The author presents an overview of genetic counseling for psychiatric patients and their families, including a brief summary of contemporary research into the evidence of genetic factors, the familial risks, and the possible modes of inheritance for major psychiatric disorders. The purpose is to review and condense the available literature pertaining to psychiatric genetic counseling for the benefit of psychiatrists and counselors in their day-to-day practice and for the general "consumer." It is hoped that giving the general public access to such information will help to reduce the suffering commonly brought about by the stigmatization of those with mental disorders.