What is Genetic Counseling?
Who are genetic counselors?
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 counseling is a process where the genetic counselor seeks to work collaboratively with you and your family to make informed decisions. The main 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
You can learn more about genetic counselors and their role on your healthcare team from the National Society of Genetic Counselors website.
What do they do?
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.
You may see a genetic counselor before or after undergoing genetic testing. If before, your genetic counselor will collect information about your health history and your family history to understand genetic risks. They will provide you with information about genetics and relevant genetic conditions and help you understand your options for genetic testing. Guiding you through making an informed and personal decision about genetic testing and supporting your needs is also an important part of their role. If you see a genetic counselor after receiving genetic testing results, they will discuss the results with you, answer your questions, and help you make a plan for next steps. An especially unique aspect is that genetic counselors are well equipped to serve as an advocate on your healthcare team. They can assist you with understanding information, coordinating care, communicating with other providers, and feeling empowered in the process.
Genetic counselors see patients across many different clinical specialties. The most common settings are prenatal care, oncology, and pediatric care, though you can see them in cardiology, neurology, psychiatry, ophthalmology, and many more. Many genetic counselors have options to see patients via telehealth. In many states, a genetic counselor must hold a license in the state where you are located to meet with you.
Who should see one?
Genetic counseling is appropriate for anyone who has a concern about a genetic condition for themselves or risk due to their family history. If you are considering genetic testing for any reason or have received it already, genetic counseling is recommended.
Some possible concerns could include:
- We are struggling with infertility. Could genetic testing tell us anything?
- I am pregnant and wondering about the different genetic tests. Should I get them?
- There is a disease in my family. Could it be passed on to my children?
- I heard about the MTHFR gene. Should I get tested for it?
- Two of my family members have had cancer. Am I at risk for getting cancer?
If you have any of these questions, or something else related to your personal or family history, we can help!
The benefit of seeing a genetic counselor outside of a traditional hospital setting is that we are able to spend more time assessing your individual health needs, so that we can establish a genetic testing and care plan that is personalized for you. Additionally, all our visits are conducted via telehealth so that you can access counseling in a convenient way.
Where can you find one?
Genetic counselors work in many different settings. The most common place to find them is in the hospital or clinic. Clinical genetic counselors see patients either through a hospital system, at a clinic, or through independent practice.
Genetic counselors also hold roles in the laboratory setting, working as data scientists to interpret genetic test results, working in sales, or as medical science liaisons. Research is another key area where genetic counselors work to advance our understanding of genetics, genetic disease, and the genetic counseling process.
You will also find genetic counselors in non-profit and patient advocacy work, serving individuals and families who are living with genetic conditions themselves or with a family member.
While these are a few of the roles a genetic counselor might hold, there are many more, too! If you are looking to find a clinical genetic counselor in your area or via telehealth, we encourage you to explore our services or visit our appointment page.
If we are unable to serve you due to location, the National Society of Genetic Counselors has a “Find a GC” tool that you can view by clicking here.
More questions?
Do you have more questions about genetic counseling? Reach out to us via our Contact page and we will be happy to connect with you!