Taking the Stigma From Mental Illness

Thirty-five years ago, while a young Marine Corps officer, Dr. Frese was diagnosed with schizophrenia and over the next 10 years was in and out of mental hospitals, often on secure wards. Despite his disability, he earned a degree in international business management from the American Graduate School of International Management in Phoenix as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology from Ohio University.

Thursday, he was a guest speaker during both the Mental Health Awareness Fair and Mental Health Gala in Bradford. One of the topics he discussed was the stigma attached to mental illness.

Dr. Frese currently holds psychology faculty appointments in psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University and the Northeastern Ohio University’s College of Medicine and Pharmacy, and has held teaching positions at Kent State University, Ohio University and the Ashland Theological Seminary.

He also has published numerous articles and chapters, and serves on the advisory board for Schizophrenia Bulletin and Psychiatric Rehabilitation. He also is a reviewer for Psychiatric Services.