Albert Freedman, PhD. has a unique voice as a psychologist and the father of an adult son who lived 26 years with a rare disease. As a practicing psychologist in independent practice, Dr. Freedman has provided counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, and families for over 25 years. He specializes in working with families affected by disability and complex medical conditions. Dr. Freedman is able to work with clients in over 30 states via telehealth thanks to the Psychology Inter-jurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT).
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For over 20 years, Dr. Freedman has provided consultation to rare disease advocacy organizations, bio-pharmaceutical companies, and health care organizations, and schools. He speaks at conferences nationally and globally on challenges facing families affected by special health care needs and has written widely on the topic.
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Dr. Freedman has served as a Consulting Psychologist at Westtown School, Delaware Valley Friends School, BAYADA Home Health Care, and Novartis Gene Therapies. He is a member of many professional organizations including the American Psychological Association, the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, and the Pennsylvania Psychological Association.
My Areas of Expertise
The Unique Mental Health Needs of Individuals and Families Affected by Rare Disease & Disability
The emotional journeys of individuals and families affected by a rare disease are complicated and multi-faceted. Few resources are available through our health care systems. How are our families similar and how are they different from families unaffected by rare disease? What do our families need to not only survive but thrive?
The Evolving Needs of Rare Disease Advocacy Organizations and Communities
Gene therapies and other treatments are bringing great hope, but also some unanticipated and complex challenges to rare disease communities. How can rare disease advocacy organizations and industry partners together navigate the complex territory that comes with clinical trials and managed access programs? How can our rare disease advocacy organizations keep their communities together as one when some patients have access to life-altering treatments and some do not?
The Role of Industry in Supporting the Emotional Experience of Individuals and Families Affected by Rare Disease & Disability
Industry plays a multifaceted role in patient families’ lives. It’s in everyone’s best interest to support the mental wellbeing of rare disease families to ensure they maintain connected to the community, are aware of existing treatment options, and find support they can count on.
Family Support Programming Development and Implementation
Mental health and psychosocial support is essential for individuals and families affected by rare disease, disability and medical complexity. From the traumatic period of diagnosis to navigating the many ongoing challenges associated with rare disease, I can help. I’ve been a part of the development and implementation of psychosocial family support programs for rare disease advocacy organizations. I understand the needs of these families and the most effective ways to provide opportunities to support their unique needs.