8-24-1955 – 7-27-2017
Dr. Baer (8/24/55-7/27/17) co-founded the OCD treatment and research programs at both the Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital. His groundbreaking research on OCD symptom subtypes and his extensive research findings advanced behavioral and pharmacological treatments of OCD. A deeply caring clinician, Dr. Baer was universally liked and respected by his patients. His self-help book “Getting Control” was the first to describe a powerful behavioral treatment for OCD and his book “The Imp of the Mind” shed new light on the understanding and treatment of sexual, aggressive and religious obsessions. His books have helped OCD patients and guided clinicians around the world for more than 20 years. Beyond being an exceptional researcher and clinician, he will be remembered for having tirelessly supported and encouraged interns, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty. Dr. Baer has been honored for his research on OCD with a lifetime achievement award from the international OCD foundation and his work has been featured in major news outlets.
Dr. Baer had a razor-sharp mind but also a warm, humble, and caring style. He was therefore highly respected, trusted, and liked. He was a beloved family member, a beloved Baseball and Basketball Coach and a beloved friend. He is survived by his wife Carole Ann, his son David, and his daughter Emily.
OCD Southern California has created a scholarship in his name, the Lee Baer Scholarship. Thus far, the Lee Baer Scholarship has covered the cost of OCD So Cal’s annual conference for multiple individuals who are students, have large families, or are of lower socioeconomic status, and would otherwise not be able to attend the event. The scholarship has provided these individuals with an opportunity to be a part of the conference, and the education and resources that are provided at the event, on behalf of generous donors to OCD So Cal.
If you would like to donate to OCD Southern California and have your donation go towards the Lee Baer Scholarship, please donate here: http://ocdsocal.org/get-involved/donate/