Hi, I’m Emily (she/her), a board-certified genetic counselor licensed in Washington. I work with adults who have complex health or family histories, questions about inherited health risks, or curiosity about how genetic testing may fit into their overall care.
My goal is to make genetic information understandable and useful while creating a supportive, collaborative environment that empowers patients to make their own decisions. I value taking the time to listen to each patient’s unique story and helping them navigate both the possibilities and limitations of genetic information.
Genetic Counseling for Chronic Illness + Preventative Care
Accepting New Patients • In-Person in Ballard, Seattle • Telehealth in Washington + Where Permitted
Emily Hasser, MS, MPH, CGC
Genetic Counseling for Chronic Illness + Preventative Care
Ballard, Seattle • Telehealth in Washington
Emily is a board-certified genetic counselor who works with adults navigating complex health histories, inherited health risks, and questions about genetic testing.
Accepting new patients.
Meet Emily Hasser, MS, MPH, CGC
Who I Serve
I primarily work with adults who have questions such as:
Am I at an increased risk due to my family history?
Could there be a genetic explanation for my complex health concerns?
I keep seeing ads for tests like nutrigenomics and whole genome sequencing, but what would they actually tell me?
I’ve already had genetic testing but don’t understand the results. How do I incorporate them into my overall care plan?
My care may be a good fit for you if you:
Have had difficulty accessing traditional academic genetics clinics
Would like to incorporate genetic information into their preventive health plan
Want to take an active role in decisions about genetic testing
Have done some research but want guidance to better understand their options
What Genetic Counseling Can Help With
Hypermobility and connective tissue conditions
Complex or unexplained health histories
Family history of a known genetic condition
Personal or family history of cancer
Preconception counseling and carrier screening
Proactive screening for actionable genetic conditions
My Approach to Care
A strong working relationship and patient-centered communication are integral to effective genetic counseling. Instead of telling patients what they should or shouldn’t do, my role is to clearly present options and provide the information and tools needed to make decisions that are right for them. I strive to tailor each session to what is important to the person in front of me rather than assuming everyone has the same priorities.
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I also believe that the feelings that arise during the genetic counseling process matter just as much as the medical information. Family history discussions, testing decisions, and unexpected results can bring up a wide range of emotions. I want to create a space where patients feel validated and comfortable enough to ask questions, express concerns, and work through uncertainty.
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While genetic information can be useful, more testing is not necessarily better care. I help patients think through what they are hoping to learn, whether testing is likely to answer their questions, and what the results could mean for their health and their families. This may mean recommending a test, interpreting prior results, or determining that genetic testing is unlikely to provide meaningful information.
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Addressing practical considerations is also critical for informed decision-making. When discussing genetic testing options, I aim to be transparent about cost and help patients understand what may be covered by insurance, when self-pay testing could be reasonable, and when testing is unlikely to offer enough clinical value to justify the expense.
Ultimately, my goal is to make genetic information more understandable, useful, and accessible while supporting each patient’s autonomy. A successful genetic counseling session is not defined by whether testing is pursued. More importantly, I want patients to leave feeling heard, informed, and confident about their decisions and next steps.
Background & Credentials
I received my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences and French from Cornell University before studying public health genetics at the University of Washington. I then spent two years working in newborn screening follow-up, coordinating diagnostic testing and facilitating specialist referrals for infants and families across Washington and Idaho. Eventually, I realized I wanted to transition to a clinical role with more direct patient interaction.
This desire led me to the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at the University of Washington. My training began with advanced coursework in genetics, communication, and counseling skills. During my clinical rotations, I worked with patients in a variety of clinic settings, including prenatal, cancer, pediatric, and adult genetics. Through these placements, I gained experience supporting individuals and families through a wide range of genetic questions and decision-making.
My public health background continues to shape my genetic counseling practice. For each individual patient, I think about whether genetic testing is appropriate for their situation and how the information may affect them and their families.
At the structural level, I am passionate about expanding access to genetic information. However, as genetic testing becomes increasingly available, I believe it is especially important to approach new technologies thoughtfully and help patients understand both their possibilities and limitations.
Certification & Licensure:
Emily is certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and licensed as a genetic counselor in Washington.
Washington license number: GCL.GT.70159528
Emily also offers telehealth services in other states where permitted. Please contact our office to confirm availability based on where you will be located during your appointment.
Genetic Counseling at One Connection Healthcare
Genetic counseling can help you understand how your family history or genetic testing results fit into your overall care. At One Connection Healthcare, this service is offered within a multidisciplinary clinic that also provides primary care and care for chronic and complex conditions.
If you need evaluation or medical management beyond genetic counseling, we can help coordinate next steps with another OCH provider or an outside specialist.
For information about appointments, genetic testing, referrals, and insurance, visit our genetic counseling service page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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I work with adults who have complex or unexplained health histories, including questions about hypermobility and connective tissue conditions. We can review your personal and family history and consider whether a genetic evaluation or testing might provide useful information. Genetic testing won’t answer every question, and part of our work together is understanding its possibilities and limitations.
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No. You don’t need to have decided about testing before we meet. We can talk through what you’re hoping to learn, whether testing might answer your questions, and what the results could mean for you and your family. I will support you whether you choose testing, need more time, or decide it isn’t right for you.
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Yes. Reviewing previous genetic testing results can be part of our work together. Please share your reports before your appointment so I can review them in the context of your personal and family health history. We can discuss what the results do—and don’t—tell us and whether any follow-up may be helpful.
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Genetic counseling can help you and your primary care provider understand how your family history or genetic testing results may inform your care. My role is to assess genetic risk, explain testing options and results, and support your decisions. Your primary care provider oversees your ongoing medical care.
You do not need to be an existing OCH patient to meet with me. If testing is recommended, we can coordinate ordering with your OCH naturopathic physician or work with your outside primary care provider.
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Yes. I see adults at One Connection Healthcare’s clinic in Ballard, Seattle, and through telehealth for patients located in Washington and other states where permitted. Please contact our office to confirm availability based on where you will be located during your appointment.
Reach out to our staff: 206-279-6390
What Keeps Me Joyful
Outside of work, I love spending time with my partner and our dog, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and visiting family across the country. I also compete with Seattle’s adult gymnastics team, which has been a fun way to build community and stay connected to a childhood passion. Now that I’ve finished school, I’m excited to have more time to read for fun and explore new hobbies.
Work with Emily |
Work with Emily |
Explore Your Genetic Health Questions with Emily
Whether you have questions about your family history, want help understanding genetic testing results, or don’t know where to begin, I’d be glad to meet with you. You don’t need to have decided about genetic testing before we meet.
