Genetic counselors are often affiliated with university-based medical centers. For example, they may be based in departments of pediatrics, genetics, oncology, maternal and fetal medicine, or obstetrics and gynecology. A few calls may get you to someone who can help you. In some less populated areas where there are few genetic counselors, those from larger clinics sometimes visit outlying areas at regular intervals to serve the genetic needs of these communities. Therefore, even if you don't find a clinic in your immediate area, it can be worth your time to check with the clinic in the nearest large city to see if they have such an outreach program.
Most genetic counselors prefer to meet in person.
Although long-distance counseling is sometimes possible, most genetic counselors prefer to meet in person due to the complicated nature of most consultations and the frequent need for laboratory tests at a genetics center. Most often, however, the genetic counselor will try to help the other family members find resources in their own community. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be referred to a counselor with a different specialty. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be referred to a counselor with a different specialty. For example, there are genetic counselors who specialize in cancer genetics, and others who specialize in prenatal counseling.