Genetic counselling & support

We offer comprehensive information and support with all our tests. Our clinical, laboratory and genetic counselling team can answer your questions, arrange testing or connect you with support services.

Genetic counselling support is available with all VCGS tests.

GC team full

Genetic counsellors are health professionals with specialised graduate degrees (Masters or Graduate Diplomas) who have training in both clinical genetics and counselling.

Their role includes:

communicating complex genetic information and discussing family history,
arranging, interpreting and explaining genetic testing and results,
identifying individuals and family members with an increased chance of having or carrying a genetic condition and
supporting those with a new diagnosis of a genetic condition and their families

Our genetic counsellors provide personalised support to help you:

make decisions about testing
understand your results
arrange referrals or further testing
adapt to a diagnosis of a genetic condition

VCGS clinical geneticists and genetic counsellors work as a team to meet the needs of individuals and families accessing our services. We provide medical and management advice, as well as information, education and support to families facing a genetic health concern.

We can also link you with consumer groups that offer a range of support to families living with genetic conditions. Consumer groups can help you access community based services, connect with others, and provide education and information.

While there are many individual condition-specific consumer groups, the following ‘umbrella’ consumer groups provide support and information about a broad range of conditions.

Genetic support network of Victoria (GSNV)
Syndromes without a name (SWAN)
Genetic alliance of Australia
Association for children with a disability (ACD)
Rare chromosome disorder group (Unique)