Citizens Commission on Human Rights Pasadena Chapter Hosts Open House on World Mental Health Day

Event exposes psychiatric abuses linked to rising military suicides; combat Marine veteran shares firsthand account

PASADENA, Calif. — The Pasadena chapter of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) held an open house on October 20, 2026, in observance of World Mental Health Day at the Church of Scientology, 35 S. Raymond Avenue in Pasadena. The event focused on exposing the documented abuses of psychiatry and their connection to the alarming rise in suicides among U.S. military personnel.

Attendees heard from keynote speaker Fred Smith, a combat Marine veteran who described the psychiatric abuses he experienced firsthand. Smith’s remarks underscored the human cost of psychiatric interventions within the military and the urgent need for greater public awareness and accountability.

The open house brought together community members, veterans, and advocates to examine the role of psychiatric practices in the ongoing mental health crisis affecting service members and veterans. Organizers highlighted the sharp increase in military suicides and called for independent scrutiny of psychiatric methods that have been linked to harmful outcomes.

CCHR is an international mental health watchdog established to investigate and expose psychiatric violations of human rights. The Pasadena chapter continues its local work to educate the public and support reforms that prioritize genuine care over harmful practices.

For more information, visit the CCHR website, or watch documentaries on the work of CCHR in countries around the world and the film Psychiatry: An Industry of Death on the Scientology Network.

Media Contact:
Karla Bartholomew, 626-7927533, karlabartholomew@gmail.com
Pasadena Chapter, Citizens Commission on Human Rights