Introduction

Finding the right Genetic Counselor in New York can feel urgent and personal—whether you’re navigating pregnancy screening, a new cancer diagnosis in the family, a rare disease workup, or questions after a direct-to-consumer DNA test.

This guide explains what genetic counseling is, what it typically costs in New York, and how to choose a provider that fits your situation. You’ll also find a curated shortlist of well-known New York programs where genetic counseling is commonly offered.

Because individual genetic counselors and their direct contact details (pricing, emails, review profiles) are not always publicly listed in a verifiable way, this “Top 10” guide focuses on a Top 5 of widely recognized New York clinical programs with established genetics services using publicly available information only.


About Genetic Counselor

A Genetic Counselor is a healthcare professional trained to help people understand how genetics may affect their health or their family’s health. They translate complex test results into practical next steps, help you weigh testing options, and support decision-making—without pressuring you into a specific choice.

People seek genetic counseling for many reasons, including pregnancy-related screening, hereditary cancer risk, unexplained developmental delays, unusual patterns of illness in a family, or suspected inherited cardiac/neurologic conditions. Genetic counselors may also coordinate genetic testing, explain limitations of tests, and help you interpret results in the context of personal and family history.

Average cost in New York: Not publicly stated as a single standard rate. In New York, many genetic counseling visits are delivered through hospital/academic medical centers and billed similarly to specialist visits (insurance copay/coinsurance), with genetic test costs billed separately. Self-pay pricing may be available in some settings but is not consistently published.

Licensing/certifications: Genetic counselors commonly hold board certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). New York is a state where genetic counseling is a licensed profession through the New York State Education Department (NYSED) (requirements and scope vary by role and setting).

Key takeaways

  • Genetic counselors assess inherited risk and explain testing options and results.
  • Common use cases: prenatal screening, hereditary cancer, pediatric genetics, rare disease, and carrier screening.
  • Total cost often depends on insurance + test selection, not just the counseling visit.
  • Look for ABGC certification and appropriate New York licensing (where applicable).

How We Selected the Best Genetic Counselor in New York

We used practical, buyer-focused criteria that matter when you’re choosing a Genetic Counselor in New York:

  • Years of experience: When publicly stated; otherwise evaluated by program maturity and clinical scope (team-based).
  • Verified customer review signals: Publicly available signals only (when clearly attributable to the genetics service; otherwise not used).
  • Service range: Prenatal, cancer, pediatric, cardiogenetics, neurogenetics, and rare disease support (varies by program).
  • Pricing transparency: Whether pricing/insurance guidance is clearly explained (often varies by hospital billing).
  • Local reputation: Recognized New York medical institutions and established genetics departments.

This guide relies on information that is generally available on official websites and publicly stated program descriptions. Where a detail is not clearly published (such as direct emails, cash pricing, or review summaries specific to genetic counseling), it is marked as Not publicly stated.


About New York

New York is one of the largest and most medically dense cities in the U.S., with extensive hospital networks, academic medical centers, and specialty care. That concentration drives high demand for genetic counseling—especially for prenatal care, oncology, pediatrics, and adult specialty clinics.

In practice, many patients in New York access genetic counseling through major Manhattan hospital campuses, with additional access points across the outer boroughs and via telehealth depending on department policies.

Key neighborhoods and areas commonly served

  • Manhattan: Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Midtown, Downtown
  • Brooklyn: Downtown Brooklyn and surrounding areas (availability varies by system)
  • Queens: Long Island City and surrounding areas (availability varies by system)
  • The Bronx and Staten Island: Access often depends on hospital network location and referrals
    Some location coverage details are Not publicly stated and can vary by clinic, day, and provider schedule.

Top 5 Best Genetic Counselor in New York

#1 — Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — Clinical Genetics Service

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Varies / depends (team-based); Not publicly stated
  • Services Offered: Cancer genetics risk assessment, hereditary cancer testing coordination, result interpretation, family risk guidance (service lines vary)
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (insurance, visit type, testing ordered)
  • Contact Phone: 212-639-2000 (main line; request genetics)
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://www.mskcc.org/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium, oncology-focused genetic counseling within a cancer center environment

#2 — Mount Sinai — Genetics and Genomic Sciences / Genetic Counseling Services

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Varies / depends (team-based); Not publicly stated
  • Services Offered: Medical genetics evaluation, prenatal/reproductive genetics support (availability varies), genetic testing coordination, counseling for inherited conditions
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (insurance, visit type, testing ordered)
  • Contact Phone: 212-241-6500 (main line; request genetics/genetic counseling)
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://www.mountsinai.org/care/genetics
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Family-focused care pathways and broad genetics access within a large New York health system

#3 — NYU Langone Health — Genetic Counseling (Program varies by specialty)

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Varies / depends (team-based); Not publicly stated
  • Services Offered: Genetic counseling across specialties (commonly prenatal, hereditary cancer, and adult/pediatric referrals depending on clinic), test selection guidance, results counseling
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (insurance, visit type, testing ordered)
  • Contact Phone: 646-929-7800 (main line; ask for genetic counseling/clinical genetics)
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://nyulangone.org/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Patients who want coordinated specialty care within a large academic network

#4 — ColumbiaDoctors / Columbia University Irving Medical Center — Genetics Services

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Varies / depends (team-based); Not publicly stated
  • Services Offered: Medical genetics and genetic counseling referrals, testing coordination, counseling for inherited conditions (specific clinics vary by department)
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (insurance, visit type, testing ordered)
  • Contact Phone: 212-305-2500 (main line; request genetics)
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://www.columbiadoctors.org/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Complex cases needing academic subspecialty collaboration and hospital-based resources

