Pharmacogenomic Testing for Psychiatric Medications
More information to help guide medication decisions.
Finding the right psychiatric medication can sometimes involve trial and error. Pharmacogenomic testing provides additional information about how certain genetic differences may influence the way your body processes some medications.
At Thrivewell Health, pharmacogenomic testing is used as one piece of a comprehensive treatment picture—not as a substitute for thoughtful psychiatric evaluation and clinical judgment.
What Is Pharmacogenomic Testing?
Pharmacogenomic testing—sometimes called PGx testing—is a type of genetic testing that looks at certain variations in your genes that may affect how your body processes or responds to some medications.
In simple terms, your genetics may influence how quickly or slowly your body breaks down certain medications.
This information may sometimes help your provider better understand medication-related considerations such as:
Medication metabolism
Potential dosing considerations
Gene-medication considerations
Previous medication side effects
Why medication exposure may differ from one person to another
What Pharmacogenomic Testing Cannot Tell You
Pharmacogenomic testing does not provide a perfect medication match.
It cannot:
Guarantee which medication will work best
Guarantee that a medication will not cause side effects
Diagnose ADHD, depression, anxiety, or another psychiatric condition
Replace a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
Replace ongoing monitoring and clinical judgment
Your genetics are only one of many factors that can influence medication response.
Who May Want to Consider Testing?
Pharmacogenomic testing may be worth discussing if you:
Have tried several psychiatric medications with limited benefit
Have experienced significant or unexpected medication side effects
Have had difficulty tolerating medications
Are considering another medication after previous unsuccessful trials
Take multiple medications and want additional information to support medication planning
Want a more individualized discussion before making medication decisions
Previously completed testing but never had the results thoroughly explained
Testing is not necessary for every client. We will first determine whether it is likely to provide useful information for your particular situation.
How It Works
1. Clinical Consultation
We begin by reviewing your:
Current symptoms
Psychiatric and medical history
Current medications
Previous medication trials
Medication response
Previous side effects
Treatment goals and preferences
2. Testing
If pharmacogenomic testing is appropriate, testing is ordered through an independent laboratory.
Depending on the laboratory, collection may involve a simple cheek swab or similar specimen, which may be completed from home.
3. Professional Review
Once your results are available, your provider reviews the report before your follow-up appointment and considers the findings alongside your complete clinical history.
4. Results Consultation
During your virtual results-review appointment, we will discuss:
What your results mean
Which findings may be clinically relevant
How your body may metabolize certain medications
Your previous medication experiences
Potential medication considerations
Questions you have about your report
Appropriate next steps
5. Personalized Recommendations
Depending on your individual circumstances, recommendations might include:
Continuing your current treatment
Considering another medication option
Discussing dosing considerations
Additional monitoring
Reviewing possible medication interactions
Keeping your results available to help inform future prescribing decisions
Medication decisions are never based on the genetic report alone.
More Than a Color-Coded Medication Report
Not every gene–medication finding has the same level of clinical evidence or usefulness for treatment decisions.
Some pharmacogenomic reports organize medications into categories that can make it appear that one medication is automatically “good” while another is “bad.”
The interpretation is more nuanced.
At Thrivewell Health, we look beyond the colors on the report.
Your results are considered alongside your:
Symptoms
Diagnoses
Medical conditions
Other medications
Previous treatment response
Side-effect history
Treatment goals
Personal preferences
The goal is to help you understand how the information may—or may not—apply to you.
Pharmacogenomic Testing + Results Consultation
This specialty service may include:
Initial clinical assessment
Pharmacogenomic test ordering
Review and interpretation of your results
Dedicated virtual results consultation
Individualized medication-related recommendations
Discussion of appropriate next steps
Self-Pay Specialty Service
Pharmacogenomic testing and the professional consultation are offered as self-pay services and are not billed to insurance.
Laboratory testing fees may be separate from Thrivewell Health's professional fee.
Depending on the laboratory and your insurance plan, the testing company may offer insurance billing, self-pay pricing, or financial-assistance options. Coverage cannot be guaranteed.
Already Have Pharmacogenomic Results?
Pharmacogenomic Results Review
If you have previously completed pharmacogenomic testing through another provider or laboratory, you may be able to schedule a consultation specifically to review your existing results.
Bring or securely upload your report before your appointment.
During the visit, we can review:
Your genetic findings
Your current psychiatric medications
Previous medication trials
Relevant medication-related findings
Questions about your report
How the results may inform future treatment discussions
Self-Pay Results Review
Fees will be provided when the consultation is requested.
A More Informed Medication Conversation
Pharmacogenomic testing cannot eliminate all uncertainty in psychiatric prescribing.
What it can provide is additional individualized information that may contribute to a more thoughtful medication discussion.
At Thrivewell Health, the goal is not to allow a laboratory report to make treatment decisions for you.
The goal is to combine clinical expertise, your treatment history, your preferences, and relevant genetic information to make more informed decisions together.
Interested in Learning More?
Pharmacogenomic testing is offered only when clinically appropriate following an individualized evaluation. Testing does not guarantee medication effectiveness or tolerability and does not replace comprehensive psychiatric assessment or ongoing clinical monitoring. Services are subject to provider licensure and availability in the state where the client is physically located.