“National Treasure’’ Fred Frese Mourned

The passing this month of a mental health advocate who made a national impact on improving services for those who have mental illness was recognized by Mark Hurst, M.D., director of The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Dr. Hurst said in a statement, “Dr. Fred Frese was a tremendous influence in improving mental health care provided in Ohio and the rest of the country. I knew Dr. Frese for more than 20 years and was constantly impressed with his advocacy and commitment. His life experience as a person with mental illness as well as a clinical psychologist gave him a unique perspective and a unique voice. I especially appreciated his keen intellect and sense of humor which he had great skill in combining to make a point when difficult issues arose. A true titan in our field who will be greatly missed.”

A full statement follows.

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services ioins with mental health professionals, advocates and consumers throughout the nation in mourning the loss of renowned psychologist Dr. Frederick J. Frese III. Dr. Frese, 77, died at home on July 16 with his family by his side, according to his obituary in The Plain Dealer. Dr. Frese was known as a fierce advocate for the rights and dignity of the mentally ill and had delivered more than 2,000 presentations locally, nationally and internationally in a career that stretched more than 40 years. He taught psychiatry at Northeast Ohio Medical University; served as a clinical assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University; served as a coordinator of the Summit County Recovery Project and previously worked as director of Psychology at Western Reserve Psychiatric Hospital. Referred to as “a national treasure” by colleagues, Dr. Frese was also a consumer, diagnosed with schizophrenia as a young Marine Corps officer. The Department extends its deepfelt sympathies to Dr. Frese’s family.

 

Read a remembrance by Mark R. Munetz, M.D.

The Margaret Clark Morgan Chair in Psychiatry