Your genetics may offer valuable insight into how your body processes certain medications.

Finding the right mental health medication can sometimes be challenging. If you've experienced unwanted side effects, limited improvement or multiple medication trials, pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing may offer additional information to help guide your treatment.

At Skylight Ascend Wellness, we believe mental health care should be personalized, thoughtful and based on your individual needs. Our pharmacogenomic testing services combine genetic information with your medical history, symptoms and treatment goals to support informed medication decisions.

Available through virtual care in all states served by Skylight Ascend Wellness

What Is Pharmacogenomic Testing?

Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing is a type of genetic testing that examines how certain inherited genetic variations may influence the way your body processes specific medications.

Some medications are metabolized differently depending on your genetic makeup. These differences may affect medication levels, dosing considerations or the risk of certain adverse effects.

Through pharmacogenomic testing, including options such as GeneSight® Psychotropic, we can explore genetic information that may help inform your psychiatric medication treatment plan.

Testing does not diagnose mental health conditions or predict with certainty which medication will work best. Instead, it provides another source of information to support personalized care.

Who May Benefit From Pharmacogenomic Testing?

PGx testing may be worth discussing if you:

• Have tried multiple psychiatric medications with limited benefit.

• Have experienced unexpected or difficult-to-manage medication side effects.

• Are considering a medication change after previous treatment challenges.

• Want to better understand how genetic variations may influence the metabolism of certain medications.

• Are working with a psychiatric provider to make more informed treatment decisions.

Pharmacogenomic testing may be considered when managing medications for depression, anxiety, ADHD and other mental health conditions. Its usefulness depends on the specific medication, genetic findings and your clinical history.

How Does Testing Work?

Step 1: Personalized Consultation

We review your current medications, previous treatment experiences, medical history and symptoms to determine whether pharmacogenomic testing may be helpful.

Step 2: Convenient At-Home Testing

When testing is appropriate, an at-home collection kit may be sent directly to you. Most psychiatric pharmacogenomic testing uses a simple cheek swab. No blood draw is typically required.

Step 3: Laboratory Analysis

Your sample is returned to the participating laboratory for analysis. Results are shared securely with your ordering clinician.

Step 4: Review Your Results

We review your report together and explain how relevant findings may influence medication metabolism or prescribing considerations.

Step 5: Create an Individualized Plan

Your results are considered alongside your symptoms, treatment response, other medications and health history. We discuss whether any treatment changes or additional monitoring may be appropriate.

Insurance Coverage & Affordable Testing Options

Pharmacogenomic testing may be covered by your health insurance.

Many commercial and government insurance plans offer coverage for certain pharmacogenomic tests when medical necessity requirements are met.

Coverage and out-of-pocket expenses depend on your insurance plan, clinical circumstances and the laboratory performing the testing.

What if I don't have insurance?

Self-pay options may be available. Some participating laboratories also offer reduced self-pay rates, financial assistance or payment plans.

Contact Skylight Ascend Wellness to discuss testing options and how pricing works before moving forward.

Testing charges and clinical consultation fees may be separate. We will help explain the process and direct you to the laboratory's applicable cost information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pharmacogenomic testing the same as GeneSight testing?

GeneSight is one commercially available pharmacogenomic test used in psychiatric medication management. PGx testing is the broader category of genetic testing that examines certain gene-medication relationships.

Can pharmacogenomic testing tell me which antidepressant will work best?

No. Genetic results cannot reliably predict the single best medication for an individual. However, certain findings may help clinicians evaluate medication metabolism, dosing considerations and specific gene-drug interactions.

Is the testing painful?

Most psychiatric PGx tests use a simple cheek swab, which can often be completed at home.

Does insurance cover pharmacogenomic testing?

Coverage may be available through commercial insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, depending on the laboratory, plan and medical necessity criteria. We recommend reviewing the applicable coverage and cost information before testing.

Can I complete testing without insurance?

Yes, self-pay testing options may be available. Contact us to discuss the testing process, potential laboratory fees and available financial assistance.

Do I have to change my medication after receiving my results?

Not necessarily. Test results are one part of your overall assessment. Medication changes are based on clinical judgment, your treatment history and your personal goals. Never stop or change medication without discussing it with your prescribing clinician.

Is this available in my state?

Skylight Ascend Wellness offers virtual PGx testing consultations across the states where our practice provides care. Testing arrangements and eligibility will be confirmed before ordering.

A More Personalized Approach to Mental Health Care

At Skylight Ascend Wellness, we look beyond symptoms alone. Our whole-person approach considers the relationship between physical health, mental wellness, genetics, medication response and lifestyle factors.

As a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, our provider integrates medical and psychiatric knowledge to deliver individualized, evidence-informed care.

Better information. Thoughtful treatment. Care centered around you.

Interested in Pharmacogenomic Testing?

Whether you're struggling with medication side effects, considering a treatment change or simply want to learn whether PGx testing is appropriate for you, we're here to help.

Pharmacogenomic testing is not appropriate for everyone. Results do not guarantee medication effectiveness or prevent adverse effects. Insurance coverage, clinical eligibility and laboratory costs vary.