Nutritionists and Dietitians in 92651

Photo of Kira Khachadoorian, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CPT
Kira Khachadoorian
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CPT
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Lasting results come from nourishing the body from the inside, out. My mission is to help your body, mind and soul-self feel nourished, nurtured, and thrive. I provide a holistic, whole-body approach to nutrition and fitness. I am a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer that listens, understands, and empowers you to heal ailments and achieve your goals. My private-practice, NuWell, offers virtual nutrition and fitness consulting via a confidential, HIPPA compliant platform to give you freedom while rebuilding your relationship with food as medicine. See results and achieve your goals, from the comfort of your home.
Lasting results come from nourishing the body from the inside, out. My mission is to help your body, mind and soul-self feel nourished, nurtured, and thrive. I provide a holistic, whole-body approach to nutrition and fitness. I am a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer that listens, understands, and empowers you to heal ailments and achieve your goals. My private-practice, NuWell, offers virtual nutrition and fitness consulting via a confidential, HIPPA compliant platform to give you freedom while rebuilding your relationship with food as medicine. See results and achieve your goals, from the comfort of your home.
(949) 541-8570 View (949) 541-8570
Photo of Dawn Narvaez, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Dawn Narvaez
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
I specialize in a whole system approach for the mind and body wellness to meet individual goals, including; overcoming negative body image, conquer disordered eating, eliminating binge eating, overcoming food choice obsessions, stemming late-night cravings, approaching picky eaters, enhancing performance for athletes, managing autoimmune disorders, preventing and managing diabetes and pre-diabetes, weight loss or weight gain, treat and prevent constipation and other GI complaints. Learn how to find a balance between enthusiasm and success. Learn the tools to turn from emotional to intentional eating.
I specialize in a whole system approach for the mind and body wellness to meet individual goals, including; overcoming negative body image, conquer disordered eating, eliminating binge eating, overcoming food choice obsessions, stemming late-night cravings, approaching picky eaters, enhancing performance for athletes, managing autoimmune disorders, preventing and managing diabetes and pre-diabetes, weight loss or weight gain, treat and prevent constipation and other GI complaints. Learn how to find a balance between enthusiasm and success. Learn the tools to turn from emotional to intentional eating.
(949) 303-7925 View (949) 303-7925
Photo of Marina A Savelyeva, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CNSC
Marina A Savelyeva
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CNSC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am Marina, Registered Dietitian in Newport Beach, CA - your partner in achieving optimal health. With 17+ years of experience, I specialize in disease management and personalized nutrition plans. Don’t get overwhelmed by conflicting dietary advice. Online searches can't provide all the answers that is why you need a dietitian to provide clear, evidence-based guidance tailored to your needs. I have published cookbooks "Easy Gastric Sleeve Cookbook" and "The Plant-Based Weight Loss Solution," that offer practical and delicious solutions for weight management and healthy living. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me today!
I am Marina, Registered Dietitian in Newport Beach, CA - your partner in achieving optimal health. With 17+ years of experience, I specialize in disease management and personalized nutrition plans. Don’t get overwhelmed by conflicting dietary advice. Online searches can't provide all the answers that is why you need a dietitian to provide clear, evidence-based guidance tailored to your needs. I have published cookbooks "Easy Gastric Sleeve Cookbook" and "The Plant-Based Weight Loss Solution," that offer practical and delicious solutions for weight management and healthy living. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me today!
(949) 625-2499 View (949) 625-2499
Photo of Carly Marenna - June Nutrition Therapy, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MHA, RD-N
June Nutrition Therapy
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MHA, RD-N
Serves Area
I’m Carly - a RD-N specializing in eating disorders, disordered eating, mental health, & body image. My clients and I work 1:1 at the outpatient level to support their individual health concerns. Not all of my clients have diagnosed eating disorders - some of them have developed habits over the years that they'd like to change, need accountability for their health and wellness goals, or thanks in part to media representations about how we "should" look or "should" eat or "should" exercise, they just got confused along the way of how to relate to their own body. We fix that here.
I’m Carly - a RD-N specializing in eating disorders, disordered eating, mental health, & body image. My clients and I work 1:1 at the outpatient level to support their individual health concerns. Not all of my clients have diagnosed eating disorders - some of them have developed habits over the years that they'd like to change, need accountability for their health and wellness goals, or thanks in part to media representations about how we "should" look or "should" eat or "should" exercise, they just got confused along the way of how to relate to their own body. We fix that here.
(562) 262-8714 View (562) 262-8714

