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Embrace Behavioral Health: Personalized Psychiatric Care with Genetic Testing

December 04, 20244 min read

How Genetic Testing Can Personalize Your Mental Health Medication Treatment

Imagine waking up every morning knowing you will no longer have to go through the frustrating trial-and-error process with your mental health medication. Instead of guessing which prescription might work, genetic testing offers a personalized, scientifically informed path to wellness. At Embrace Behavioral Health, we offer genetic testing as part of our psychiatric care to help ensure the medications you take are the right fit for your unique genetic makeup.

The Power of Genetic Testing in Mental Health Care

Mental health treatment has made incredible strides in recent years. One of the most exciting advancements is the use of genetic testing to guide medication decisions. Whether you have been struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other mental health challenges, customized psychiatric care through pharmacogenomic testing offers new hope. 

Let’s find out how genetic testing works, why it can make such a significant difference, and how it fits into the individualized approach to care that we provide at our Vernon Hills, IL practice.

The Role of Genetics in Medication Effectiveness

If you’ve ever tried multiple medications before finding one that works—or still hasn’t found one that does—you’re not alone. Standard psychiatric medication treatment often involves trial and error. However, the reason one medication might work well for one person and cause severe side effects for another often comes down to genetics.

Every individual processes medication differently. Our genetic makeup influences everything from how quickly we metabolize drugs to how our brain receptors respond to certain medications. Understanding this can dramatically reduce the time spent finding the right treatment.

How Genetic Testing Works for Mental Health Medication

Genetic testing in mental health focuses on identifying specific genes that affect how your body metabolizes psychiatric medications. Tests typically involve a simple cheek swab or blood sample, which is sent to a lab for analysis. The test looks at variations in your DNA that influence drug absorption, metabolism, and overall efficacy. This information can guide your psychiatrist in choosing medications that your body will respond to better.

At Embrace Behavioral Health, we focus on tailoring treatment through pharmacogenomic testing, which looks at how genes like CYP2D6, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4—genes responsible for metabolizing a wide range of medications—function in your body. For example, if you have a slower metabolism for certain drugs, you may experience more side effects and require a lower dose​.

Benefits of Genetic Testing in Psychiatric Care:

  • Faster Relief: Reduce the guesswork and avoid ineffective medications from the start​.

  • Fewer Side Effects: Minimize adverse reactions by selecting drugs that suit your genetic profile.

  • Personalized Treatment: Create a treatment plan based on your body’s unique chemistry​.

  • Better Outcomes: Improved long-term mental health outcomes with the right medication from the start.

Why Choose Genetic Testing at Embrace Behavioral Health?

At Embrace Behavioral Health, we believe in customized psychiatric care that treats each patient as a whole person. Our genetic testing service helps eliminate the frustration of trying medications that don’t work. With the help of pharmacogenomic testing, our providers can make more informed decisions about which medications are likely to be effective for you, reducing the time it takes to feel better.

We are here to assist you every step of the way on your path to mental wellness. Our team of compassionate experts will work closely with you to ensure that your treatment is as effective and side-effect-free as possible. In Vernon Hills, IL, our individualized approach has already helped countless patients find relief faster.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Genetic Testing Includes:

  • Comprehensive DNA Analysis: Examining key genes responsible for medication processing​.

  • Tailored Medication Plans: Adjusting dosages and medication types based on your genetic data.

  • Continual Support: Follow-up care to fine-tune your treatment as needed.

Begin Your Personalized Treatment Journey Today

No more waiting for months to see if your medication is the right fit. Take control of your mental health with genetic testing at Embrace Behavioral Health. Our compassionate team is ready to help you find the medications that best suit your genetic profile and bring you the relief you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule your genetic testing consultation and discover how we can provide you with truly personalized psychiatric care. 

Your journey to better mental health starts here.


Aleksandra Besterfeldt is the owner of Embrace Behavioral Health in Vernon Hills, IL.

Aleksandra Besterfeldt

Aleksandra Besterfeldt is the owner of Embrace Behavioral Health in Vernon Hills, IL.

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