As a psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen how the right medication—at the right dose—can transform a person’s life. I’ve also seen how frustrating the trial-and-error process can feel when searching for the best treatment for depression, anxiety, ADHD, or mood disorders. If you’ve ever typed “medication management near me,” “psychiatrist near me,” or “anti depressants near me” into a search bar, you’re not alone. Many people across Cleveland, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; and Charlotte, North Carolina are looking for a better, more precise way to find what works best for them.
One innovation that’s reshaping mental health treatment is genetic testing, also known as pharmacogenetic testing. This guide explains what it is, how it works, and seven ways it can make medication management safer and more effective.
If you’re considering whether testing might fit into your care plan, Ascension Counseling can help you understand your options and coordinate with your prescriber.
What Is Genetic Testing for Medication Management?
Pharmacogenetic testing examines specific genes that influence how your body processes medications. Differences in these genes—especially those affecting liver enzymes such as CYP2D6 and CYP2C19—determine how quickly or slowly you metabolize certain drugs.
A simple cheek swab or saliva sample provides insight into:
How efficiently your body breaks down medications
How much medication builds up in your system
Which drugs may cause more side effects or reduced benefit
Results are often categorized as “use as directed,” “use with caution,” or “consider alternatives.” This information helps clinicians tailor medication choices more precisely, improving both safety and effectiveness.
Genetic testing does not diagnose mental health conditions or replace your prescriber’s expertise, but it does add valuable clarity to the decision-making process—especially for people who’ve struggled with side effects or poor response to previous medications.
Reducing Side Effects and Building Confidence in Treatment
One of the most significant benefits of genetic testing is its ability to reduce side effects that often discourage patients from continuing treatment. By understanding how your body metabolizes certain medications, clinicians can choose options that are more compatible with your biology.
For example:
Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs): Testing may help identify which medications fit your metabolism best.
ADHD medications: Results can guide adjustments for stimulants or non-stimulants.
Mood stabilizers or antipsychotics: Insights can inform dosage and medication selection.
By minimizing guesswork, testing builds confidence and makes it easier to stay consistent with treatment.
How Genetic Testing Improves Personalized Care
Personalized or precision medicine aligns treatment with your unique biology, history, and goals. When combined with your medical history, lifestyle, and previous medication responses, genetic testing helps your care team:
Select medications more likely to work for your metabolism
Adjust doses to minimize side effects
Avoid drug interactions
Collaborate across therapy, psychiatry, and primary care for a cohesive plan
Whether you’re in Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, or Charlotte, this approach ensures your treatment is as individualized as you are.
7 Ways Genetic Testing Can Improve Medication Management
1. Shortens the Trial-and-Error Process
Instead of cycling through multiple medications, testing helps identify which options may work best from the start. This can save weeks—or even months—of frustration and help you feel better faster.
2. Matches Medications to Your Metabolism
Your genetic results can show whether you metabolize drugs quickly, slowly, or within a typical range. This information helps clinicians select the right medication and dosage, avoiding over- or under-treatment.
3. Reduces Side Effects and Improves Consistency
When side effects are reduced, people are more likely to stay on their prescribed plan. Testing helps identify which medications are least likely to cause unpleasant effects, supporting long-term success.
4. Anticipates Drug Interactions
If you take multiple medications, genetic testing helps your prescriber identify potential drug interactions before they cause problems. This is especially important for people managing multiple health conditions.
5. Guides Dosing and Titration
Genetic testing can inform dosing strategies. Some people need smaller starting doses or slower titration schedules. This personalized approach can reduce side effects and improve overall comfort during treatment.
6. Clarifies Choices Within Each Medication Class
Not all medications within a class, like SSRIs or stimulants, work the same way for everyone. Testing helps your clinician choose the one most compatible with your system, reducing unnecessary medication switches.
7. Supports Long-Term Care and Continuity
Your genetic profile doesn’t change, meaning your test results can travel with you. Whether you move from Columbus to Cleveland or Charlotte to Detroit, your new clinician can use the same data to guide ongoing care.
Before You Get Tested
Before pursuing genetic testing, it’s helpful to discuss these points with your clinician:
Scope: Confirm which psychiatric medications the test covers.
Scientific support: Evidence is strongest for certain genes and drug classes.
Privacy: Ask how your data is stored and protected.
Insurance: Coverage varies; some labs offer cost estimates.
Integration: Ensure the test will be reviewed and interpreted by a qualified prescriber.
Who Benefits Most from Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing can be particularly useful for individuals who:
Have experienced side effects or poor results with multiple medications
Are starting medication for the first time and want a more informed approach
Take several prescriptions that may interact
Have high medication sensitivity
Value a personalized, data-driven plan
For patients in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Charlotte, this type of testing can make treatment more effective and predictable.
Why Combine Testing with Therapy
While medication can relieve symptoms, therapy helps build the long-term coping skills needed for lasting wellness. Combining therapy with pharmacogenetic insights allows both brain chemistry and behavior to work together for recovery. At Ascension Counseling, our therapists collaborate with prescribers to ensure your treatment plan reflects your genetic results and personal goals.
Getting Started If you’re searching for “psychiatrist near me,” “anti depressants near me,” or “medication management near me” in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Detroit, or Charlotte:
Schedule a consultation with Ascension Counseling to discuss your goals and whether testing fits your needs.
We’ll coordinate with your prescriber—or help you find one—to order the test.
Once results are available, we’ll create a personalized plan that may include medication adjustments, therapy, and wellness strategies.
Final Thoughts
Genetic testing doesn’t replace clinical expertise, but it enhances it. By helping clinicians understand how your body processes medication, it reduces trial-and-error, lowers side effects, and builds confidence in your treatment plan.
For many individuals across Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Charlotte, pharmacogenetic testing offers a clearer, more personalized approach to medication management.
Book a session at https://ascensionohio.mytheranest.com/appointments/new? to begin your journey. Contact us today @ (833)254-3278 or at intake@ascensioncounseling.com.