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Aditi Shah, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN
Aditi Shah
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN
Fullerton, CA 92833
Welcome to Nourish By Aditi. I am Aditi and I am thrilled to be a part of your health journey! I focus on integrative nutrition to get to the root cause of illness and disease. I will provide you with the tools needed to restore, rebuild and rejuvenate your health and achieve ultimate wellness. I am truly passionate about helping people and I would love the opportunity to get to know you. My promise is to empower you to successfully achieve your health goals through non-diet, integrative nutrition consulting and lifestyle practices to feel improvement in health, fitness, and mental strength.
Welcome to Nourish By Aditi. I am Aditi and I am thrilled to be a part of your health journey! I focus on integrative nutrition to get to the root cause of illness and disease. I will provide you with the tools needed to restore, rebuild and rejuvenate your health and achieve ultimate wellness. I am truly passionate about helping people and I would love the opportunity to get to know you. My promise is to empower you to successfully achieve your health goals through non-diet, integrative nutrition consulting and lifestyle practices to feel improvement in health, fitness, and mental strength.
(657) 214-4629 View (657) 214-4629
Photo of Aditi Shah, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, MPH
Aditi Shah
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, MPH
La Mirada, CA 90638
Hi there! I'm Aditi, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and founder of Nourish By Aditi. I received my Master’s in Public Health from Loma Linda University, California. My experience encompasses a thriving private practice and serve as an industry consultant for local nursing facilities, various clinical hospitals, and dialysis centers as a senior dietitian. This experience has generated a fortitude and compassion to support my clients' end-to-end health goals. I believe in focusing on the whole person and empowering my clients to be their own health advocates; there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Hi there! I'm Aditi, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and founder of Nourish By Aditi. I received my Master’s in Public Health from Loma Linda University, California. My experience encompasses a thriving private practice and serve as an industry consultant for local nursing facilities, various clinical hospitals, and dialysis centers as a senior dietitian. This experience has generated a fortitude and compassion to support my clients' end-to-end health goals. I believe in focusing on the whole person and empowering my clients to be their own health advocates; there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
(714) 360-0737 View (714) 360-0737
Photo of Valentina Steverlynck, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Valentina Steverlynck
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Hello! I’m Valentina (she/her/hers), the founder and owner of Yébo Nutrition LLC. I am a registered dietitian and certified yoga teacher. I believe in an anti-diet, weight-inclusive approach to nutrition and lifestyle. I work with both adults and children to bring joy and empowerment to your relationship with food and body. I am your trusted source for evidence-based nutrition knowledge. I hold a master’s degree in Nutrition Science from University of Illinois at Chicago and received a BS in Human Biology from UC San Diego. I specialize in intuitive eating, pediatric medical nutrition therapy, and vegan nutrition.
Hello! I’m Valentina (she/her/hers), the founder and owner of Yébo Nutrition LLC. I am a registered dietitian and certified yoga teacher. I believe in an anti-diet, weight-inclusive approach to nutrition and lifestyle. I work with both adults and children to bring joy and empowerment to your relationship with food and body. I am your trusted source for evidence-based nutrition knowledge. I hold a master’s degree in Nutrition Science from University of Illinois at Chicago and received a BS in Human Biology from UC San Diego. I specialize in intuitive eating, pediatric medical nutrition therapy, and vegan nutrition.
(949) 676-1582 View (949) 676-1582
Photo of Katya Meyers, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, MS, MPH
Katya Meyers
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, MS, MPH
Serves Area
I help clients overcome common obstacles to weight loss, fix their relationship with food, and break up with dieting for good. Are you "doing the right things" to lose weight, but it's just not working? It's not you OR your lack of willpower. Traditional diet advice may work in the *very* short term, but ultimately works against your physiology leading to a sluggish metabolism and (unfortunately) weight gain. Luckily, it is possible to reverse this, then work with your body to reduce inflammation and balance your hormones, to make weight loss both achievable AND sustainable.
I help clients overcome common obstacles to weight loss, fix their relationship with food, and break up with dieting for good. Are you "doing the right things" to lose weight, but it's just not working? It's not you OR your lack of willpower. Traditional diet advice may work in the *very* short term, but ultimately works against your physiology leading to a sluggish metabolism and (unfortunately) weight gain. Luckily, it is possible to reverse this, then work with your body to reduce inflammation and balance your hormones, to make weight loss both achievable AND sustainable.
