Working in funeral services is more than a job, it’s a vocation filled with compassion, dignity, and often deep emotional challenges. The team at Ottawa Psychotherapy Services (OPS) recognizes this, and in response has created a dedicated Mental Health Program for Funeral Service Professionals.

Funeral directors and other end-of-life care workers are on the frontlines of grief. They help families navigate loss, manage logistics of care, and show support in moments of deep vulnerability. But who takes care of the caregivers? Constant exposure to death, grief, trauma, and the emotional weight of others’ losses can take a serious toll, leading to burnout, compassion fatigue, or cumulative stress.

OPS’s program offers an important space for these professionals to access mental-health support, counselling, and psychotherapy tailored to their unique experiences. By doing so, OPS not only supports individuals, but acknowledges the emotional labour inherent in funeral services.

Ultimately, supporting the mental health of funeral service workers is a crucial step toward building a more compassionate, resilient death-care system — one that honors both the lives lost and the wellbeing of those who guide the grieving.