Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Genetic counseling
Genetic counseling is done by specially trained health professionals who offer guidance to people concerned about their risk of genetic diseases.
A genetic counselor may:
- Look at family and personal medical history and medical records. This is done to see if genetic testing would be helpful. If so, the counselor can talk about which tests would be best and what age to have tests.
- Show a person how a specific condition is inherited or passed from parents to a child.
- Explain the pros and cons of genetic testing and what the results might mean for the person being tested and their relatives.
- Help a person understand the results of a genetic test, including their risk for a genetic condition.
- Discuss how to reduce the risk for a genetic condition, how to manage the condition, and what resources are available.
Current as of: April 4, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Siobhan M. Dolan MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics & Lesley Ryan MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.