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Services
Tempus Neuropsychiatric Genetic Testing
A Personalized Approach to Mental Health Treatment - $295
I offer Tempus genetic testing through a simple at-home cheek swab kit mailed directly to you. While insurance typically does not cover the $295 fee, HSA or FSA funds may be used. Tempus also offers income-based financial assistance, often reducing or waiving the cost for those who qualify. Apply online at tempus.com/access-neuro or call 312-598-9961. Please include Jessica Hilbert as the ordering provider’s name and Hilbert’s Whole Health Psychiatry as the clinic/practice name when placing an order.
This advanced genetic test analyzes specific markers influencing how your body metabolizes and responds to over 100 commonly prescribed psychiatric medications. By identifying how your unique genetic profile affects drug metabolism (pharmacokinetics) and medication response (pharmacodynamics), the test helps reduce the frustrating trial-and-error process often involved in finding the proper treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
The Tempus test includes analysis of several clinically significant genes, such as:
• COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase): A key enzyme involved in the breakdown of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Variants in this gene affect how quickly or slowly these neurotransmitters are cleared from the brain, impacting mood regulation, attention, motivation, emotional resilience, and stress response. For example, individuals with the Val/Val variant metabolize dopamine more rapidly, potentially leading to lower dopamine levels and greater difficulty with focus or mood stability under stress.
• MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase): This gene controls the conversion of folate (vitamin B9) into its active form, methylfolate, which is essential to produce key neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Methylfolate also plays a critical role in DNA repair, detoxification, and reducing homocysteine levels. Up to 60% of people carry common MTHFR variants such as C677T or A1298C, which can impair this conversion process. People with two C677T copies (homozygous) are particularly vulnerable to symptoms related to folate deficiency, including fatigue, brain fog, treatment-resistant depression, and anxiety.
• CYP450 Enzymes (e.g., CYP2D6, CYP2C19): These enzymes metabolize many psychiatric medications. Variants can classify you as a poor, intermediate, normal, rapid, or ultra-rapid metabolizer—information that can guide dosing decisions or help avoid drugs that may be ineffective or cause side effects.​​
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• SLC6A4: This gene encodes the serotonin transporter and can influence how well someone responds to SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Specific variants have been associated with decreased response to SSRIs and increased side effects.
• HTR2A: Involved in serotonin receptor sensitivity, this gene affects how serotonin signals are received in the brain, influencing antidepressant response.
• BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): This gene plays a role in neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections. It impacts resilience to stress and the efficacy of certain antidepressants or lifestyle interventions like exercise and mindfulness.
By integrating these insights, Tempus testing supports more informed, personalized treatment planning. It helps narrow down medication options more likely to work for your genetic profile and avoid those that may cause side effects or be less effective.
If you’re interested in Tempus Neuropsychiatric Genetic Testing, I’m happy to discuss it. You can also visit their website:
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