require formal mental health treatment. However, for individuals with distressing symptoms, time-limited group therapy may be an effective treatment.