Mental Health Empowerment Coaching: New Opportunities for Mediators and CDRCs

People with psychiatric disabilities often face stigma that makes it harder to seek support, pursue accommodations, and manage conflict. Mediator Dan Berstein—working with the NY State Office of Mental Health, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the National Alliance on Mental Illness—has developed tools to empower individuals with mental health conditions in conflict situations.

Join this workshop to access stigma-informed conflict resolution resources used in mental health communities. Learn how to reach and support these communities through your center or practice. Participants will gain practical tools, service strategies, and the opportunity to join a directory of conflict resolvers serving people with mental health needs.

About Dan Berstein

Dan Berstein is a mediator living with bipolar disorder working to empower all mental health stakeholders using conflict resolution best practices that promote mental health empowerment and prevent mental illness discrimination. Dan's book, Mental Health and Conflicts: A Handbook for Empowerment, was originally published by the ABA in 2022 and is being republished this year by DRI Press. Through Dan's company, MH Mediate, Dan has helped thousands of organizations become more accessible, trauma-informed, and consistent when responding to challenges. In 2023, the AAA-ICDR foundation funded BiasResistantCourts.org, a free platform Dan developed in collaboration with court systems, teaching court-connected professionals twelve core skills for becoming bias-resistant and trauma-informed. In 2024, Dan led the "Demystifying Distress" event co-sponsored by Mediate.com, ACR, APFM, NAFCM, and CPR. The free resources from this event have helped dispute resolution professionals to manage their own distress while reducing distress for the parties they served.