He is also a consumer, diagnosed with schizophrenia as a young Marine Corps officer. Despite his disability, he was able to gain a degree from the American Graduate School of International Management in Phoenix, AZ; and a doctorate in psychology from Ohio University. Fred founded the Community and State Hospital Section of the American Psychological Association and is past president of the National Mental Health Consumers' Association. He has authored many articles and book chapters and has lectured widely on the subject of schizophrenia including an appearance as a panelist on the PBS special Minds on the Edge.