Genetic Testing for Personalized Psychiatric Medications
A trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to finding the medications that help you feel your best.
Discover how pharmacogenetic testing can help you find the medications that work best for your unique biology. Mendful Minds Wellness Center offers GeneSight® and other lab options for patients in PA, & NJ in-person or through telehealth.
Genetic testing — also called pharmacogenetic testing — provides insight into how your body may respond to certain psychiatric medications. It looks at genetic markers involved in medication metabolism, helping your provider understand which treatments may be better tolerated or more effective based on your unique biology.
At Mendful Minds Wellness Center, we use pharmacogenomic testing as a supportive tool — not a standalone diagnostic — to help create more personalized and effective treatment plans.
We offer GeneSight® testing when appropriate, along with other trusted lab panels for patients in PA and NJ.
What Is Genetic Testing for Mental Health?
How the Testing Process Works
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Cheek Swab (Quick & Painless)
A gentle cheek swab is collected either in-person or at home (eligibility required). No needles, no discomfort. -
Secure Laboratory Analysis
A CLIA-certified lab analyzes how your genes may influence your response to psychiatric medications. We partner with GeneSight® and other reliable testing labs. -
Personalized Genetic Report
You receive an easy-to-understand report showing how your genes may affect antidepressants, anxiety medications, ADHD medications, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. -
Provider Review & Treatment Planning
Your provider reviews the results with you, explains what they mean in everyday language, and adjusts your medication plan if the results are helpful. -
Ongoing Support
Genetic testing is one tool — we integrate results with your symptoms, medical history, goals, trauma background, and lifestyle to create a whole-person, trauma-informed approach.
Why Consider Genetic Testing?
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✔ Helps reduce medication trial-and-error
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✔ Identifies meds you may tolerate better
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✔ Supports safer dosing decisions
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✔ Helpful for people who’ve tried several medications
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✔ Useful for depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, PTSD, trauma-related disorders
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✔ Supports trauma-informed, personalized psychiatric treatment
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✔ Based on your DNA (pharmacogenetic insights)
What Genetic Testing Can’t Do
Pharmacogenetic testing is a helpful tool — but not a guarantee. It cannot diagnose mental health conditions or predict the future. Instead, it provides guidance on how your body may process medications, helping your provider personalize your treatment based on your symptoms, history, trauma background, and genetic markers.
Is Genetic Testing Right for You?
Genetic testing may be helpful if you:
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Genetic testing may be helpful if you:
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Have tried several medications
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Experience difficult side effects
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Want a more personalized treatment plan
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Are sensitive to medications
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Have anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, PTSD, or trauma-related disorders
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Feel stuck on your current medication regimen
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Want to reduce trial-and-error and improve medication response
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Your provider will determine whether testing is appropriate for your situation.
Cost & Insurance Coverage
Many labs — including GeneSight® — offer sliding-scale pricing, financial assistance, or insurance coverage based on your plan. While coverage varies, out-of-pocket options are often affordable. Our team will help you understand your options before testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the test hurt?
A: No — it’s a gentle cheek swab.​
Q: How long do results take?
A: Typically 3–5 business days.​
Q: Does genetic testing guarantee the right medication?
A: No — but it provides helpful guidance.​
Q: Do you only use GeneSight?
A: We partner with GeneSight® and other labs based on patient needs.​
Q: Can I do the test from home?
A: Yes, for patients who qualify.
Q: What is pharmacogenetic testing?
A: It’s a genetic test that analyzes how your body metabolizes medications, helping match you with treatments you may respond to better.
Q: Do you offer GeneSight® testing?
A: Yes. Our providers offer GeneSight® and other lab-based genetic testing options, depending on your needs.