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How can I find a genetics professional in my area?
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Consult

How can I find a genetics professional in my area?

Use doctor referrals, insurance resources, and searchable directories from professional societies to locate a qualified geneticist or genetic counselor near you.

Overview

To find a genetics professional in your community, you may wish to ask your doctor for a referral. If you have health insurance, you can also contact your insurance company to find a medical geneticist or genetic counselor in your area who participates in your plan.

Organizations with tips for finding a healthcare professional

  • The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a service of the National Institutes of Health, provides information in particular genetic and rare conditions.

  • The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance provides advice on finding and choosing a clinic. Although this advice is written for adults with tuberous sclerosis, much of it applies to people with any chronic health condition.

Online directories for locating a genetics professional

  • The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) offers a searchable directory of genetic counselors in the United States and Canada. You can search by location, name, area of practice/specialization, and/or ZIP Code.

  • The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) provides a searchable directory of certified genetic counselors worldwide. You can search by practice area, name, organization, or location.

  • The Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) has a searchable directory of genetic counselors in Canada. You can search by name, distance from an address, province, or services.

Undiagnosed conditions

If you have a health condition that has not been diagnosed, you may be interested in the Undiagnosed Diseases Network. They have information about how to apply for this multicenter research study.

Related topics in the Genetic Consultation chapter

  • What is a genetic consultation?
  • Why might someone have a genetic consultation?
  • What happens during a genetic consultation?
  • How can I find a genetics professional in my area?
  • What is the prognosis of a genetic condition?
  • How are genetic conditions diagnosed?
  • How are genetic conditions treated or managed?

Other chapters in Help Me Understand Genetics

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many genetics centers now offer telehealth appointments, allowing you to consult with a specialist via video call without traveling. You can search the NSGC or ABGC directories for providers who explicitly list telehealth as a service. Additionally, some academic medical centers and rare disease organizations offer virtual clinics or can refer you to a specialist who accepts remote patients, ensuring you still receive expert guidance despite geographic limitations.
Use the searchable directories from the National Society of Genetic Counselors or the American Board of Genetic Counseling and filter by "area of practice" or "specialization." You can also consult the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) for condition-specific resources, which often list recommended clinics or specialists. For undiagnosed conditions, consider applying to the Undiagnosed Diseases Network, a multicenter research study that connects patients with top-tier genetic researchers.
You should verify certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) directory, which lists only board-certified professionals. Additionally, the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) directory allows you to filter by location and specialization. It is important to distinguish between a genetic counselor, who is a healthcare professional with a master's degree and certification, and a medical geneticist, who is a physician with an MD or DO degree and board certification in genetics.
First, request a detailed explanation of benefits from your insurance provider to understand the specific reason for denial. Next, ask your primary care physician to submit a formal letter of medical necessity, detailing why the genetic evaluation is clinically required for your diagnosis or treatment plan. You can also contact your insurance company's member services to ask about their specific criteria for covering genetic testing and counseling, and inquire about the appeals process if the initial denial is upheld.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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