MARIAH GLEASON

CAPSTONE

Capstone Project Committee: Lauren Doyle, MGC, CGC; Sarah Hart, Ph.D., CGC; Ashley Low, MGC, CGC

Psychiatric genetic counseling (PGC) is an emerging subspecialty of clinical genetic counseling. Genetic counselors (GCs) (n=136) were surveyed about their perceptions and attitudes, clinical practice, and self-rated confidence towards providing PGC as well as their utilization of and perceived need for psychiatric genetics resources. 80% of respondents received their most recent training in psychiatric genetics in the last 5 years. Most respondents (85%) denied feelings of discomfort about asking patients if there is a history of psychiatric illness in the family. Most respondents (69%) agreed that it is their role to discuss psychiatric genetics with patients and their families while less than half (47%) agreed that they feel competent to do so. Most participants (43-90%) would refer to an expert in PGC in their area if there was one available depending on the circumstances, but did not know of an expert practicing in their region (81%). These data together suggest that more resources and training need to be made available to help GCs increase competence in psychiatric genetics and/or more professionals are needed to become experts in PGC. Resources perceived to be most useful by respondents were published guidelines or online education focused on individualized risk assessment for psychiatric illness.

Since Graduation

Mariah has worked in hereditary cancer for Atrium Health’s Levine Cancer Institute since graduation in 2017. She enjoys helping patients understand the implications of genetics on cancer risk. She also loves being able to work with fellow alumni Alexandra Bailey and Katie Broyhill as well her other wonderful teammates. In this role, she provides genetic counseling to rural areas through telemedicine. She serves in multidisciplinary tumor boards and on committees to ensure appropriate genetic counseling referrals.

Last summer she thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to co-develop (with Katie and teammate Aly Athens) a cancer genetics virtual experience for first year UNC Greensboro students. Mariah maintains an interest in psychiatric genetic counseling after interning with the Adapt Clinic during her training. She serves on the Psychiatric Special Interest Group’s Grant Award Committee. 

Mariah lives near Hickory, NC with her husband, Eric, and golden retriever, Ember. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels, baking new treats, and hiking with Eric and Ember.