SoCal Organization's Hotline Offers Resources For Troubled Parents

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- Parents Anonymous, a Southern California-based organization, has launched the National Parent Hotline, aimed at helping troubled parents cope with life.

Parents Anonymous President and CEO Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin said they began helping families more than 40 years ago.

"It was started in 1969 by a parent who was out of control," she said. "Her child was in foster care and as she was returning home, she didn't know what to do. So she went to a mental health clinic and said how can you help? She actually came up with the idea, after going through traditional therapy, to start a support group."

KCBS' Melissa Culross Reports:

Pion-Berlin said that in addition to the hundreds of support groups around the country run by her organization, parents now have the option of this new national helpline when they are feeling stressed, concerned or out of control.

"The helpline is there to provide emotional support Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Pacific Time," she said. "And to help people develop the skills to empower themselves to figure out the solution."

Parents Anonymous previously had opened a helpline in 1970, but had to close it in 1992 due to a lack of funding.

Click here for the Parents Anonymous website.

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