How GeneSight® Testing Can Help You Find the Right Medication Faster
Personalized Psychiatric Care Based on Your Unique Genetics
If you’ve ever felt frustrated trying multiple psychiatric medications without relief, or struggled with unwanted side effects, you’re not alone. For many people, finding the right medication involves trial, error, and a lot of patience.
At Inner Peace Mental Health and Counseling, I use a powerful tool called GeneSight® to take some of the guesswork out of that process — helping tailor treatment based on your unique genetic profile.
What Is GeneSight® Testing?
GeneSight® is a type of pharmacogenomic test, which means it looks at how your genes may affect the way your body responds to certain psychiatric medications. With a simple cheek swab, GeneSight can analyze how your body metabolizes and reacts to medications commonly used to treat:
Depression
Anxiety
ADHD
Bipolar disorder
PTSD
The results help me identify medications that may be more likely to work well — and flag ones that may be less effective or more likely to cause side effects.
How It Works
We collect a DNA sample using a non-invasive cheek swab — either in-office or at home.
The sample is sent to a certified lab for analysis.
Within a few days, I receive a detailed report that categorizes medications into:
“Use as Directed”
“Use with Caution”
“Use with Increased Caution and Monitoring”
We meet to review the results and discuss how they might guide or refine your treatment plan.
Importantly, the test doesn’t tell us exactly which medication will work for you — but it gives us important insights that can help narrow the field and reduce time spent trying ineffective options.
Who Can Benefit from GeneSight?
GeneSight may be especially helpful if you:
Have tried multiple psychiatric medications without success
Are sensitive to side effects like fatigue, nausea, or agitation
Have a history of certain medical or family medication issues
Want to explore medication options with more clarity and confidence
Whether you’re starting treatment for the first time or revisiting your plan, GeneSight can add valuable context to your care.
Why I Use GeneSight in My Practice
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, my philosophy is centered around collaboration, compassion, and customization. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all mental health care — and GeneSight helps ensure I’m treating you as an individual, not just a diagnosis.
Using genetic testing:
Supports more precise prescribing
Reduces trial-and-error
Improves patient engagement and confidence in treatment
Helps avoid unnecessary side effects
GeneSight is covered by many insurance plans, and affordable payment options are available for those without coverage.
A Smarter Way to Start or Adjust Treatment
If you're curious whether GeneSight testing might help clarify your treatment plan, I’d be happy to walk you through the process. You deserve care that fits your life, your body, and your goals — and genetic testing can be one more tool to help us get it right.
Contact me today to learn more or schedule a consultation.
