Where to get genetic counseling

Join NSGC. Annual Conference. Federal Advocacy. The National Society of Genetic Counselors advances the various roles of genetic counselors in health care by fostering education, research, and public policy to ensure the availability of quality genetic services. Genetic Counselors. Become Member. They have information about how to apply for this multicenter research study. Other chapters in Help Me Understand Genetics. Genetics Home Reference has merged with MedlinePlus.

Learn more. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Your counselor may ask for:. Medical records. This includes doctors' notes and pathology reports. Pathology reports are your laboratory test results from any biopsies , surgeries, or cancer screening tests.

A list of family members. Provide each person's current age or their age at the time of death and cause of death. This list should include your parents, full siblings, and children. It should also include your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews on both sides of your family. Information on types of cancer that have been diagnosed in your family.

If you can, it's best to find out each family member's age at the time of their diagnosis and where in the body the cancer started. Pathology reports are also useful. This information is very helpful, but you do not need to have it.

A genetic counselor can guide you even if you do not know much about your family history. You may want to take a family member or friend to your appointment. The genetic counselor will discuss a lot of information. Another person can help you take notes and think of questions. If you choose to bring a family member, they may be able to answer questions about your family history.

If you need a genetic counselor, talk to your health care provider or check online at National Society of Genetic Counselors. You also can find more information online at:. Reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Genetic Counseling? This includes: People who have close relatives with genetic illnesses.

Parents who already have a child with a genetic illness.