Get started with genetic counseling
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease.1
Genetic counselors are licensed medical providers trained in counseling and genetic principles that span many medical specialties including rare disease (pediatric and adult conditions), cardiology, obstetrics, oncology, and neurology.1 They help guide and support patients who want to learn how genetic conditions might affect them or their families. Genetic counselors also help interpret and explain a person’s unique genetic test results and help patients and caregivers make more informed healthcare decisions.2
Genetic counselors are specifically trained to2:
Help you understand how your personal and familial medical history may impact your health
Discuss genetic testing options that may be appropriate for you
Explain what genetic test results mean for you and your family members
Address any questions or concerns you have about genetic testing
Provide recommendations for you and your healthcare provider to help make more informed medical and treatment decisions
Scheduling with a genetic counselor
Patients or their caregivers can schedule an appointment with a board-certified genetic counselor to get expert guidance on genetic testing options
Physicians can also refer patients for a genetic counseling appointment
Appointments are generally scheduled in less than 1 week
Initial appointments are conducted via a 30- to 60-minute phone call
Notes from all counseling visits will be shared with the referring physician
What to expect next
Create your account so you can schedule your appointment
Complete consent paperwork to help us provide tailored quality care
Schedule your appointment at a time that is convenient and works best for you
Cost and coverage
Through the Mission: Genome program, we provide no-cost* genetic counseling services for patients with confirmed or suspected cardiomyopathies, as well as their caregivers and family members.
*For eligible patients and their families. Eligibility requirements can be found on testing providers' web pages.References: 1. Abacan M, Alsubaie L, Barlow-Stewart K, et al. The global state of the genetic counseling profession. Eur J Hum Genet. 2019;27:183-197. 2. Jamal L, Schupmann W, Berkman B. An ethical framework for genetic counseling in the genomic era. J Genet Couns. 2020;29(5):718-727.