Genetic counseling provides patients and their families with information to aid in the patient's and/or family's understanding of a genetic condition. Geneticist's and Genetic Counselors are often a resource for families as they cope with the diagnosis of a genetic condition and with living with a genetic condition.

During a genetic counseling session, the genetic counselor may:

• Provide medical information about the condition(s) in question
• Describe patterns of inheritance and assess risks to other family members
• Discuss appropriate genetic testing
• Provide the family with information about educational and supportive resources
• Talk with the family about the emotional, psychological and social consequences of a genetic condition

The goal of genetic counseling is not only risk assessment, but also to explain cause/inheritance of a disorder, availability of testing, prognosis and management/treatment options.