(760) 280-5144 View (760) 280-5144
Photo of Kali Mattie - LovingKindness Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
LovingKindness Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Are you ready to let go of the diet mentality and discover true food freedom? I'm Kali Mattie (Gilday), the owner of LovingKindness Nutrition. Our group practice of Registered Dietitians provide personalized, 1:1 nutrition counseling designed to support you in healing your relationship with food. We help guide you back to your own inner wisdom—empowering you to trust yourself in knowing what, when, and how to eat. No matter how you feel about your body or what it looks like, we believe you are fearfully and wonderfully made—deserving of love, respect, and care just as you are.
Are you ready to let go of the diet mentality and discover true food freedom? I'm Kali Mattie (Gilday), the owner of LovingKindness Nutrition. Our group practice of Registered Dietitians provide personalized, 1:1 nutrition counseling designed to support you in healing your relationship with food. We help guide you back to your own inner wisdom—empowering you to trust yourself in knowing what, when, and how to eat. No matter how you feel about your body or what it looks like, we believe you are fearfully and wonderfully made—deserving of love, respect, and care just as you are.
(657) 325-8561 View (657) 325-8561
Photo of Ashley Lytwyn, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Ashley Lytwyn
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Serves Area
The best part of working with my clients is seeing the mental shift that occurs with nutritional therapy. I work with a lot of people who have been imprisoned by restrictive diets and have beaten themselves up for years because they feel like a failure. At Nutrition Unveiled, the most important thing that occurs is developing a positive relationship with the mind, body, and food, and learning to nourish and treat the body rather than deprive and hurt the body. Happiness creates a much deeper level of health than any number on the scale ever will!
The best part of working with my clients is seeing the mental shift that occurs with nutritional therapy. I work with a lot of people who have been imprisoned by restrictive diets and have beaten themselves up for years because they feel like a failure. At Nutrition Unveiled, the most important thing that occurs is developing a positive relationship with the mind, body, and food, and learning to nourish and treat the body rather than deprive and hurt the body. Happiness creates a much deeper level of health than any number on the scale ever will!
(860) 920-5619 View (860) 920-5619
Photo of Saghar Sefidbakht - Avicenna Dietetics, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CLT
Avicenna Dietetics
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CLT
Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
Confused about all the different diet advices surrounding you? Concerned about your health and lifestyle? Your doctor wants you to make good nutritional choices that you do not know about? Have chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart disease? We are here to help you. Our experienced registered dietitian Saghar Sefidbakht MS, RDN has years of experience in research, hospital and skilled Nursing facilities and is here to help you find your best way to a healthy lifestyle.
Confused about all the different diet advices surrounding you? Concerned about your health and lifestyle? Your doctor wants you to make good nutritional choices that you do not know about? Have chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart disease? We are here to help you. Our experienced registered dietitian Saghar Sefidbakht MS, RDN has years of experience in research, hospital and skilled Nursing facilities and is here to help you find your best way to a healthy lifestyle.
(949) 799-4150 View (949) 799-4150
Photo of Amanda Ghighi, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Amanda Ghighi
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Amanda is an RD specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda believes in creating a compassionate and supportive environment, incorporating evidence-based nutrition practices to guide clients toward sustainable changes. She strives to empower her clients to break free from diet culture and develop a nourishing and balanced approach to eating. Amanda offers compassionate, patient-centered nutrition care, focusing on non-diet, weight-inclusive principles.
Amanda is an RD specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda believes in creating a compassionate and supportive environment, incorporating evidence-based nutrition practices to guide clients toward sustainable changes. She strives to empower her clients to break free from diet culture and develop a nourishing and balanced approach to eating. Amanda offers compassionate, patient-centered nutrition care, focusing on non-diet, weight-inclusive principles.
(551) 365-7752 View (551) 365-7752
Photo of Brittany Bettingen, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Brittany Bettingen
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Irvine, CA 92612
