The Adapt Clinic (Psychiatric Genetic Counselling)

This provincial clinic offers free (covered by MSP) genetic counselling to individuals of all ages (and / or their families) who live with a psychiatric diagnosis. The service can help individuals with mental health disorders and their family members better understand the cause and potential chances for them or their family members (eg. children) to develop a psychiatric disorder. The clinic offers individuals and families a very powerful service as it helps people better understand why they have a mental health disorder. The clinic’s counsellors can help patients reframe understandings of the causes of mental health disorders. This is the only clinic of its kind in the world! Learn more about genetic counselling on our website.

What Happens During Counselling?

Prior to the appointments, the genetic counsellor will phone clients to discuss their family history. The genetic counsellor will try to answer any questions that you may have about the causes of your or your family members' mental illness.

Appointments are free for BC residents and there are many counselling options, including:

• In-person appointments at the Department of Medical Genetics: C234 – 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC.
• Appointments over the phone or via Telehealth (videoconferencing) for those outside of the Lower Mainland or who have difficulty travelling.
• Outreach clinics throughout BC are also possible with sufficient demand (currently have a recurring outreach clinic in Richmond).
• We have access to interpreters for many languages.

How long does it take?

The genetic counselling appointments are approximately 1 to 1-1/2 hours in length, and these are accompanied by a follow-up phone call, one month after the initial appointment.

What happens afterward?

Consult letters are written after every appointment and sent back to referring health care provider. Further appointments can be booked if patients have remaining questions and concerns to discuss.