Frequently Asked Questions About Genomic Assessments
Written By: Dr. Amanda Lefkowitz
When it comes to finding the right psychiatric medication, the process can sometimes feel like a guessing game. You try one option, wait to see how your body responds, adjust, and try again. For many people, this experience is frustrating, time-consuming, and discouraging. Genomic assessments offer a different path forward by providing information about how your unique genetic makeup may influence your response to certain medications.
At New Path Psychiatry, we partner with Genomind to offer genomic assessments for select patients. If you have been curious about this option but were not sure where to start, this FAQ-style guide will walk you through what you need to know.
What Is a Genomic Assessment?
A genomic assessment is a type of genetic test that analyzes specific markers in your DNA to provide insights into how your body is likely to process and respond to certain psychiatric medications. The science behind this approach is called pharmacogenomics, which studies the relationship between a person's genetic profile and their response to drugs.
This is not a personality test or a diagnostic tool. It does not tell you what condition you have or what medication you need. Instead, it gives your psychiatric provider an additional layer of information to consider when developing your treatment plan. Think of it as a tool that helps narrow the field so your provider can make more informed decisions about which medications are most likely to work well for you and which ones may be less effective or more likely to cause side effects.
Who Should Consider a Genomic Assessment?
Genomic assessments are not for everyone, and your provider will help determine whether the test is a good fit for your situation. That said, there are certain scenarios where genomic testing tends to be especially valuable.
Patients who have tried multiple medications without finding one that works well are often strong candidates. If you have experienced significant side effects from medications that are generally well-tolerated, genomic insights can help explain why and point your provider toward alternatives that may be a better match. The assessment is also commonly recommended for individuals managing conditions like severe anxiety or those who have had difficulties with SSRIs specifically.
It is important to note that these are not the only reasons a provider might recommend testing. Every patient's situation is unique, and your care team will consider your full clinical picture when making a recommendation.
Common Questions About the Process
If you are considering a genomic assessment, you likely have a number of practical questions about how it works. Here are the answers to the questions patients ask most often.
How is the sample collected?
The collection process is simple and noninvasive. It typically involves a cheek swab that can be done right in your provider's office during a regular appointment. There are no needles, no blood draws, and the process takes just a few minutes.
How long does it take to get results?
Once your sample is submitted to Genomind, results are typically available within a few business days to a couple of weeks, depending on the specifics of the test ordered. Your provider will schedule a follow-up appointment to review the results with you in detail.
What do the results look like?
The results are compiled into a report that your provider reviews with you. The report highlights how your genetic makeup may influence your response to various classes of psychiatric medication. It identifies medications that may be a good fit, ones that may require dosage adjustments, and ones that may be less likely to work well based on your profile.
Will the test tell me exactly which medication to take?
Not exactly. Genomic testing is a powerful tool, but it is one piece of a larger puzzle. Your provider considers the test results alongside your clinical history, current symptoms, other medications, and your personal goals to make the most informed treatment decisions. The assessment improves the odds of finding the right fit faster, but it does not replace clinical judgment.
Understanding Costs and Coverage
Cost is one of the most common concerns patients raise about genomic assessments, and it is a fair question. The assessments provided through our practice are conducted by Genomind, and the fees are managed directly between Genomind and the patient. This means the cost of the assessment is separate from New Path Psychiatry's service fees.
Many insurance plans offer partial coverage for Genomind's services, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Genomind also offers financial assistance programs for patients who qualify. For the most current information on pricing and insurance coverage, Genomind's Cost and Coverage page is the best resource. Your provider or our intake team can also help guide you through this process.
Five Benefits of Genomic Assessments in Psychiatric Care
If you are still weighing whether a genomic assessment is right for you, here are five key benefits to consider:
1. Reduced Trial and Error
One of the most frustrating aspects of psychiatric medication is the potential for a lengthy process of trying different options. Genomic testing helps shorten this window by giving your provider data-driven insights into which medications are most likely to be effective for you from the start.
2. Better Understanding of Side Effect Risk
Some people metabolize certain medications faster or slower than average, which can affect both how well a medication works and what side effects it produces. Genomic testing can identify these patterns, helping your provider choose options that minimize the risk of unwanted effects.
3. More Informed Treatment Conversations
Having genomic data as part of your clinical picture enriches the conversation between you and your provider. It moves the discussion from "let's try this and see" to a more targeted approach grounded in your individual biology. This kind of personalized care builds confidence and trust in the treatment process.
4. Support for Complex Cases
For patients managing multiple conditions or taking several medications, genomic assessments can be especially valuable. Understanding how your body processes different drugs helps your provider coordinate your treatment plan more effectively and avoid potential interactions.
5. A Foundation for Long-Term Care
Your genetic profile does not change over time, which means the insights from a genomic assessment remain relevant throughout your life. If your treatment needs evolve or you start a new medication in the future, the data from your assessment can continue to inform your care.
These benefits make genomic testing a worthwhile consideration for many patients, especially those who have found the traditional approach to medication selection frustrating or slow.
Taking the Next Step
If you are curious about whether a genomic assessment could benefit your treatment, the best next step is to have a conversation with your psychiatric provider. They can evaluate your clinical history, discuss whether testing makes sense for your situation, and walk you through what the process looks like from start to finish.
At New Path Psychiatry, we believe in giving patients access to every tool that can help them feel better faster. Genomic assessments are one part of our commitment to personalized, collaborative care that puts patients at the center of every decision. If you would like to learn more, contact our team to schedule a consultation and explore how we can support your mental health journey.
At New Path Psychiatry, we believe that every individual deserves a personalized journey to mental wellness. Whether you’re seeking support through medication management or exploring new avenues of care, our compassionate team is here to help. Take the first step toward finding balance and feeling like yourself again—schedule an appointment with us today.