Genograms for social workers

In social work, a genogram is a standardized clinical diagram that maps a client's family system across three or more generations. Using McGoldrick-Gerson symbols, it captures family structure (marriages, divorces, children), emotional relationship patterns (conflict, estrangement, closeness), medical history, and intergenerational trauma. Social workers use genograms during intake assessments to identify risk factors, support systems, and patterns that may affect the client's current situation.

A family tree records biological lineage and names. A social work genogram goes much further: it documents emotional dynamics (conflict, cutoffs, enmeshment), tracks medical and mental health history across generations, marks significant life events, and uses standardized symbols that have clinical meaning. Genograms are tools for assessment and intervention; family trees are tools for genealogy.

A genogram in social work reveals: structural relationships (who is in the family and how members connect), emotional dynamics (which relationships are close, conflictual, or estranged), intergenerational patterns (repeated cycles of addiction, mental illness, domestic violence, or poverty), support networks, and risk factors relevant to a client's presenting problem. This bird's-eye view helps practitioners identify intervention points that would be invisible in a standard intake form.

Yes. Genogram construction is a core competency in most MSW (Master of Social Work) and BSW programs. Students learn to create genograms in family systems, clinical assessment, and practice methods courses. The standard reference is McGoldrick, Gerson & Petry's 'Genograms: Assessment and Treatment' (4th ed., 2020). GenogramAI uses the same notation taught in accredited programs.

Yes. GenogramAI exports high-resolution PNG images on every plan, and PDF and SVG on paid plans, which suit court reports and legal documentation. The genograms use standard McGoldrick-Gerson notation that is recognized in professional settings.

Genogram data is encrypted in transit and at rest on every plan, and we do not sell or share user data. The Clinical plan adds AES-256-GCM zero-knowledge encryption and secure offline storage, so only you can read client charts; Clinical eco-maps stay on your device. You can export your genograms and delete them from our servers at any time.

Simply describe the family in your own words - like you would in case notes. Our AI interprets the description and creates a properly formatted genogram with correct symbols and relationships. You can then edit and refine as needed.

GenogramAI uses the standard McGoldrick-Gerson-Petry notation system taught in social work programs. This includes 18 partnership types, 39 emotional relationship types, and 7 child connection types - 64 relationship types total.

Genograms are created and stored in your own account; there is no real-time co-editing. To share one with a colleague, publish a view-only link (every plan), or export it as a PNG (every plan) or as PDF, SVG or GEDCOM (paid plans). A colleague on a paid plan can import the GEDCOM file into their own GenogramAI account and keep working on it.

Yes, we offer volume discounts for social service agencies and organizations. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss team pricing and enterprise features.