At Cura Mind and Wellness, patients across the Houston metro come to us after trying multiple medications with limited benefit, or difficult side effects. Vivian Emuobe, MSN, BSN, APRN, PMHNP BC, a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, uses pharmacogenomic gene testing as one part of a careful, evidence based approach to treatment. For many patients in Richmond, Sugar Land, Katy, and Missouri City, genetic insights help us choose medications with a higher chance of working well, and a lower chance of side effects.
Bottom line, gene testing does not replace clinical judgment, it adds usable data that can make treatment faster, safer, and more precise.
Quick takeaways
- Gene testing helps us understand how your body may metabolize certain psychiatric medications,
- Results can guide starting doses and drug selection, improving tolerability,
- Testing is non invasive, a simple cheek swab, with actionable results,
- Best used when there is a history of side effects, non response, or polypharmacy,
- Results inform care, they do not dictate it.
What is pharmacogenomic testing
Pharmacogenomics studies how genetic differences influence the way a person processes medications. In psychiatry, we often look at genes that affect liver enzymes and receptor pathways. When a patient is a rapid or poor metabolizer for a pathway, a standard dose can lead to side effects or no benefit. Knowing this in advance allows us to select a different medication, or adjust the dose before problems start.
Commonly reported markers include:
- CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, enzymes that affect many antidepressants, antipsychotics, and stimulants,
- SLC6A4 and HTR2A, transporters and receptors that can influence SSRI response,
- MTHFR, a folate cycle gene that may relate to methylation and adjunctive nutrient strategies,
- Additional genes that touch on side effect risk, for example, weight gain or activation, when evidence supports their use.
We interpret results through the lens of clinical history, current symptoms, prior trials, and patient preferences.
Who should consider gene testing
While any patient can benefit from a personalized approach, testing is especially helpful when:
- There have been two or more medication trials without adequate response,
- You have experienced significant side effects at typical doses,
- You take multiple medications and want to reduce drug interactions,
- You prefer an approach that minimizes trial and error,
- There is a family history of unusual responses to medication.
Patients in Houston and Fort Bend County often tell us they feel relief simply having a clearer map before starting, or changing, a medication.
How we use results in real life
- Dosing with confidence: If your profile suggests slower metabolism for a specific pathway, we may start at a lower dose, increase more gradually, and schedule early check ins. If you are predicted to metabolize quickly, we may choose a different agent, or adjust the target dose sooner.
- Selecting smarter alternatives: If your results show potential issues with one SSRI, we may choose another antidepressant with a different metabolic route, or a different class entirely, to improve your likelihood of success.
- Reducing side effects: By aligning medication choice with your metabolism, we aim to avoid early sedation, activation, gastrointestinal upset, and drug interactions that can derail treatment.
- Coordinating broader plans: Gene results are integrated with psychotherapy, lifestyle supports, and, when appropriate, advanced services available in Richmond, including TMS and IV ketamine for treatment resistant depression.
The Cura process, step by step
- Clinical review, we confirm whether testing is likely to help based on your history and goals,
- Simple collection, a quick cheek swab at our Richmond office, or a supervised mail kit when appropriate,
- Accredited laboratory analysis, results typically return in a concise, easy to read report,
- Personalized interpretation, Vivian reviews your genetics alongside your prior responses, current symptoms, medical conditions, and other medications,
- Actionable plan, we adjust the medication roadmap, set a dosing plan, outline monitoring, and plan follow ups,
- Ongoing optimization, as you improve, we refine dosing, support psychotherapy goals, and maintain gains.
Where gene testing helps most, and where it does not
Gene testing helps
- Selecting or avoiding certain SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, and some antipsychotics,
- Informing stimulant choices and dosing for ADHD in select cases,
- Anticipating drug interactions in patients on multiple medications,
- Setting realistic expectations about titration speed and monitoring.
Gene testing does not
- Diagnose conditions,
- Predict the single “perfect” medication,
- Replace skilled medication management or psychotherapy,
- Guarantee response. It increases probability, it does not promise outcomes.
We are transparent about what the test can tell us, and what it cannot, so decisions remain grounded and collaborative.
Safety, privacy, and ethical considerations
Your genetic information is handled with care. We partner with laboratories that follow strict quality and privacy standards, and results are used only to inform your clinical care. We discuss storage, access, and any questions you have before ordering the test. If you decide not to proceed, we pursue the best evidence based plan without testing.
Houston and Richmond access
Patients across the Houston metro choose Cura Mind and Wellness because our approach combines personalized genetics with clinical expertise and compassionate follow through. Sample collection and interpretation are available through our Richmond office, convenient to Sugar Land, Katy, Missouri City, and surrounding communities. Telehealth visits can be used for consultations and result reviews, keeping care accessible even during busy weeks.
Frequently asked questions, gene testing in Houston and Richmond
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No. It is a quick, painless cheek swab. No blood draw is required for most panels.
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Turnaround varies by lab. After collection, we schedule your result review to keep momentum.
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Coverage varies. Many plans cover testing when there is a history of non response or side effects. We can discuss options and medical necessity.
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Yes. Results can inform dose adjustments, or guide future changes if needed.
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Not necessarily. It may mean we would dose differently, or monitor more closely. Decisions are individualized.
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It can be, especially when there are concerns about side effects, interactions, or prior non response. We consider age, health conditions, and goals before ordering.
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You receive a clear plan. We decide on the next steps, set dosing and monitoring, integrate therapy goals, and continue optimizing as you improve.
Why choose Cura Mind and Wellness for gene testing
- Board certified leadership, results interpreted by a clinician who understands psychopharmacology and psychotherapy,
- Whole person care, genetics are integrated with your history, goals, culture, and daily routines,
- Clear guidance, concise explanations, written plans, and shared decisions,
- Coordinated services, access to medication management, therapy, TMS, and ketamine within one practice,
- Local availability, easy access for patients across Houston with services anchored in Richmond.
Take the next step
If you have faced trial and error with medications, or want a more personalized approach from the start, pharmacogenomic gene testing at Cura Mind and Wellness can help bring clarity to your care. Patients across Houston and Richmond use these insights to move forward with confidence, and with a plan that fits their lives.