The biggest challenge of genetic counseling is helping families cope with the emotional, psychological, medical, social and economic consequences of genetic disease. Patients can react in unexpected ways when they learn their genetic risk status. Others react with anger, shock, denial, grief, depression, confusion, and guilt. Treating and caring for people with genetic diseases can be expensive, yet some people may lose their jobs and health insurance because of their risk of developing a genetic disease. Someone diagnosed with a genetic disease may be avoided by other relatives because the relatives don't know what to say or because they don't want to face up to the possibility that they too may develop the same genetic disease.
Genetic counselors try to help families cope with the many ramifications of genetic testing.
Patients who are having severe psychosocial problems may be referred to psychiatrists, social workers, or counselors. Genetic counselors can also help families who are having problems with insurance companies or employers who may not understand the medical implications of genetic testing.