What is Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals with advanced training in medical genetics and psychosocial counseling. Their goal is to help you understand how your genetics impact your health or chances for disease.
Genetic counselors are specifically trained to understand information about your unique genetic makeup and work collaboratively to communicate this information to you and your healthcare team. Because genetic testing results can be deeply impactful to you and your family members, it is important to receive accurate information and compassionate support in this process.
Genetic counseling is a process where the genetic counselor seeks to work collaboratively with you and your family to make informed decisions.
The components of the genetic counseling process include:
Interpretation of personal and family histories to understand the chance of disease for you or your family
Education about genetics, disease prevention and management, and resources
Counseling to help you feel informed and supported through making decisions