I am a Registered Dietitian with experience treating hormone imbalances, inflammation and gut/digestive issues that manifest in conditions such as PCOS, pre diabetes, insulin resistance, weight gain, bloating and IBS. Clients often come to me seeking not only the treatment for their symptoms, but to identify the root causes as to why they have those symptoms in the first place. I help my patients regain a sense of confidence in their body and eating patterns. I work with patients with goals to lose weight, improve their fertility/hormone balance, restore digestive health & regain a sense of energy as well as brain function & memory.
I am a Registered Dietitian with experience treating hormone imbalances, inflammation and gut/digestive issues that manifest in conditions such as PCOS, pre diabetes, insulin resistance, weight gain, bloating and IBS. Clients often come to me seeking not only the treatment for their symptoms, but to identify the root causes as to why they have those symptoms in the first place. I help my patients regain a sense of confidence in their body and eating patterns. I work with patients with goals to lose weight, improve their fertility/hormone balance, restore digestive health & regain a sense of energy as well as brain function & memory.
(949) 541-4468 View (949) 541-4468
Photo of Seema Shah, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, MS, RD, IFNCP, WIMI-CP
Seema Shah
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, MS, RD, IFNCP, WIMI-CP
Online Only
Hi, my name is Seema, and I’m an Integrative and Functional Dietitian Health Coach that can help you heal, so you can live your best and most vibrant life. I assist my clients with achieving their health goals by tailoring nutrition, supplement, and lifestyle changes so they are practical to implement. I will listen to your distinct health story. I then use assessment tools like in-depth intake forms, food journals, and bloodwork, to put all of your health story puzzle pieces together to unearth the root causes underlying your symptoms and experiences. I provide on-going health coaching support as well.
Hi, my name is Seema, and I’m an Integrative and Functional Dietitian Health Coach that can help you heal, so you can live your best and most vibrant life. I assist my clients with achieving their health goals by tailoring nutrition, supplement, and lifestyle changes so they are practical to implement. I will listen to your distinct health story. I then use assessment tools like in-depth intake forms, food journals, and bloodwork, to put all of your health story puzzle pieces together to unearth the root causes underlying your symptoms and experiences. I provide on-going health coaching support as well.
(310) 494-7016 View (310) 494-7016
Photo of Jessica A Hynes - Wellness by the Waves, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS
Wellness by the Waves
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS
Online Only
My ideal client is someone who’s tried everything—elimination diets, supplements, endless doctor visits—and still doesn’t feel like themselves. They’re struggling with chronic fatigue, digestive discomfort, hormone imbalances, mood swings, or persistent skin issues that no one seems to have answers for. Deep down, they know there has to be a better way than just masking symptoms. What they truly need is a practitioner who sees the whole picture, who listens, and who can guide them with a realistic, root-cause approach to healing. They’re craving a clear plan, personalized support.
My ideal client is someone who’s tried everything—elimination diets, supplements, endless doctor visits—and still doesn’t feel like themselves. They’re struggling with chronic fatigue, digestive discomfort, hormone imbalances, mood swings, or persistent skin issues that no one seems to have answers for. Deep down, they know there has to be a better way than just masking symptoms. What they truly need is a practitioner who sees the whole picture, who listens, and who can guide them with a realistic, root-cause approach to healing. They’re craving a clear plan, personalized support.
(657) 837-1118 View (657) 837-1118
Photo of Denise Canellos, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS
Denise Canellos
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS
Irvine, CA 92604
I'm Denise Canellos, a Board Certified Nutritionist, author of Calm Your Inflammation, and university professor, specializing in effective nutrition therapy for cancer and chronic disease treatment. My husband George was diagnosed with colon cancer at 38. It was devastating for our family when George died from his cancer. I felt a pull to help others navigate the confusing world of healthcare and nutrition. After earning my MS in Human Nutrition, I passed my American College of Nutrition Board exam and started using science to help people like you get back their health and their hope.
I'm Denise Canellos, a Board Certified Nutritionist, author of Calm Your Inflammation, and university professor, specializing in effective nutrition therapy for cancer and chronic disease treatment. My husband George was diagnosed with colon cancer at 38. It was devastating for our family when George died from his cancer. I felt a pull to help others navigate the confusing world of healthcare and nutrition. After earning my MS in Human Nutrition, I passed my American College of Nutrition Board exam and started using science to help people like you get back their health and their hope.
(949) 381-5182 View (949) 381-5182
Photo of Ellyn Carol Silverman-Linnetz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, CEDRD, PA-C
