DNA Methylation & Genetic Testing in Austin, TX
Get a blueprint of your biology and start feeling better.
Call to book an appointment (512) 766-3061 or fill out the form below.
You Tried Medications and Wellness Plans That Worked for Everyone Else…
So why don’t they work for you? You’re ready for real data that explains why your body and mind respond the way they do. Through DNA methylation and genetic testing, we can personalize your care from medication response to nutritional needs and detox pathways. We’ll treat the root of what’s really going on so you can feel better faster.
What Is DNA Methylation and Genetic Testing?
DNA methylation and genetic testing go beyond simply identifying your genes. Methylation is a biochemical process where enzymes “tag” vitamins like folate and B12 with a methyl group, turning them into their active forms. These activated nutrients are what your body uses to make serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters that regulate mood, focus, and energy.
When methylation runs smoothly, your brain chemistry, hormones, and detox pathways stay balanced. But when there are inefficiencies, often due to variants in genes like MTHFR, COMT, or MAO, you may experience anxiety, depression, fatigue, or sensitivity to certain medications and supplements.
Through DNA methylation and genetic testing, we can see how your genes respond to nutrition, stress, and environment. Together, we’ll interpret that data to uncover what’s truly driving your symptoms and create a treatment plan that supports your biology instead of fighting against it.
Who Is DNA Methylation and Genetic Testing For?
DNA methylation and genetic testing is especially valuable for:
Adults who have experienced side effects or limited response to antidepressants, stimulants, or mood stabilizers.
Adults with chronic fatigue, anxiety, or depression that don’t fully resolve with standard care.
Clients who suspect nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalance, or inflammation play a role in their mental health.
Anyone seeking root-cause answers and personalized guidance rather than trial-and-error treatment.
How We’ll Work Together
Step 1: Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
We begin with a full psychiatric and functional review of your mental, emotional, and physical health. This includes understanding your symptoms, stress patterns, and treatment history so we can identify where your biology and lived experience intersect.
Step 2: Advanced Lab Testing
Before genetic analysis, we complete a comprehensive blood panel, assessing thyroid, hormones, inflammation markers, and homocysteine. This context helps us interpret your DNA results accurately and rule out underlying contributors to fatigue, anxiety, or mood instability.
Step 3: DNA and Methylation Testing
You’ll complete a simple at-home saliva or blood test. The lab evaluates genetic variants such as MTHFR, COMT, and MAO that influence neurotransmitter activity, hormone balance, and detoxification. We also assess methylation efficiency, which is how well your body activates vitamins like folate and B12 to make serotonin and dopamine.
Step 4: Personalized Treatment Plan
Once results return, we review them together in detail. You’ll receive a plan that may include targeted nutrients, medication adjustments, and lifestyle strategies designed to support methylation, balance cortisol, and reduce inflammation.
Meet Dr. Lauren Williams, Functional Psychiatrist
Board-Certified Psychiatrist | Functional Medicine Trained | Trauma-Informed
I’ve seen how frustrating it is to try multiple medications, diets, or therapies without lasting results. Genetic and methylation testing help remove the guesswork. My work in functional and integrative psychiatry bridges traditional medicine with advanced testing, including DNA methylation and genetic analysis, to create treatment plans that truly fit.
My practice is intentionally small, allowing time to listen, analyze, and guide you through care that’s thoughtful, data-driven, and deeply personal.
DNA Methylation & Genetic Testing: Frequently Asked Questions
Is methylation genetic testing worth it?
Yes, when interpreted correctly, methylation testing offers one of the clearest windows into how your body actually functions. It helps uncover why standard treatments may not work by identifying inefficiencies in how your body activates vitamins like folate and B12, processes dopamine and serotonin, and manages inflammation. For patients struggling with anxiety, depression, or fatigue, this information transforms care from trial-and-error to targeted, data-driven treatment.
What does a genetic methylation test tell you?
A methylation test reveals how efficiently your body’s enzymes add a “methyl group” — a carbon and three hydrogens, to key nutrients and compounds. This small biochemical step powers major processes like hormone balance, detoxification, and neurotransmitter production. The results highlight genetic variants such as MTHFR, COMT, and MAO, which influence how your brain regulates mood, stress, and focus. Understanding these pathways helps us fine-tune both medication and supplement strategies.
What are the risks of DNA methylation testing?
The testing itself is safe and noninvasive, usually done with a simple saliva or blood sample. The real risk lies in misinterpretation, viewing raw data without clinical context. That’s why these results should always be reviewed by a psychiatrist trained in genetics and functional medicine. At Anima Integrative Psychiatry, Dr. Williams interprets your genetic patterns alongside labs, symptoms, and lived experience, ensuring your plan is accurate, supportive, and free from unnecessary worry.
Your Body Holds the Answer To Feeling Better
Stop ignoring what your body is asking for and start feeling better. Healing starts when we stop guessing and start listening to your biology. Let’s uncover what your genes reveal about how you heal.