Genetic counseling is a service to help individuals and families translate scientific knowledge into practical information. A genetic counselor works with a person or family that may be at risk for an inherited disease or abnormal pregnancy outcome, discussing their chances of having children who are affected.

Providers of genetic counseling include:

These health care professionals are experienced in helping families understand birth defects and how inheritance works. They provide information that helps families make personal decisions about pregnancy, child care and genetic testing.

Anyone who has unanswered questions about origins of diseases or traits in the family should consider genetic counseling. People who may find it valuable include:

When you go to see a genetic counselor, he or she:

Often genetic counselors can determine the risk of occurrence or recurrence of a condition and the availability of tests for it.

Evaluation of tests results usually is coordinated between the genetic counselor, the person or couple and the doctor. In the occasional case of troubling results, the counselor will provide information to help you make decisions (for instance, on the risk of having a child or more children). The counselor or the doctor can refer you to resources in your community that deal with a specific genetic condition, or to medical specialists, educational specialists or family support groups.

A family can seek genetic counseling directly or be referred by a physician. Comprehensive genetic services centers are available in the United States, usually located within large medical centers or teaching hospitals. Smaller areas may be served by satellite clinics.

If you think you could benefit from genetic counseling:

There are many organizations that can provide you with guidance and information on a wide variety of topics related to genetics and specific inherited disorders. These are just a few:

March of Dimes - Ask us 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10605 (914) 997-4488 askus@marchofdimes.org

Genetic Alliance 4301 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 404 Washington, DC 20008 (202) 966-5557 info@geneticalliance.org

National Society of Genetic Counselors 401 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 321-6834 nsgc@nsgc.org

National Center for Education on Maternal and Child Health P.O. Box 571272 Washington, DC 20057 (202) 784-9770 mchlibrary@ncemch.org

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 1968 Danbury, CT 06813 (800) 999-6673 (203) 744-0100 RN@rarediseases.org

Last reviewed: December, 2013

Genetic counseling is a service to help individuals and families translate scientific knowledge into practical information. A genetic counselor works with a person or family that may be at risk for an inherited disease or abnormal pregnancy outcome, discussing their chances of having children who are affected.

Providers of genetic counseling include:

These health care professionals are experienced in helping families understand birth defects and how inheritance works. They provide information that helps families make personal decisions about pregnancy, child care and genetic testing.

Anyone who has unanswered questions about origins of diseases or traits in the family should consider genetic counseling. People who may find it valuable include:

When you go to see a genetic counselor, he or she:

Often genetic counselors can determine the risk of occurrence or recurrence of a condition and the availability of tests for it.

Evaluation of tests results usually is coordinated between the genetic counselor, the person or couple and the doctor. In the occasional case of troubling results, the counselor will provide information to help you make decisions (for instance, on the risk of having a child or more children). The counselor or the doctor can refer you to resources in your community that deal with a specific genetic condition, or to medical specialists, educational specialists or family support groups.

A family can seek genetic counseling directly or be referred by a physician. Comprehensive genetic services centers are available in the United States, usually located within large medical centers or teaching hospitals. Smaller areas may be served by satellite clinics.

If you think you could benefit from genetic counseling:

There are many organizations that can provide you with guidance and information on a wide variety of topics related to genetics and specific inherited disorders. These are just a few:

March of Dimes - Ask us 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10605 (914) 997-4488 askus@marchofdimes.org

Genetic Alliance 4301 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 404 Washington, DC 20008 (202) 966-5557 info@geneticalliance.org

National Society of Genetic Counselors 401 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 321-6834 nsgc@nsgc.org

National Center for Education on Maternal and Child Health P.O. Box 571272 Washington, DC 20057 (202) 784-9770 mchlibrary@ncemch.org

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 1968 Danbury, CT 06813 (800) 999-6673 (203) 744-0100 RN@rarediseases.org

Last reviewed: December, 2013

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Genetic counseling | March of Dimes

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