There was a time when many professionals -- especially doctors, lawyers and the clergy -- were given trust and respect, and often lived up to both.

Here in the 21st century, things don't always work out that way, as Larry Manion's intense new play attests during the IndyFringe Festival.

In "Dr. Goddard and Mr. Angst," now playing at the Phoenix Theatre, a psychiatrist doesn't get respect for long, after being consulted by a young man frustrated by anger and relationship issues. Eventually, it becomes clear the doctor doesn't deserve any.

In case you couldn't tell from his name, Dr. Godfrey H. Goddard, M.D., has a bit of a God complex -- or as his patient, Rory Angst, puts it, "a rather exalted, overblown mega-opinion" of himself.

As played by Manion, Goddard comes across as an arrogant, braying, manipulative, misanthropic windbag.

In an aside to the audience, Goddard confesses that he knows Angst isn't truly mentally ill. But the doc decides to string his patient along anyway, and "give him what he wants." Or maybe Goddard is really gathering material for his next, best-selling book.

In any event, rather than help Angst with whatever psychological struggles he does have, Goddard brings out the patient's worst traits -- especially in the anger department, not that the pencil-snapping doctor can't work up a rage of his own.

Patrick Koenig's smart handling of Angst's evolution from trusting patient to ticked-off victim is key to this production. In fact, it brings out what could be the playwright's main point about what he thinks has happened to some mental health patients in this country.

The set at the Phoenix's downstairs stage seems serviceable enough. A psychiatrist's office furnished with a conservative desk, chair and couch suit the doctor's affluence.

And the stage movement turns out to be great fun, including Goddard's arrogant strides, Angst's lunge onto the couch to discuss family matters, and the doctor's final perch on the couch, suggesting that he's the one who should be there.

'Dr. Goddard and Mr. Angst'

What: A one-act drama by Larry Manion, presented as part of the Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival.

Next show: 9 p.m. Aug.29 Runs through Aug. 31.

Where: Phoenix Theatre.

Bottom line: A darkly funny, way-over-the-top sendup of psychiatry.