Genetic Counseling Frequently Asked Questions

Genetic counseling is a healthcare service that helps you understand whether genetic conditions may affect you, your child, or your family, and whether genetic testing may be helpful.

Genetic counseling may be useful for people planning a pregnancy, those who are pregnant, families with a history of inherited conditions, or individuals with a personal or family history of genetic disease or cancer.

No. Genetic counseling is a discussion with a specialist to help you understand risks, options, and possible next steps. Genetic testing is the laboratory analysis itself.

Not necessarily. Genetic counseling helps you make an informed decision, but testing is not mandatory.

The session usually includes a review of your personal and family medical history, discussion of possible risks, explanation of testing options, and guidance on what results may mean.

Yes. It can help couples understand inherited risks, carrier status, reproductive options, and whether testing may be appropriate before conception.

Yes. It can help explain prenatal screening and diagnostic options, discuss ultrasound findings, and support informed decision-making during pregnancy.

No. It is also relevant for children, adults, and families with suspected inherited conditions, developmental concerns, rare diseases, or hereditary cancer risk.

Yes. Many people find it helpful to have a partner or relative present for support and to help remember important information.

Sometimes results may not provide a definite answer. Genetic counseling helps explain uncertain findings and what they may or may not mean.

Yes. Even without testing, counseling can help you better understand your family history, possible risks, and available options.

No. The role of the counselor is to provide information, explain options, and support you in making the decision that is right for you and your family.

Yes. Because genetic information can be shared within families, counseling may also help identify whether relatives could benefit from further evaluation or testing.

Yes. At Optima Genetics, genetic counseling may be offered online, and in selected cases, in person.

Genetic counseling helps individuals and families understand complex genetic information in a clear and supportive way, so they can make informed healthcare and reproductive decisions with greater confidence.