News & Insights

Widowed dad should not take girlfriend on annual father-daughter trip, Reddit users insist

“The dad has clearly stated the purpose of this trip with his daughter to his current girlfriend, which seems more than appropriate not to include her. Honoring the role of her mother, who has passed away, is very personal and healing for them both,” Lisa Pion-Berlin, ACSW, of California, told Fox News Digital. 

Pion-Berlin is CEO of Parents Anonymous, a self-help organization that aims to prevent child abuse. 

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Newly proposed legislation could create national mental health hotline for parents, youths

Newly proposed legislation could lead to the creation of a toll-free national hotline for parents and young people to provide help with mental health, parenting, substance abuse and other challenges.

The legislation, introduced this week by U.S. Rep. Norma Torres, comes as questions loom over the High Desert regarding support for those dealing with mental health crises. Earlier this month, a 15-year-old Apple Valley boy with autism was fatally shot by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies.

The National Parents and Youth Helpline Act would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to create a 24-hour hotline for parents and children dealing with issues related to mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, parenting and more, according to a statement issued by Torres’ office.

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Dr. Lisa and Congresswoman Torres discuss the importance of the National Parent & Youth Helpline

In this episode of Breaking The Stigma, Dr. Lisa is joined by Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, who is sponsoring the National Parent and Youth Helpline Act of 2024 (H.R. 7812) to expand resources for American families.

Congresswoman Torres and Dr. Lisa discuss how the Helpline is a vital resource for those that need someone to reach out to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Congresswoman Torres talks about the importance of advocacy, and the legacy of Parents Anonymous and the National Parent & Youth Helpline that is working in our communities and why she sponsored this bill. She believes “we shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help or show our humanity. The more we talk about issues the better we are at addressing them.” Congresswoman Torres shares how she found support during difficult times in her life and how when something happens in our community, it is our responsibility as a community to support each other.

Meet Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin | President & CEO at Parents Anonymous

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Lisa, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The critical factor behind our success is that we are committed to keeping our promise to be there for parents and youth, no matter what. Through our 24/7 National Parent and Youth Helpline™ and through the Evidence-Based Weekly Parents Anonymous® groups and all our different programs offered, we are here to support. We make a promise not to blame or shame people, but instead offer to help in their personal empowerment journey.

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Helpline makes strong debut during National Parent Leadership Month

During February, which is National Parent Leadership Month, the nonprofit Parents Anonymous is celebrating the successful launch of the new National Parent and Youth Helpline.

The Helpline has received more than 19,000 calls in its first few months. On Saturday, the group cut the ribbon on its new headquarters in Pasadena.

Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., spoke at the event, saying National Parent Leadership Month is the perfect time to reassure families they are not alone.

“It is a time for them to learn that there are resources available,” Chu noted. “You can change your life around and feel better yourself, but also help your children live better lives.”

Parents Anonymous created National Parent Leadership Month 30 years ago. The nation’s 174 million parents and young people who need emotional support can call or text 855-427-2736 or live-chat 24/7 on the website.

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What Your Child Needs to Know by 5, 10 and 15, According to Experts

Tricky conversations with kids are par for the course when you become a parent. But while many know they have to introduce the idea of stranger danger or eventually explain the birds and the bees, plenty of other topics need to be understood by children by certain age milestones.

Children learn something new every day, and parents work hard to get them ready for adulthood. Sixty-three percent of parents who participated in the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health in 2019 said they are doing enough to prepare their teenagers for adulthood. While raising children is all about pointing them in the right direction, 52 percent of the 2,032 parents surveyed said it’s critical that teenagers have the opportunity to make mistakes.

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Non-Profit Receives $10M Grant to Offer Free Mental Health Resources to Parents & Youth

Parents Anonymous, Inc., a national non-profit organization, announced news this week of a $10M grant they received from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer free mental health resources for both parents and youth. This 5-year grant will provide essential resources for the Helpline’s services to over 174 million parents and youth seeking life-changing support in the U.S.

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Parents Anonymous Now Offers A Free National Parent & Youth Helpline 24/7

Thanks to a $10 million federal grant, Parents Anonymous, Inc. has expanded its ability to help parents and youth dealing with emotional and mental challenges. The organization’s National Parent & Youth Helpline is now offering immediate emotional support through calls, texts and chats answered by trained and caring staff 24 hours a day and seven days a week to parents, caregivers and youth up to 25 years old.

The expanded services are supported by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $10 million, with 100 percent funded by ACF/HHS.

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KTAL NEWS Mental- Health Expert Gives Tips

Do you have the tools to help if your child is being bullied?

(KTAL/KMSS) – During the month of October, experts and specialists are educating schools and communities to raise awareness for bullying prevention.

Mental health experts want to share resources with parents and guardians to help people understand the impacts of bullying and the signs of suicidal ideation.

Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin is the CEO of Parents Anonymous an organization that provides free mental health services through support groups and a multilingual helpline.

Screen Shot 2023 11 30 at 2.40.48 PM
Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin bringing awareness to mental health, parenting and free available resources.

Watch the full interview here: Do you have the tools to help if your child is being bullied?

FORBES – To Break Generational Trauma We Have To Heal And Help Parents

It is well known that chronic stress has negative effects on both your mental and physical well-being. Chances of developing hypertension, memory loss, diabetes, depression and anxiety all increase the more stress we carry with us. But did you know it can be inherited by your children?

Prolonged stress and trauma significantly impact the fundamental components of the brain, to the extent that it can alter genes. According to Henry Ford Health, genes that have been modified can be inherited by children, making them more susceptible to and impacted by stress. Consequently, dysfunction can persist in families across generations, creating cycles of trauma. Read More…