genetic counseling

[ juh-net-ik koun-suh-ling ]

noun

, Medicine/Medical, Psychology.

1. the counseling of individuals with questions, concerns, or general interest in their genetic profiles and histories: genetic counseling can address issues that include inheritance patterns and risks to future offspring, personal risks of cancer and other diseases, and medical and psychological challenges of genetic predispositions.

genetic counseling

1. The counseling of individuals, especially prospective parents with respect to their offspring, about the statistical probabilities of inheriting genetic diseases and the nature, diagnosis, and treatment of such diseases.

genetic counseling

1. The practice of counseling a person about the results of genetic testing so that the results are accurately understood. The person being counseled may then make a more informed decision about any actions to be taken.

Other Words From

• ge·ne·tic coun·sel·or noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of genetic counseling¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Michael and his wife, wanting to start a family, did what lots of young people do: They got preemptive, routine genetic counseling.

From Salon

Yet since Dr. Daza’s untimely death in 2014, they have been cut off from a world of promising experimental treatments, genetic counseling and often basic medical care.

From New York Times

They’ll be offered free confirmatory testing, genetic counseling and help with sharing the information with their physicians and family members.

From Seattle Times

The fees cover the cost of the screenings as well as genetic counseling and the additional testing needed for any patient who screens positive.

From Los Angeles Times

They have private waiting rooms for these patients and offer grief support, genetic counseling and even bereavement services, including ways to memorialize the lost pregnancy.

From Salon