We’ve removed the last hurdle to grief support: Help Texts now has "Pay-As-You-Go Pricing"
Since our launch in 2018, Help Texts has been breaking down the barriers to grief support.
The Help Texts story began on my plane ride home from a friend’s funeral in 2015. Frustrated by how hard it was to get grief support, I spent the flight wondering how to make expert bereavement care truly accessible to everyone, regardless of location, language, or income. By the time I landed in Seattle, I’d mapped out the text messaging platform that became Help Texts. I’m proud to say we now deliver expert, evidence-based grief support in 57 countries, 27 languages, and all 50 US states.
Today I’m excited to share our latest barrier-crushing step forward: Pay-As-You-Go pricing drastically lowers the cost threshold for accessing support. Launching low-cost, no-contract subscriptions has been on our wish list for years, so this accomplishment also makes it a good time to pause and reflect on the other barriers in the grief support space that we’ve knocked down since launching in 2018.
Barrier #1: Language
Most grief support in North America is English-only. Help Texts started offering support in Spanish in 2020 and now offer immediate, personalized care in 27 languages—making grief and mental health support feel personal, warm, and culturally inclusive.
Barrier #2: Geography
We hear often from people in rural towns—small-town Pennsylvania, remote Scottish islands—grateful to receive world-class grief support without long drives or access to in-person services. No car, no problem.
Barrier #3: Technology
While the pandemic moved support online, it also introduced technology hurdles that are a barrier to support for many. Help Texts doesn’t require Zoom, internet, or even a smartphone. Just a phone that can receive text messages.
Barrier #4: Stigma
Not everyone wants therapy or to talk about their grief. For people who prefer privacy, Help Texts is a low-profile option. No appointments, no judgment—just thoughtful support on your terms.
Barrier #5: Staff Shortages
Therapist shortages and long waitlists make timely support nearly impossible. At Help Texts, there’s no waiting. Sign up in minutes, and receive your first message right away.
Barrier #6: Reading Level
We write every message at a 7th grade reading level, making our support accessible to most people ages 13 and up. Grief is hard enough—reading support shouldn’t be.
Barrier #7: Time Since Death
Many services won’t help until six months after a death. We know grief is hardest in the early days, so we support people from day one—as well as decades after a loss.
Barrier #8: Emotional Burden
Grief brain is real. When we’re grieving, concentration is low, and tasks feel overwhelming, so short, timely texts are perfect. They’re easy to receive—each one a small moment of care, right in your pocket. I’ve also now learned that receiving a text boosts dopamine which helps us feel cared for and increases motivation. Texts are easy AND they give us a little positive boost.
The Final Hurdle: Price
Our core business model at Help Texts is to work with organizations who cover the cost of grief support for those in their care. We’re honored to work with compassionate hospices, organ donation agencies, charities, funeral providers, EAPs, faith-based organizations, health plans, employers, and universities who share our commitment to making grief support free for bereaved people. They want to help people reduce the physical, mental, and financial toll that grief can take.
But not everyone is connected to one of our partners.
That’s why we’re launching pay-as-you-go pricing—so anyone can start receiving Help Texts for just $9.99, with no contract or commitment. Subscriptions can be extended, paused, or canceled at any time. Even better, our network of nearly 200 affiliates can offer grief support for just $8.99 a month. That $1 savings lasts as long as the subscription. Send us a note, and we’ll connect you with an affiliate who’s a good fit.
I started Help Texts to make grief support radically accessible—and every step we’ve taken since has moved us closer to that goal. I’m proud that our new pay-as-you-go pricing puts support within reach for more people than ever.
Because grief shouldn’t be lonely.
And help shouldn’t be hard to find.