What is Genetic Counselling?
- Who may I talk to in Genetic Counselling?
- What happens in Genetic Counselling?
- Where can I find more information about Genetic Counselling?
- Find a Genetic Counselling Service
Who may I talk to in Genetic Counselling?
|
Clinical Geneticists |
Medical Practitioners with a genetics speciality, certified by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) to provide clinical genetics services. |
|
Genetic Counsellors |
Graduate health professionals with specialist training in genetics and counselling, certified by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA), to provide genetic counselling in conjunction with a clinical geneticist. |
|
Social Workers |
Health professionals with a special interest in genetics and particular disorders, who work closely with clinical geneticists, genetic counsellors and support groups, offering counselling and practical resources for families and individuals. |
|
Fetal Medicine Specialist |
Medical practitioners with expertise and qualifications in the provision of prenatal diagnosis and counselling. |
What happens in Genetic Counselling?
During the consultation a family history is taken to provide information about the health of family members. A diagnosis of a genetic condition may be made or confirmed; on the other hand, a family member may be reassured to find that he/she does not have, or is unlikely to develop the condition in question.
Where there is a genetic condition in a family, the genetic counsellor can estimate the risks that other family members will be affected, or are likely to pass on, the abnormal gene for the condition. This may involve carrier detection testing or predictive testing. Often, a person is reassured following genetic counselling, when a condition is shown to be unlikely to recur in the family.
The impact and possible effects of the condition on the individual and their family can be discussed in a supportive atmosphere. Management strategies can then be developed and helpful community resources identified.
Many genetic conditions can be diagnosed before birth. During genetic counselling, prenatal diagnosis and other reproductive options can be discussed to ensure that any decision regarding these matters is made on an informed basis. Appropriate testing, including carrier and presymptomatic testing, can be organised.
If a fetal abnormality is identified as a result of prenatal diagnosis testing, information and supportive counselling is provided.
Where there has been exposure to a potential teratogen (a chemical or environmental agent which can cause a congenital condition), genetic counselling provides an opportunity to obtain current information and support.
Where can I find more information about Genetic Counselling?
More information about Genetic Counselling can be found in our information section.
- Genetics Services and Counselling
Why knowing about your genes is important to your future: Information about genetic services in New South Wales. It is also available in the following languages: Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Croatian, Greek, Italian, Khmer/Cambodian, Lao, Macedonian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Serbian, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese. Order online or contact the Centre.
- How can Genetic Counselling Help?
Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, English, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese.
More information about Genetic Counselling can also be found through the Australasian Society of Genetic Counsellors (AGSA) website.
How can Genetic Counselling services be accessed?
The range and extent of genetics services available will vary throughout Australian States and Territories. Very often the service is based in a specialist paediatric or obstetric department of a hospital. While it is preferable to have a referral from a doctor or specialist in order to access genetic counselling services, an appointment can usually be made without any referral. Health care interpreter services are also available.
Select the area below to view Clinical Genetics Services in that State/Territory:
New South wales - Clinical Genetic Services
|
Metropolitan Centres |
|
|
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital |
|
St George Hospital |
|
Liverpool Health Services |
|
Hunter Genetics |
|
Nepean Hospital |
|
The Sydney Children's Hospital |
|
Royal North Shore Hospital |
|
The Children's Hospital |
| Westmead |
Dept of Genetic Medicine |
|
Please see Clinical Genetics Services in Victoria |
|
Bathurst Health Service |
|
Greater Western Area Health Service |
|
Primary Health Service |
|
Greater Western Area Health Service |
|
Forster Community Health Centre |
|
Central Coast Health |
|
Child, Infant and Family Tertiary Service |
|
C/- North Coast Area Health Service |
| Kingscliff |
Kingscliff Community Health |
|
Macquarie Area Health Service |
|
North Coast Area Health Service |
|
Hunter New England Area Health Service |
|
Mid North Coast Area Health |
|
Wagga Wagga Base Hospital |
|
Northern Illawarra Maternal and Paediatrics Service |
Australian Capital Territory - Clinical Genetics Services
|
The Canberra Hospital |
Northern Territory - Clinical Genetics Services
There are currently no clinical genetics services offered in the Northern Territory. Support and information may be available through other specialty services, and from a general medical practitioner.
Queensland - Clinical Genetics Services
|
Metropolitan services |
|
|
Royal Children's Hospital And District Health Service |
|
Regional services |
|
| Bundaberg
(also covers Rockhampton |
Bundaberg Base Hospital |
|
Cairns Base Hospital |
|
Nambour General Hospital |
|
Gold Coast Hospital |
|
Toowoomba Base Hospital |
|
Townsville General Hospital |
Victoria - Clinical Genetics Services
|
Metropolitan centres |
|||
|
Royal Children’s Hospital |
||
| Parkville |
Genetics Medicine and Familial Cancer Centre |
||
|
Monash Medical Centre |
||
| Heidelberg West |
Clinical Genetics Service |
||
|
Victorian Ear And Eye Hospital |
||
|
Alfred Hospital |
||
|
Regional services |
|||
|
Genetic Health Services Victoria |
||
|
|
Non-Metropolitan Genetics Services |
||
South Australia - Clinical Genetics Services
|
Metropolitan services |
|
|
Women’s and Children’s Hospital |
|
c/o South Australian Clinical Genetics Service |
|
Regional services |
|
|
c/o South Australian Clinical Genetics Service, |
Tasmania - Clinical Genetics Services
|
Tasmanian Clinical Genetics Service |
Western Australia - Clinical Genetics Services
|
Metropolitan centres |
|
|
King Edward Memorial Hospital |
|
Princess Margaret Hospital For Children |
| Regional centres
|
|
|
|
Genetics Services of Western Australia |
New Zealand - General Genetics Services
|
Northern Regional Genetic Services |
|
Central and Southern Regional Genetic Services
|
|
Central and Southern Regional Genetic Services |
