Valerie Bertinelli Says Bonnie Franklin Stepped In Like a Real Mom During Her Mental Health Struggles: “She Sent Me to Therapy”

Valerie Bertinelli is opening up about how her on-screen mother from One Day at a Time became a guiding force in her real life during a pivotal moment in her youth. In a heartfelt conversation on The Drew Barrymore Show, Bertinelli revealed that her TV mom, the late Bonnie Franklin, recognized the signs of her emotional distress — and took compassionate action.

Bertinelli, who joined One Day at a Time at just 15 years old, recalled being 20 when she finally confided in Franklin that she was struggling. Without hesitation, Franklin stepped in with the kind of maternal care that extended beyond the script.

“I finally went to Bonnie by the time I turned 20 and said, ‘I’m struggling,’” Bertinelli shared. “And she could see that I was struggling, and she sent me to a psychiatrist. She sent me to a therapist.”

Host Drew Barrymore, herself no stranger to the pressures of growing up in the spotlight, was visibly moved. “Your mom on TV mom’d you and sent you to therapy?” she asked. Bertinelli responded simply, “Yeah.”

The conversation turned into a broader reflection on how the entertainment industry can better support young performers. Bertinelli praised Ariana Grande’s recent comments urging labels and studios to incorporate mental health resources into contracts — a suggestion both Barrymore and Bertinelli wholeheartedly endorsed.

“Ariana is absolutely spot-on,” said Bertinelli. “People need that support, absolutely.”

Barrymore added, “These are the people who have the lived experience… she’s not saying this for sensationalism — she’s advocating for real support.”

Franklin, who passed away in 2013, starred alongside Bertinelli from 1975 to 1984 in One Day at a Time, a groundbreaking sitcom about a divorced mother raising her children with resilience and wit. Over its nine-season run, the series tackled tough real-life issues and became a cultural touchstone.

For Bertinelli, the impact of Franklin’s real-life kindness left a mark far deeper than television fame.

“Bonnie saved me,” she said. “She wasn’t just acting like a mom — she was one when I needed it most.”