What are genetic counselors and what do they do?
Genetic counselors are trained healthcare professionals who provide information and support to individuals and families who have members with a genetic disorder or birth defect. They also provide services to families who may be at risk for developing a genetic disorder or who are concerned that they may have a child with an inherited disease. As the field of genetics has expanded, genetic counselors have grown more specialized. They may deal with a specific disease (such as breast cancer), a certain age group (such as adolescents), or a particular type of counseling (such as prenatal).
