Genetic Counseling

Genetic Counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process integrates:

The interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence;

Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources, and research;

Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.

A genetic counselor is a health professional with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. Genetic counselors provide supportive counseling to families, serve as patient advocates, and refer individuals and families to community or state support services. They serve as educators and resource people for other health care professionals and for the general public. Some counselors also work in administrative capacities. Many engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling.

The National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation has contracted for the services of a board certified Genetic Counselor, Cate Walsh Vockley, MS, CGC as Coordinator of Education, Referral and Advocacy and a member of the Family Services team. Cate is available to immediate and extended families and to their health care providers to provide initial genetic counseling, assistance in arranging diagnostic and molecular testing, referrals to local genetic and health-related services, supportive counseling, and a wide range of assistance on other issues.

NNPDF has a variety of educational and resource materials that are available on this web site including:

Information about Niemann-Pick disease types A, B, and C for health care providers, and for family and friends

Diagnostic and Genetic Testing

Middle and high school curriculum supplement about Niemann-Pick disease

Material on the education of the child who has a neurodegenerative disorder

Information about bone marrow transplantation and stem cell transplantation

Approaches to care of the caregiver

Hospice and respite care resources

Grief Support information

Teens and chronic illness, and transition to adult care

For more information, contact NNPDF or contact Cate Walsh Vockley, MS, CGC, NNPDF Coordinator of Education, Referral and Advocacy.

Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Donate Now | Administration