What is genetic counseling?
Genetic counseling gives people an opportunity to sit down with a trained health professional to discuss their risk for a genetic disease and to decide if they want to be tested. A genetic counselor will do the following: • Take a detailed family and medical history • Assess an individual’s risk for having a genetic mutation • Discuss the risks and benefits of genetic testing • Discuss testing options and talk about what each option means • Explain the options available if you are found to carry a genetic mutation • Discuss the implications of genetic testing for other family members The genetic counselor’s role is to help the patient to become well informed and to make the decision that is best for him or her. It is important to understand that even if you are found to be at a higher risk for carrying a mutation, you may decide, after counseling, not to be tested.
Genetic counseling is the process of determining the risk you have of passing on an inheritable disease to your baby. Genetic counseling involves a specially trained health care professional who identifies families at risk, investigates the problem present in the family, interprets information about the disorder, analyzes inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence, and reviews available options with the family.
Genetic counseling is a service which is offered to patients who may be at risk of inherited diseases. It is also offered to expecting parents who are concerned about the genes which they may pass down. A genetic counseling session is designed to open communication, providing useful medical facts and helping patients make decisions and advocate for themselves with medical professionals. This medical field has been around since the 1970s; the first genetic counseling training program in the United States opened in 1971. Requirements to become a genetic counselor vary, depending on the region in which one wishes to practice. As a general rule, candidates complete a master’s program in genetics and counseling, and then they must pass an examination administered by a national genetic counseling program. During their training, genetic counselors will have a chance to interact with patients in a clinical setting, and to amass fieldwork hours which will help them professionally. There are sev