#5 — Weill Cornell Medicine — Genetic Medicine / Genetic Counseling Referrals

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Varies / depends (team-based); Not publicly stated
  • Services Offered: Genetics referrals and counseling pathways (often coordinated through specialty clinics), test planning, results interpretation support (service availability varies)
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (insurance, visit type, testing ordered)
  • Contact Phone: 646-962-2000 (main line; request genetics/genetic counseling)
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://weillcornell.org/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Patients who prefer an academic medical center setting with integrated specialty care

Comparison Table

Professional Rating Experience Price Range Best For
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — Clinical Genetics Service Not publicly stated Varies / depends (team-based) Varies / depends Premium oncology-focused counseling
Mount Sinai — Genetics and Genomic Sciences / Genetic Counseling Services Not publicly stated Varies / depends (team-based) Varies / depends Broad genetics access; family-focused pathways
NYU Langone Health — Genetic Counseling Not publicly stated Varies / depends (team-based) Varies / depends Coordinated specialty care in a large network
ColumbiaDoctors / CUIMC — Genetics Services Not publicly stated Varies / depends (team-based) Varies / depends Complex cases; academic subspecialty collaboration
Weill Cornell Medicine — Genetic Medicine / Genetic Counseling Referrals Not publicly stated Varies / depends (team-based) Varies / depends Academic setting; integrated specialty referrals

Cost of Hiring a Genetic Counselor in New York

In New York, genetic counseling costs are commonly tied to (1) the counseling visit and (2) any genetic testing ordered. Many people pay a specialist copay or coinsurance if the visit is covered by insurance, while genetic tests may be billed separately (sometimes through outside labs).

Average price range: Not publicly stated as a consistent citywide cash rate. If you are paying out of pocket, ask for an estimate that separates:

  • the professional counseling/consult fee (or clinic visit charge), and
  • the lab testing fee (which can vary widely depending on the panel and urgency).

Emergency pricing: True “24/7 genetic counseling” is not typical. Urgent inpatient or time-sensitive prenatal scenarios may be handled through hospital systems, and billing generally follows hospital/medical billing practices. Exact pricing is varies / depends.

What affects cost

  • Whether the visit is billed as a specialist office visit vs. hospital outpatient service
  • Insurance coverage, deductible status, and whether preauthorization is required
  • Type of genetic test (single gene vs. multi-gene panel vs. exome/genome options)
  • Speed/turnaround time requested (expedited options may cost more; varies by lab)
  • Number of family members tested (cascade testing)
  • Whether additional appointments are needed to review results and next steps

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a Genetic Counselor cost in New York?

Varies / depends. Many patients pay a specialist copay/coinsurance through insurance, while genetic tests are billed separately. Self-pay pricing is not consistently published, so request a written estimate before scheduling.

How to choose the best Genetic Counselor in New York?

Start with the type of genetics you need (prenatal, cancer, pediatric, cardiac). Confirm ABGC certification (commonly) and appropriate New York licensing where applicable, then ask about turnaround times, testing options, and how results will be explained to family members.

Are licenses required in New York?

New York licenses genetic counselors through NYSED (requirements vary by role and setting). Many practicing counselors also hold ABGC board certification; confirm credentials when booking.

Do I need a referral to see a Genetic Counselor in New York?

Varies by clinic and insurance plan. Hospital-based programs often accept referrals from OB-GYNs, oncologists, primary care, or specialists, and some may require one for scheduling.

Will insurance cover genetic counseling and testing?

Often partially, but coverage varies widely. Some plans cover counseling but require preauthorization for testing; others apply deductibles or coinsurance. Ask the clinic how billing is handled and whether they help with authorization.

Who offers 24/7 service in New York?

Not publicly stated, and 24/7 outpatient genetic counseling is uncommon. In urgent hospital situations, genetics input may occur through inpatient consult services—availability depends on the hospital and department.

Can I do genetic counseling by telehealth in New York?

Sometimes. Many programs offer telehealth for certain appointment types, but availability depends on clinic policy, licensure rules, and whether a physical exam is needed (more common in medical genetics evaluations).

How long does it take to get genetic test results?

Varies by test and lab. Some targeted tests return faster than broad panels; expedited options may be available in time-sensitive cases (such as certain prenatal scenarios), depending on the ordering clinician and lab.

What should I bring to my genetic counseling appointment?

Bring personal medical history details, a family history (ages at diagnosis, causes of death where known), prior pathology reports (for cancer), prior genetic test reports, and your insurance information. If adopted or family history is unknown, say so—counseling can still be helpful.

What’s the difference between a Genetic Counselor and a medical geneticist?

A Genetic Counselor focuses on risk assessment, education, test coordination, and support. A medical geneticist is a physician who can diagnose genetic conditions and perform medical evaluations; many programs involve both roles depending on the case.


Final Recommendation

If your main concern is hereditary cancer risk, start with a cancer-focused program such as Memorial Sloan Kettering’s genetics services, especially if you want oncology-integrated decision support.

For pregnancy-related screening, carrier testing, or broader family genetics questions, large academic health systems like Mount Sinai and NYU Langone are practical starting points because they can coordinate across OB-GYN, maternal-fetal medicine, pediatrics, and specialty clinics.

If you have a complex or rare presentation and want deep subspecialty collaboration, ColumbiaDoctors/CUIMC or Weill Cornell Medicine can be strong fits within academic medical center environments.

For budget-sensitive planning, your best move is often to choose the clinic that is in-network for your insurance and request a clear estimate separating counseling visit costs from lab testing costs before consenting to any test.


Get Your Business Listed

If you’re a Genetic Counselor in New York and want your details added or updated in this guide, email contact@professnow.com. You can also registe & Update yourself at https://professnow.com/.