Genetic Counseling Services
What is genetic counseling?
Genetic counselors have specialized education in medical genetics and counseling to guide and support patients seeking more information about how inherited diseases and conditions might affect them or their families. Genetic counseling often includes a detailed review of a family’s medical history, discussion of how diseases are passed on in families, education about genetics, and counseling about genetic testing options.
View a comprehensive list of the genetic conditions we have seen so far at the Community Health Clinic and for which we provide genetic counseling. The list is constantly growing!
Why might you meet with a genetic counselor?
Some of the reasons you may have genetic counseling at the CHC include:
To learn more about a genetic condition that is in your family and your chance to have that condition
For an initial intake and review of your family and medical history if it is suspected that you might have a genetic condition
To discuss the different types of genetic tests that are available and what you can learn from them
To review results from a genetic test and what they may mean for you and your family
To receive psychological support when a genetic diagnosis is made in you or your family member
Learn more about genetic counseling here
What happens during a genetic counseling appointment?
During your meeting, the genetic counselor will:
Ask about your family history and draw a family tree/pedigree
Review your medical/health history
Provide explanations about genetics and genetic conditions
Discuss possible options for genetic testing OR review results if testing has already been performed
Provide emotional support during what can sometimes be a challenging time
Offer resources and advocacy for more information
Our genetic counselor, Nicole, explaining genetic testing options to a couple interested in carrier screening
Carrier screening
Carrier screening is a common reason why patients have genetic counseling at the CHC. Carrier screening is used to identify people who carry one copy of a gene mutation that, when present in two copies, causes a genetic disorder. Carrier screening is offered to individuals who have a family history of a genetic disorder and to people in certain ethnic groups with an increased risk of specific genetic conditions.
If both parents have carrier screening, the test can provide information about a couple's risk of having a child with a genetic condition.