Genetic-Informed Treatment
Your DNA determines how your body metabolizes psychiatric medication. Without that information, prescribing is guesswork. GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing eliminates the trial and error, matching you with the right medication at the right dose from the start.
Why Medications Fail
If you have ever tried a psychiatric medication that did not work, caused intolerable side effects, or made things worse, the medication may not have been wrong for your condition. It may have been wrong for your genetics.
Your Liver Has a Genetic Blueprint
Cytochrome P450 enzymes in your liver metabolize most psychiatric medications. Genetic variations in these enzymes determine whether you break down a drug normally, too quickly for it to work, or too slowly, causing a buildup that produces side effects.
Traditional Prescribing Is Blind
Without genetic data, your provider selects medication based on population averages and clinical guidelines. If the drug does not work, you try another. And another. This process can take months or years while you continue to suffer.
Side Effects Are Often Predictable
Weight gain, sexual dysfunction, sedation, nausea, and emotional blunting are not random. Many are directly related to how your body processes the medication. Genetic testing can predict which drugs are likely to cause problems before you take the first dose.
Time Lost Is Suffering Extended
Every failed medication trial represents weeks or months of ongoing symptoms, hope followed by disappointment, and erosion of trust in treatment. Genetic testing shortens this timeline dramatically.
From Cheek Swab to Precision Treatment
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01
Simple Collection
A painless cheek swab collected in our office during a regular visit. No blood draw. No fasting. The sample is sent to the GeneSight laboratory for analysis.
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02
Genetic Analysis
The lab analyzes your DNA for variations in genes that affect how you metabolize over 70 psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, and ADHD medications.
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03
Actionable Report
Results are categorized into a clear, color-coded report. Green means use as directed. Yellow means use with caution, moderate gene-drug interaction. Red means significant gene-drug interaction, consider alternatives or dosing adjustments.
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Informed Prescribing
Your provider integrates the genetic data with your clinical presentation, treatment history, and current symptoms to select or adjust medication with precision. The result is a personalized medication plan based on your biology, not population averages.
Ideal Candidates for Genetic Testing
GeneSight testing is valuable for anyone starting or adjusting psychiatric medication, but it is especially impactful in these situations.
Failed Medication Trials
If you have tried two or more medications without adequate response, genetic factors are a likely contributor. Testing reveals whether your body was metabolizing those drugs effectively.
Most Common IndicationIntolerable Side Effects
Consistent side effects across multiple medications often indicate a metabolizer phenotype that causes drug accumulation. Genetic testing identifies which medications your body can handle.
Side Effect PreventionStarting Medication for the First Time
Why guess when you do not have to? Patients new to psychiatric medication can begin with a genetically informed selection, potentially avoiding the trial-and-error process entirely.
Proactive ApproachComplex Medication Regimens
Patients on multiple medications face increased risk of drug-drug interactions. Genetic data helps your provider understand how those medications interact with your specific metabolic profile.
Polypharmacy SafetyFrequently Asked
Is GeneSight covered by insurance?
GeneSight is covered or partially covered by most major insurance plans. For patients without coverage, GeneSight offers a financial assistance program that caps out-of-pocket costs at $330. Many patients pay significantly less. Our team can help you understand your specific coverage.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically returned to your provider within 5 to 7 business days after the lab receives your sample. Your provider will review the results with you and discuss any medication adjustments at your next appointment.
Does the test tell me exactly which medication to take?
The test identifies how your body metabolizes medications, categorizing them into green (use as directed), yellow (moderate interaction), and red (significant interaction). Your provider uses this data alongside your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment history to make the final prescribing decision.
Do I need to be a current patient?
GeneSight testing is available as part of our comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and medication management services. If you are seeking a new provider and want genetic-informed prescribing from the start, we welcome new patients.
What insurance do you accept?
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts, Point32 Health, and self-pay. Our team verifies your benefits before your first appointment.
Stop Guessing. Start Knowing.
Your genetics hold the answer to which medications will work for you. A simple cheek swab can save you months of trial and error and get you to the right treatment faster.
Get Started Today →