We make decisions about training spots based on several factors, including:
a) our current group needs,
b) your availability (days/times/location),
c) the order in which applications are received, and
d) how responsive applicants are to emails and phone calls.

Because our trainings tend to fill up quickly, it’s possible to be accepted as a volunteer but not immediately placed in a training. If your application is accepted and the current training is already full, we will hold your application and contact information and notify you as soon as a spot becomes available in the next training. We offer trainings three times a year.

With more than 90 groups (and growing) across three locations, there are many scheduling options available, allowing you to choose a meeting time that works best for you.

Groups meet on weekday afternoons and evenings (Monday–Thursday) and on Saturday mornings and afternoons. Groups meet every other week. Volunteers are matched with one group at a day, time, and location that fits their schedule, and they stay with that same group for the full year.

No, the volunteer facilitator training is provided at no charge with the understanding that you will commit to volunteering in your assigned group for one year. In addition, volunteers have access to webinars and other resources to support their work.

In general, Dougy Center serves as an excellent secondary internship site for students enrolled in certain mental health/counseling/social work programs who are interested in grief and groups. A few things to note: we expect all interns to commit the same one year minimum requirement (often extending beyond the school year). Hours earned are 3.5 every other week and supervision is all in a group setting, there is no individual supervision available. Most students receive their individual supervision through their primary placement. All internship requests must be preapproved by Dougy Center staff. For more information, please contact volunteer@dougy.org.

On exception, we do have some placement opportunities for primary internships. This is arranged directly through contracted educational institutions. If you have a question about this, please contact Alysha Lacey, Chief Program Officer, at alysha@dougy.org.