7,094
Genetic Counselors
100%
Accepting patients
25%
Most common: MS
FindClarity lists 7,094 genetic counselors nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is MS (25%).
Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals with a master's degree in genetic counseling (two years of graduate study) who help people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. They are certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) and licensed in most states.
Genetic counselors work in multiple areas: prenatal (helping expectant parents understand screening and testing options for chromosomal conditions), cancer (assessing hereditary cancer risk based on family history and recommending genetic testing), pediatric (evaluating children with developmental delays or suspected genetic conditions), and cardiology, neurology, or other specialties where genetic factors influence disease risk.
A genetic counselor does not diagnose or treat disease. Instead, they interpret genetic test results, explain inheritance patterns, assess risk, provide emotional support, and help patients make informed decisions about testing, prevention, and family planning.
See a genetic counselor if you are pregnant and want to understand prenatal screening or diagnostic test options, have a family history of cancer (especially breast, ovarian, or colon cancer diagnosed young or in multiple relatives), have a child with a developmental delay or birth defect, are planning a pregnancy and want to understand carrier screening (especially if you and your partner share ancestry from a group with higher rates of certain conditions), received an unexpected result on a direct-to-consumer genetic test, or have a family history of a known genetic condition and want to understand your risk.
A session lasts 30 to 60 minutes. The counselor will draw and analyze your family health history (pedigree), explain the genetic basis of the condition in question, discuss the benefits, limitations, and risks of genetic testing, and help you decide whether testing is right for you. If you have already been tested, the counselor will explain the results in plain language and discuss what they mean for you and your family. Genetic counselors provide emotional support and connect you with resources. They do not pressure you toward any particular decision about testing or treatment.
Genetic counseling session: $100-400 (often covered by insurance) · Genetic testing: $250-2,000+ (usually covered when medically indicated) · With insurance copay: $20-75 · Direct-to-consumer test: $100-300 (not covered)
Most insurance plans cover genetic testing when it is medically indicated, meaning there is a clinical reason to test (family history, personal cancer history, pregnancy risk factors). The genetic counselor will determine medical necessity and help with pre-authorization. Testing for curiosity alone (without medical indication) is generally not covered. Some genetic testing companies offer self-pay prices of $250 or less if insurance denies coverage.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) prohibits health insurers and employers from discriminating based on genetic test results. However, GINA does not cover life insurance, disability insurance, or long-term care insurance. If you are concerned, discuss the implications with your genetic counselor before testing. Some people choose to secure life insurance before pursuing genetic testing.
A geneticist (medical geneticist) is a physician (MD or DO) with specialty training in diagnosing and treating genetic conditions. A genetic counselor has a master's degree and specializes in risk assessment, test interpretation, patient education, and support. They work as a team: the geneticist diagnoses and prescribes, while the counselor explains, educates, and provides psychosocial support. For many patients, the genetic counselor is the primary point of contact.
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Genetic counseling sessions are covered by most insurance plans when medically indicated. Medicare covers genetic counseling for hereditary cancer syndromes and prenatal indications. Medicaid coverage varies by state. Genetic testing is covered when ordered based on medical necessity criteria (family history, clinical findings). Pre-authorization is often required for both the counseling visit and the test. If insurance denies coverage for testing, many labs offer reduced self-pay rates or financial assistance programs. The genetic counselor can help navigate coverage and appeals.