Pharmacogenomics or pharmacogenetics (Gene) Testing
Genetic Testing (Pharmacogenomic Testing)
Genetic testing, also known as pharmacogenomic testing, is a powerful tool that helps guide psychiatric medication choices based on your unique genetic makeup. While not required, many patients find it to be a valuable part of their treatment journey.
Why Consider Genetic Testing?
Personalized Treatment
Genetic insights help identify how your body may respond to specific psychiatric medications, allowing for more tailored treatment planning.
Reduced Trial and Error
By highlighting medications that may be more compatible with your genetic profile, testing can help shorten the time it takes to find the right medication.
Medication Tolerance
Genetic results can flag medications that may be poorly metabolized or more likely to cause side effects, helping to improve tolerability.
Improved Adherence
Patients often feel more confident and engaged in their care when their treatment is designed with their unique biology in mind.
Informed Decision-Making
Testing provides your provider with meaningful data to support more targeted, efficient, and individualized medication management.
At Mental Serenity Psychiatric Services, we offer genetic testing through GeneSight to help support informed, personalized psychiatric care. Ask your provider if pharmacogenomic testing is right for you.
Standalone Pharmacogenetic Testing
We offer standalone genetic testing services to help you better understand how your genes may affect your response to psychiatric medications — no need to become a full-time patient.
This service is ideal for individuals who:
- Are struggling to find the right psychiatric medication
- Have experienced multiple medication side effects
- Want personalized guidance before starting or changing medications
- Are curious about how their genetics may influence medication response
Through pharmacogenetic testing, we provide insights that can support more informed, confident treatment decisions — whether you are starting your mental health journey or refining your current care plan.
Important Information About Genetic Testing
Genetic testing does not guarantee that you will avoid all medication side effects or that a specific medication will work. It also does not predict your response to therapy, lifestyle changes, or all aspects of mental health. However, it can help eliminate certain medication options that may be less effective or poorly tolerated, offering a more focused and informed starting point for treatment planning. For more information, we encourage you to discuss with your provider.
About This Service
- This service does not establish a provider-patient treatment relationship.
- It is offered for educational and consultative purposes only, specifically related to how your genetics may affect psychiatric medication metabolism.
- We do not prescribe or adjust medications as part of this service.
- No diagnosis or ongoing treatment is provided unless you formally enroll as a psychiatric care patient.
Cost of Genetic Testing
Genetic Testing Coordination Visit — $150
A 30-minute consultation to review your history, determine eligibility, provide education, and coordinate lab testing.
Results Review Visit — $250
A 60-minute consultation to review your GeneSight results, explain the findings, and provide general guidance on how your genes may impact psychiatric medication choices.
Lab Fees & Insurance
Genetic testing is performed by GeneSight, an independent laboratory. The lab fee is billed separately—see below for details:
- Cost may be covered by insurance, or up to $330 out-of-pocket
- Typical patient cost ranges from $150–$330
- Financial assistance is available through the lab
📞 GeneSight Billing: 1-866-757-9204 🌐 www.genesight.com