Pharmacogenetic Testing
We've partnered with Genomind to offer pharmacogenetic testing as an option to aid in medication selection, helping to minimize the trial and error in finding what will work for your mental health needs with the least side effects.
Click below to explore the Genomind website, including a deep dive into how your genes affect your medications.
What are Pharmacogenetics?
Pharmacogenetics (PGx) is the effect that your genetics play in the reaction and breakdown of medications. Your genetic makeup, or genotype, is your inherited DNA code. It serves as the building blocks of your body. A person’s Genotype can affect responses to certain drugs. It can also influence negative side effects or adverse drug reactions. Using pharmacogenetics, we can narrow down which medications may be more or less likely to work better or be well tolerated and at what dose. This may reduce the trial, error, and frustration that often happens with mental health medications. Want more on the science? Click HERE.
Why should I get tested?
Many people become frustrated at the lack of response to first-line medications used to treat mental health concerns. Testing can provide us guidance in which medications may work better for your body, as well as which medications to avoid due to high risk of adverse effects. Think of it as narrowing down the window of options so that we have a better chance of success. If you have failed a medication treatment for any mental health concern in the past, or if you just want a better understanding of your body's reaction to medications in general, it is worth getting tested. Plus, your genes don't change - so the results are valid for the rest of your life. Your results can be shared with other healthcare providers as well, as they do not pertain exclusively to psychiatric medications and can be used to guide medical decision-making for many different categories of medications.
What does the test involve?
Testing takes 2 minutes and is very simple. We take swabs of your inner cheek using a medical Q-tip, and send it off! We can do this in person in the office, but we also now have the option to mail you a kit to perform sample collection at home. Results are usually available within the next week, and will be reviewed by your provider prior to release to your patient portal.
How much does it cost?
We offer in-office mouth swabs for $20, or we can send you a kit by mail for at-home collection on your own! The coverage for the genetic testing itself varies by insurance, and all billing for the tests is coordinated directly through Genomind and your insurance. For more info on cost, click HERE.
Pharmacogenetic Testing Sample Report
Want to see a sample report of what your results might look like? See below for what the results look like. Results are interpreted by your provider to help explain how they may impact you and your medications.
