Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. Genetic counselors are healthcare providers that can discuss a patient’s medical and/or family history, and educate about inheritance, testing options, management, prevention, resources, and research opportunities. Genetic counselors also provide counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the likelihood of developing or an existing genetic condition1.
Genetic counseling services are now available in Terre Haute, Indiana through a partnership with Indiana State University and Union Hospital. The clinic is located on the second floor of the Hux Center in the multidisciplinary clinic and will accept healthcare provider or patient self-referrals. While most of our patients are seen for a personal and/or family history of cancer, we see patients for a variety of indications including psychiatric conditions (such as schizophrenia, bipolar, etc.), prenatal screening/carrier screening, and cardiac genetics among other indications.
For our clinic, most genetic counseling visits consist of one or two consultations to supplement a patient's care that they are already receiving and will not replace someone's existing medical care. These visits typically take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour while we review family and medical history to help make the decisions that are right for each patient. If genetic testing is desired, we typically can proceed with testing that day.
1-National Society of Genetic Counselors (
www.nsgc.org)
Indications for a Genetic Referral
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Cancer indications:
- strong family history of cancer
- personal history of two or more cancers
- cancer diagnosis below age 50
- family history of hereditary cancer gene mutation
Prenatal/Preconception indications:
- couples with three or more miscarriages
- positive carrier screening
- preconception counseling
- ultrasound findings not requiring maternal-fetal medicine involvement
- teratogen counseling
Cardiology indications:
- personal and family history of cardiomyopathy
- personal and family history of arrhythmia
- personal history of heart defect
- family history of a known cardiac genetic condition
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Neurology indications:
- suspected frontotemporal dementia
- movement disorders
- epilepsy
- family history of a known neurological genetic condition
Psychiatric indications:
- strong family history (with or without personal history) of psychiatric diagnoses
Pediatric indications:
- family history of a known genetic condition
- autism diagnosis*
- developmental delay*
*somewhat limited service and may need to see a geneticist
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