Pharmacogenetic Testing for more informed medication decisions
Medication care can involve choosing a medication and understanding how your body may process it. I offer pharmacogenetic testing as one part of a careful medication conversation.
How I use it
I use pharmacogenetic testing as one tool among others, not as the whole story. The result is weighed alongside your symptoms, side effects, and what you’ve experienced with medication already. That may be part of medication management directly, or it may help guide a broader discussion about care. I keep the focus on what it means for you, in plain language.
I use another piece of information, alongside what you’re actually noticing.
Who it tends to suit
People often come in after trying medications that felt hard to sort out, or when they want more information before making changes. They may be wondering why one medication seemed hard to tolerate or why another didn’t feel like a good fit. Some are looking for another source of information to bring into a medication discussion. It can feel frustrating to keep guessing when medication is already a sensitive topic. The testing comes up most often when someone wants a more informed conversation, not a quick answer.
- I want more information before changing meds.
- I’ve had a hard time figuring out what fits.
- I’m tired of guessing with medication.
- I want to understand my options better.
What the first sessions look like
In the first sessions, I talk with you about your medication history, what you’ve noticed, and whether pharmacogenetic testing seems relevant to the care you’re seeking. We’ll go over what it can add to the conversation and how it fits with the rest of your treatment before you decide anything.
I offer a free 15-minute consultation. I reply as soon as I can, usually within 1 business day.
What I use it for
- DepressionPeople feeling stuck, flat, or worn down by depression.
- Bipolar DisorderPeople dealing with mood shifts, energy changes, or mixed emotions.
- PTSDPeople living with the aftereffects of trauma and overwhelming stress.
- Mood DisordersSadness, emptiness, guilt, or hopelessness getting in the way.
- Psychotic DisordersFear, confusion, or changes in how reality feels day to day.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)Trouble focusing, organizing, or keeping up with daily demands.
Questions people ask
What is pharmacogenetic testing used for in medication visits?
It can add information to a medication conversation about how your body may process certain medicines. I use it alongside what you’re actually experiencing, not instead of that.
Do I need testing before starting medication?
Not necessarily. We’d talk first about your history and whether it seems useful for the care you’re seeking.
Does testing tell me exactly which medication will work?
No, it’s one piece of information, not the whole answer. We use it to inform the conversation about medication choices.
Can this be part of ongoing medication management?
Yes. It can come up as part of reviewing what’s been happening with medication and what information might help next.