Ellyn Carol Silverman-Linnetz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, CEDRD, PA-C
Seal Beach, CA 90740
All clients are ideal...they come with their own individual nutrition issues. As a Registered Dietitian it is my hope that we can come up with a plan of action to meet their needs. By giving the client time to communicate what they have been dealing with and coming up with goals together....the support can come in a gentle and nurturing environment. Many clients come in not knowing what to expect or are scared of making changes. That is not unusual. Helping them see what they can accomplish and breaking it down into manageable pieces can decrease the anxiety of coming in.
All clients are ideal...they come with their own individual nutrition issues. As a Registered Dietitian it is my hope that we can come up with a plan of action to meet their needs. By giving the client time to communicate what they have been dealing with and coming up with goals together....the support can come in a gentle and nurturing environment. Many clients come in not knowing what to expect or are scared of making changes. That is not unusual. Helping them see what they can accomplish and breaking it down into manageable pieces can decrease the anxiety of coming in.
(562) 655-8717 View (562) 655-8717
Photo of Sangeeta Shrivastava - Dr Sangeeta Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, MS, RDN, FAND
Dr Sangeeta Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, MS, RDN, FAND
Irvine, CA 92620
Food is joy and has transformative powers. Eating right and enjoying each bite is the key to maintaining health and joy associated with meals! It is doable even if you have medical conditions like metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, heart diseases, or cancer. I believe that you should never fear any food! I am here to support your health and wellness needs with an individualized and holistic approach by keeping your health, wellness and medical nutrition therapy needs in mind, while assuring that your ethnic food preferences remain intact. Ready to take the first step. Call or email now!
Food is joy and has transformative powers. Eating right and enjoying each bite is the key to maintaining health and joy associated with meals! It is doable even if you have medical conditions like metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, heart diseases, or cancer. I believe that you should never fear any food! I am here to support your health and wellness needs with an individualized and holistic approach by keeping your health, wellness and medical nutrition therapy needs in mind, while assuring that your ethnic food preferences remain intact. Ready to take the first step. Call or email now!
(818) 714-7830 View (818) 714-7830
Photo of Alysia Vega, Nutritionist/Dietitian, LDN, RD
Alysia Vega
Nutritionist/Dietitian, LDN, RD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello! I am a California-based Registered Dietitian with the group practice, Karuna Wellness Studio, who sees clients both virtually across the U.S. Karuna is a group practice specializing in nutrition and movement services through a anti-diet, HAES-aligned, weight-neutral approach. We integrate the pillars of lifestyle medicine and nutritional psychiatry to serve as health advocates for our clients, promoting both physical and mental health. I truly enjoy helping clients explore their relationship with food, movement and their bodies.
Hello! I am a California-based Registered Dietitian with the group practice, Karuna Wellness Studio, who sees clients both virtually across the U.S. Karuna is a group practice specializing in nutrition and movement services through a anti-diet, HAES-aligned, weight-neutral approach. We integrate the pillars of lifestyle medicine and nutritional psychiatry to serve as health advocates for our clients, promoting both physical and mental health. I truly enjoy helping clients explore their relationship with food, movement and their bodies.
(858) 683-1993 View (858) 683-1993
Photo of Mary Ellen Banevedes, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CDCES
Mary Ellen Banevedes
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CDCES
Serves Area
Have you tried diets but can’t stick to them? Do you lose weight then regain it? Do you feel guilty about eating foods you love? Does exercise seem like punishment? Make peace with food and your body. NO MORE wasting your precious time and energy obsessing about what to eat. NO MORE restricting, bingeing and feeling out of control around food. NO MORE beating yourself up for every. single. thing. you. eat. You can experience a peaceful, pleasurable relationship with food and your body. You deserve to know who you are outside of dieting and hating your body, and to live a liberated life that feels good to you!
Have you tried diets but can’t stick to them? Do you lose weight then regain it? Do you feel guilty about eating foods you love? Does exercise seem like punishment? Make peace with food and your body. NO MORE wasting your precious time and energy obsessing about what to eat. NO MORE restricting, bingeing and feeling out of control around food. NO MORE beating yourself up for every. single. thing. you. eat. You can experience a peaceful, pleasurable relationship with food and your body. You deserve to know who you are outside of dieting and hating your body, and to live a liberated life that feels good to you!
(559) 235-1920 View (559) 235-1920
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians

