Who are genetic counselors and how can they help you?

What you’ll learn in this article:

• Genetic counselors are certified healthcare providers trained in medical genetics
• These experts can help answer a wide range of questions, including questions about managing your health and the impact of your genetic test results on your family
• Genetic counselors can also help you ask the right questions to your doctors

Genetic counselors are board-certified healthcare providers with specialized training in genetics who help people understand, manage, and cope with genetic results that may impact their lives, their health, and the health of their family.
Genetic counselors have a broad range of specialized expertise, from family planning and fertility, to specialties such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, metabolism, and many more. They work in a variety of settings from hospitals and clinics to laboratories, private companies and the public sector. Wherever you find a genetic counselor working, they are playing a role to help people — directly or indirectly — understand genetics and what DNA can tell them.
In the past, people have gone to clinics or hospitals to meet with genetic counselors in person. Today, there are a growing number of options to work with these experts outside these settings. The increasing demand for genetic counseling has been met with a wider array of options for patients, including a growing number of virtual and remote genetic counselor services.
Helix® Health makes it easy to connect with a genetic counselor, whether you are deciding what tests might be right for you or whether you want support making the most of your results. Genetic counselors can also help you find resources in your local community, if you prefer to see a genetic counselor or specialist in person.
Click here to learn more about the kinds of things you can ask a genetic counselor.