What is genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease.  Genetic counselors are healthcare providers that can discuss a patient’s medical and/or family history, educate about inheritance, testing options, management, prevention, resources, and research opportunities.  Genetic counselors also provide counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the likelihood of developing or having an existing genetic condition¹. 

Genetic counseling services are now available in Terre Haute, Indiana through a partnership with Indiana State University and Union Hospital. The clinic is located in the Hux Cancer Center and will accept healthcare provider or patient self referrals.  While most of our patients are seen for a personal and/or family history of cancer, we see patients for a variety of indications including psychiatric conditions (such as schizophrenia, bipolar etc.), prenatal screening/carrier screening, cardiac genetics among other indications.

For our clinic, most genetic counseling visits consist of one or two consultation to supplement a patient's care that they are already receiving and will not replace someone's existing medical care.  These visits typically take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour while we review family and medical history to help make the decisions that are right for each patient.  If genetic testing is desired, we typically can proceed with testing that day. 

¹-National Society of Genetic Counselors (www.nsgc.org)