Genetic counselling is a service offered to individuals and families undergoing genetic testing by helping them identify their risks for certain disorders, investigate family health history, determine if testing is needed, interpret information and review available options with the family or individual.
This process helps people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. Genetic counsellors work as members of a health care team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families and individuals who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions.