genetic counseling
an interactive method of educating a prospective parent about genetic risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing, reproductive risks, and options for surveillance and screening related to diseases with potentially inherited causes. Genetic counseling is most often provided by geneticists or genetic counselors who are trained to discuss hereditary disease with individuals, take pedigrees, and help individuals and families make decisions about the options open to them with regard to genetic disease. If genetic testing is performed, genetic counselors also assess the psychological implications of risk notification and the need for further psychological counseling following disclosure of test results. Also called genetic guidance. See also pretest counseling; posttest counseling.