Rhode Island Department of Health Genetics Website

Genetic Counseling

The genetic counselor's training combines genetics, medicine, laboratory work, counseling, social work and ethical analysis. Genetic counselors can be Master's level genetic counselors, physicians, specially trained nurses or doctoral geneticists. Sometimes the genetic counseling visits are simple and require only one visit, and other times, multiple visits might be needed. Genetic counselors take a full family and medical history, and then assess the patient's risk. Medical tests may be offered to the patient and their family. They also assist in the interpretation of the laboratory tests, and help the patient find support groups and specialized medical care.

The following list includes some of the reasons a person or family might seek genetic counseling:

• Maternal or paternal history of a genetic disorder or birth defect
• People who are concerned that their job, lifestyle or medical history may put them at risk for a genetic disorder
• People whose ethnicity increases their risk for certain genetic diseases
• Abnormal growth or development in a child
• Women who are pregnant or planning to be after the age of 35
• Women who have had three or more miscarriages or a baby who died in infancy

See genetics resources in Rhode Island section for local genetic counselors.

For more information on genetic counseling, visit the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the American Board of Genetic Counseling.