How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in 92651?

To find dietitians and nutritionists near you, input your city, town, suburb, zip code, or a provider's name in the search bar at the top of the page. From there, you can filter by specialty, treatment technique, and gender to find a dietitian or nutritionist who matches your needs.

When you visit a dietitian or nutritionist's profile, you can get a better idea if they're the right fit for you. Consider things like session cost, accepted insurance plans, and their location or telehealth options. If someone seems like a good match, you can email them or call the number on their profile. When speaking with a professional, pay attention to whether or not you feel comfortable in the conversation and how knowledgeable they are about your specific nutrition concerns. It may also be helpful to ask more about their general approach to nutrition and the training behind their credentials.

What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

The terms dietitian and nutritionist are often used interchangeably. However, there are actually key credential differences between dietitians and nutritionists that are important to keep in mind when seeking a nutrition professional.

A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) has earned at least a graduate degree from an accredited program, completed a supervised practice program, passed the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam, and continues their education regularly. The RD and RDN credentials are regulated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the largest nutrition-related organization in the country. Only professionals who meet their standards can call themselves an RD or RDN and enjoy privileges like billing insurance. Additionally, RDs and RDNs can get board certifications in specialized areas such as gerontological nutrition (CSG), sports dietetics (CSSD), pediatric nutrition (CSP), renal nutrition (CSR), or oncology nutrition (CSO). They also need state licensure, which usually aligns with national requirements.

In contrast, the title "nutritionist" doesn't require any formal education or credentials; anyone can use the title of nutritionist, including those with very limited or no formal training in nutrition. Although there are certification programs that are marketed toward those interested in nutrition counseling, the rigor and academic requirements for such programs varies greatly. These important differences between dietitians and nutritionists are thus very important to consider when choosing the right nutrition professional for your needs. To be listed in the HealthProfs directory, Nutritionists must have a minimum of a Masters Degree in a relevant field.

When should I see a dietitian or a nutritionist?

Clients seek nutritional support from dietitians and nutritionists for various reasons, ranging from medical conditions to lifestyle concerns like weight loss or dietary requirements; however, it's always important to find a professional who is a good fit for you. Consider factors such as insurance coverage, your specific medical or dietary concerns, and the availability of professionals near you to determine whether a dietitian or nutritionist may be a better fit.

Generally, nutritionists are not covered by insurance, whereas Registered Dietitians (RDs) often are, especially for those with medical conditions. If you have a chronic medical condition like cancer or kidney disease, you might want to seek out an RD with specialized expertise, such as a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) or a Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR). These credentials indicate advanced education and a commitment to ongoing learning within a specific area. Additionally, consider the availability of professionals in your area and their openness to telehealth sessions. While the field of dietetics is growing, there may not always be a wide selection of professionals, especially in rural areas. In such cases, focusing on the experience and expertise of the nutrition professional can be more important than their specific credentials.

Do I need a referral to see a dietitian or a nutritionist?

A referral is not required to see a dietitian or nutritionist, and many individuals independently seek nutritional support without prior medical advice. However, for a nutrition service to be covered by insurance, a referral from a primary care physician or another medical professional may be necessary. In such cases, a referral is typically made for those who have been formally diagnosed with a medical condition requiring nutrition counseling, such as diabetes or hypertension. If insurance coverage is critical to a client's ability to see a dietitian, they should contact their insurance provider to determine if a referral is needed for nutritional counseling and to understand any potential co-pays or coverage limits that may apply in their individual circumstance.

How much does it cost to see a dietitian or a nutritionist?

The cost of seeing a dietitian or nutritionist depends on a number of variables, including their location, their specialty, whether they take insurance, and the professional's experience and training. On average, the cost of out-of-pocket sessions with a dietitian or nutritionist within the United States ranges from $50-$150. In some cases, nutrition professionals will require a longer initial evaluation session that will cost more than ongoing follow-up sessions. Dietitians and nutritionists may also offer packages for clients interested in longer-term nutritional support; in such cases, they may charge monthly or other periodic fees for more comprehensive services, such as a combination of nutrition sessions and out-of-session coaching support. If nutrition services are covered by a client's insurance plan and they are eligible for coverage based on any referral requirements, the out-of-pocket cost of seeing a dietitian may be completely covered or significantly reduced.

Are consultations with a dietitian or nutritionist covered by insurance?

If your insurance covers nutrition services, the cost is usually lower than paying out-of-pocket. However, insurance coverage can vary based on factors like your specific plan details, whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network provider, and whether you have a referral for nutrition services based on a medical diagnosis.

Coverage also depends on the type of nutrition service. Typically, insurance plans only cover services provided by a licensed Registered Dietitian (RD) and do not cover those offered by nutritionists or nutrition coaches without the RD credential. If nutrition services are not covered by your insurance, some dietitians and nutritionists may offer sliding scale rates or lower-cost services for clients who cannot afford their full fee. However, these spots are often limited and may not always be available.