Genetic counselling is a healthcare service that provides information to individuals and their families about how genetics can impact health. It also involves supporting families as they adapt to a new genetic diagnosis or new genetic information.
If you have questions about your genetic health or genetic testing, you may be eligible for a referral to the
Clinical and Metabolic Genetics program for genetic counselling.
Medical geneticists and
genetic counsellors are trained to help you and your family understand your or your child’s chance of having a genetic condition. They understand how a genetic condition can impact your physical and emotional health and can help you make informed decisions that are right for you and your family.
Genetic counselling is recommended before and after a genetic test, since genetic testing may have a major impact on you and your family. However, a referral to the Clinical and Metabolic Genetics program can happen at any stage of genetic testing.
Genetic counselling may help you:
- understand your chance of having a genetic condition
- understand your chance of having a biological child with a genetic condition
- understand the features of a genetic condition and how it is passed down (or inherited) in a family
- make informed decisions about reproductive planning, genetic testing, and future health care, based on a genetics assessment
For more information about genetic counselling, see:
