Genetic Testing

Finding the right mental health treatment can sometimes feel frustrating, especially when medications don’t work as expected or cause unwanted side effects. At Active Healing Psychiatric Services in Gilbert, Arizona, Michaela Beaver, DNP, uses genetic testing to better understand how your body may respond to different medications based on your genes. Genetic testing helps guide treatment decisions and create effective mental health care tailored to your needs. Learn how genetic testing can help your mental health by calling the office today or requesting an appointment online.

What is genetic testing for mental health?

Genetic testing, also called pharmacogenetic testing, looks at specific genes that may affect how your body metabolizes psychiatric medications. Everyone processes medications differently, which is why a treatment that works well for one person may not work for someone else.

Testing provides information that helps guide medication choice and treatment. Genetic testing can’t diagnose a mental health condition, but it can provide insight into how your body might respond to certain medications that treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

How does genetic testing help with treatment?

Genetic testing helps with treatment by reducing some of the guesswork that often comes with finding the right psychiatric drug. Results can help identify medications that might work better for you, as well as medications that may cause more side effects or have no effect at all because of your genetics.

The personalized approach makes treatment planning more efficient and can help you feel more confident and informed. Genetic testing can also guide medication dosing and help shed light on why other medications didn’t work for you in the past.

What can I expect during the testing process?

At Active Healing Psychiatric, genetic testing is simple and noninvasive. Testing involves a cheek swab or saliva sample that’s sent to a lab for analysis. Once Dr. Beaver has the results, she reviews them with you at your next appointment and explains how they can help with treatment planning.

Genetic testing is only one part of a broad care plan that may also include medication management, therapy, functional medicine strategies, nutrition guidance, and lifestyle changes.

By combining traditional psychiatric care with innovative, genetic-informed strategies, Dr. Beaver hopes to help you achieve more effective, personalized mental health outcomes. 

Who might benefit from genetic testing?

You might benefit from genetic testing if you experience medication side effects, have a hard time finding effective treatment, or have concerns about starting psychiatric medications. Genetic testing also helps those who want a more personalized approach to their mental health care.

If you’re looking for individualized treatment options, genetic testing may provide valuable guidance and support for your mental health journey. 

Call Active Healing Psychiatric Services today or request an appointment online to learn how genetic testing might work for you.