Referrals to Mental Health Services: Exploring the Referral Process in Genetic Counseling

Area of Science:

• Medical Genetics
• Psychology
• Healthcare Professional Training

Background:

• Genetic counselors (GCs) are trained to identify and manage patient distress.
• However, some patient distress may require management by mental health professionals (MHPs).
• Understanding the GC's role in mental healthcare referrals is crucial for integrated patient support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient cues that prompt GCs to refer individuals to MHPs.
• To determine the perceived limits of GC expertise in managing patient distress.
• To understand the factors influencing referral decisions from GCs to MHPs.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 28 GCs.
• Interview guide focused on referral reasons, obstacles, and perceived competency differences.
• Inductive thematic analysis of transcribed interviews.

Main Results:

• Common referral triggers included perceived limited social support and patient anxiety regarding genetic status.
• GCs cited time constraints and training limitations as reasons for referral.
• Participants acknowledged their scope of practice is limited to short-term, client-centered counseling.

Conclusions:

• GCs recognize the need for MHPs when patient distress exceeds their training and time capacity.
• Referral decisions are influenced by specific patient cues and the GC's defined scope of practice.
• Findings aim to enhance GC awareness of factors influencing referrals to MHPs for improved patient outcomes.