In many systems of mental health service provision, the identity of the patient as a parent does not receive sufficient recognition. This is true irrespective of the patient's diagnosis or type of service provided and, therefore, clearly reflects deficiencies of service design, training and professional role identity. It is with this consideration in mind that this chapter outlines the role of the psychiatrist and highlights pertinent issues that arise when a patient is a parent. The role of the psychiatrist attending adult patients is, first and foremost, to assess the complaint the patient presents and make a provisional diagnosis. The psychiatrist then rules out other possible diagnoses, considers comorbidities, and initiates a treatment plan. Parenthood, like race or gender, brings with it a whole host of beliefs and activates many of our basic assumptions. The psychiatrist therefore has a particular responsibility to examine those assumptions.