Based on the premise that health care providers and institutions have a professional obligation to help bereaved families, this booklet focuses on the role of health care professionals in lessening distress, helping prevent pathological outcomes, and assisting the bereaved toward a satisfactory outcome. The information provided in this guide is especially designed to alert health care professionals to signs among the bereaved that warrant referral to a mental health professional. A section on adult bereavement looks at the phases of bereavement reactions and the end of the bereavement process, identifies those who may be at risk following bereavement, and discusses the need for professional intervention. The section on children and bereavement examines children's fears, fantasies, and behavior and identifies children at risk for poor outcomes. Roles of health professionals working with the bereaved are identified, the special problems associated with sudden death are considered, and the continuing responsibilities of health professionals are discussed. The next section addresses cautions about the use of medications for bereavement reactions. A section on community resources addresses the issues of lay versus professional help, characteristics of bereaved clientele, and the timing and impact of bereavement interventions. References are included; support group information is appended. (NB)