Mental Health
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Pharmacogenomic testing
GeneSight® Testing
GeneSight® Testing is a pharmacogenomic test. A simple cheek swab provides genetic information that may help inform mental-health medication decisions when it is considered alongside your symptoms, medical history, previous treatment response and a clinical evaluation.
Book a GeneSight® Testing VisitAsk a QuestionText UsThe test is billed by the laboratory, separately from your visit. Ask us about cost before testing.
Practice provider: Charles Wade, FNP-BC. Information updated October 25, 2026.
Urgent support information
Finding a mental-health medication that works can involve trial and error. GeneSight® Testing analyzes genes that affect how your body processes certain medications used for depression, anxiety, ADHD and other conditions, and groups those medications by how your genetic profile may influence their effect or side-effect risk.
The report is one input, not an answer. Charles reviews it with you, together with your symptoms, history, what you have tried before and how you responded, and uses it to inform a treatment discussion. GeneSight® Testing does not diagnose a condition, and it cannot guarantee that a particular medication will work or that a side effect will not occur.
GeneSight® Testing
When GeneSight® Testing is commonly considered
Examples, not a complete list. If you do not see your concern, ask us.
Depression that has not responded to one or more medicationsAnxiety medication not working wellMedication side effects that keep returningReviewing whether a specific gene–drug interaction would change careSwitching between antidepressantsSeveral past medication trialsConsidering test limitations alongside previous medication responseMood-disorder medication reviewDiscussing whether testing adds useful information in an individual caseOngoing psychiatric medication management
How GeneSight® Testing works
Consultation
A mental-health or medication-management visit decides whether testing fits your situation.
Cheek swab
A painless swab, collected at home with a kit or at a convenient location. No blood draw.
Lab analysis
The sample goes to the GeneSight® Testing laboratory, which analyzes genes involved in processing certain medications.
Results
A report groups medications by how your genetic profile may affect their response or side-effect risk.
Provider review
Charles reviews the report alongside your history, symptoms and previous treatment response.
Treatment discussion
Together you decide whether to start, continue, adjust or avoid a medication.
What the test can and cannot do
Evidence and usefulness vary by medication and age. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry advises against using pharmacogenetic testing to select psychiatric medications for children and adolescents. Genetic results should be interpreted with clinical history and medication-specific evidence.
1
Can inform
How your body may process certain antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, ADHD medications and mood stabilizers.
2
Can flag
Medications that may carry a higher chance of side effects or need dose adjustment based on your genetics.
3
Cannot diagnose
GeneSight® Testing does not diagnose depression, anxiety, ADHD or any other condition. Diagnosis comes from the clinical evaluation.
4
Cannot guarantee
No test can promise that a medication will work. Results are one input among several in a treatment decision.
Where
GeneSight® Testing in your state
You need to be physically in one of these states during the visit.
Patient Questions
All Patient Questions Questions about GeneSight® Testing.
What is the difference between a medication-response history and a GeneSight® Testing result?
Your past experience shows how a medication actually affected you; GeneSight® Testing provides genetic information about selected medication-related pathways. Both may inform decisions.
Does GeneSight® Testing cover all medications?
No. Its report addresses selected psychiatric medications and genetic markers. It is not a universal medication safety or effectiveness test.
Can a GeneSight® Testing result identify the cause of my depression or anxiety?
No. Pharmacogenomic testing does not diagnose mental health conditions or explain all causes of symptoms.
What does a gene–drug interaction mean?
It indicates that a genetic variation may influence how a selected medication is processed or another studied medication-related effect. The clinical meaning depends on the drug and the patient.
Could a medication still work even if the report flags a genetic interaction?
Yes. Results are one factor among many; they do not dictate medication success or failure.
Does everyone need genetic testing before starting an antidepressant?
No. Many people can start treatment without pharmacogenomic testing. We consider the test selectively based on your history and treatment decisions.
How should I prepare for a GeneSight® Testing cheek swab?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions supplied with the kit. We can explain the process and any steps specific to your testing arrangement.
Can I change medications as soon as I read my GeneSight® Testing report?
No. Review results with your prescribing clinician before making changes; stopping or switching psychiatric medication without guidance can be unsafe.
Will my genetic results be added to my medical treatment discussion?
When results are available, we can review their relevance alongside symptoms, other medications, medical history and previous treatment response.
Who should I contact about the lab's billing or privacy policies?
The testing laboratory can explain its consent, privacy and billing practices; coverage and patient responsibility vary by insurance plan and individual circumstances.
Good to know
Services, screening recommendations, testing, treatment options, referrals and prescribing may vary with your age, medical history, symptoms, where you are physically located at the time of the visit, state and federal requirements, insurance requirements, and whether your condition can be safely managed by telehealth. Conditions and services listed here are examples. An appointment does not guarantee a particular diagnosis, a prescription, a controlled medication, hormone therapy, a lab order, an imaging study, a sleep study, a specialist referral, an accommodation letter or a particular treatment. Treatment decisions follow a clinical evaluation and the provider’s judgment.
Sources
Practice provider: Charles Wade, FNP-BC. Information updated October 25, 2026.
Patient Education
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Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada and New York, with Texas in licensing.
Book a GeneSight® Testing VisitAsk a QuestionText UsIf this is an emergency, call 911. For mental health crisis support, call or text 988 anytime.