Remembering Steven Friedman, Ph.D., ABPP

By Office of Communications & Marketing | Oct 5, 2026

Members of the Downstate community recently gathered to remember Steven Friedman, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor of Psychiatry, whose more than four decades at Downstate and Kings County Hospital were marked by his commitment to patients, students, residents, and colleagues.

The memorial service brought together Dr. Friedman’s family with faculty, staff, trainees, and University leadership. The warm and personal reflections offered throughout the program spoke to the respect and affection he earned during his long career at Downstate.

Michael Reinhardt, M.D., Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, welcomed Dr. Friedman’s family, friends, and colleagues. Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D., Professor Emeritus and former Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and a past president of the American Psychiatric Association, served as master of ceremonies.

Speakers recalled Dr. Friedman’s kindness, humor, wisdom, and generosity as a colleague, teacher, mentor, and friend.

Dr. Friedman’s association with Downstate and Kings County began with his psychology internship at Kings County Hospital. He later joined the Psychology staff in the Emergency Room and founded and directed Downstate’s Phobia and Anxiety Disorders Clinic. His clinical and research work focused particularly on anxiety disorders and their treatment across different cultural and ethnic communities.

Following the September 11 attacks, Dr. Friedman and his colleagues treated firefighters and other first responders coping with the psychological effects of what they had experienced.

Teaching and mentorship were also central to his career. Dr. Friedman educated generations of medical students and psychiatry residents and was recognized multiple times as Teacher of the Year.

The gathering was a warm tribute to a life closely connected with the institution and the people who are part of it.

Tags: Psychiatry