GENETIC COUNSELING

Karen Stebner, MS, CGC

For an increasing number of medical conditions, it is clear that genetics plays an important role. It is now common practice for physicians to obtain a family history to help evaluate the risks of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Genetic counseling can also help families and individuals sort out the risks associated with a variety of conditions from birth defects to cancers.

Various health professionals may provide some genetic counseling services, including physicians and specially trained nurses. However, genetic counselors are health professionals trained at the Master's degree level who have successfully completed one of the 31genetic counseling programs in the United States or Canada. These two or three year programs include strong science and psychosocial components and genetic counselors are knowledgeable in both the clinical aspects of heritable diseases, as well as the psychological impact of such conditions on families.

Genetic counseling provides individuals and families with information and support regarding actual or potential inherited conditions that may be present in the individual, his or her children, or other family members. Traditionally, genetic counseling services were sought by families with children with birth defects or rare, but serious inherited disorders.  With the advent of prenatal diagnosis in the 1970's, genetic counseling expanded to include pregnant women who were at increased risks for specific disorders based on age or individual medical history.

Karen Wolf, MS, CGC

What does genetic counseling involve?
The genetic counseling session generally begins with a detailed family history. Information is obtained on medical conditions in family members, birth defects and developmental problems, growth problems, chronic illnesses, and pregnancy related problems. Many times, a family history is focused on the individual's or couple's questions and concerns. In addition, the genetic counselor will ask about additional pertinent medical and pregnancy issues. The family history may not only help to determine the pattern of inheritance of a disorder within a family, but may also provide information about psychological support systems within a family as well as additional family members who may be at risk. 

While genetic counselors primarily provide education and information about genetic conditions, inheritance patterns and risk assessments, they also emphasize the individual's or family's ability to cope with the emotional impact of genetic conditions on the family. The counseling session may include a discussion of risks to other family members, the availability and accuracy of genetic testing, options for preconceptional testing and/or prenatal diagnosis and resources for patient education and support groups.

Genetic counseling services at GBMC include prenatal genetics, pediatric genetics, cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling for mental illness and adult onset neurological disease.  For an appointment or a referral, please call the Harvey Institute for Human Genetics at 443-849-3131.

For general questions about the field of genetic counseling, please call the Harvey Institute or contact the National Society of Genetic Counselors at (610) 872-7608 or www.nsgc.org.

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