Nutritionists and Dietitians in Birmingham, AL
![Photo of Sophia Burge, MS, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/abd73e3d-14ac-4862-96e6-91bf8a7899f5/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer one- on -one nutrition counseling and education (virtually and in-person) to children, adolescents, and adults! My expertise include helping individuals with digestive issues and/or weight management concerns. I offer highly individualized nutrition coaching, meal plans, and grocery store tours! My mission is to help my clients develop sustainable health and positive eating relationships. I wholeheartedly believe that all foods can fit into a healthful diet that will serve you well.
I offer one- on -one nutrition counseling and education (virtually and in-person) to children, adolescents, and adults! My expertise include helping individuals with digestive issues and/or weight management concerns. I offer highly individualized nutrition coaching, meal plans, and grocery store tours! My mission is to help my clients develop sustainable health and positive eating relationships. I wholeheartedly believe that all foods can fit into a healthful diet that will serve you well.
![Photo of Kayla Clary, MS, RDN, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/eb209ab4-f0bb-418e-b3bf-9e47c761b3ab/2/320x400.png)
Kayla Clary
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35209 (Online Only)
Tube feeding expert! Have a new feeding tube and don't know where to start? Feeling overwhelmed with a new medical diagnosis that has completely changed the way you're able to eat and nourish yourself? Do you miss participating in meal times with your family and feel isolated with your feeding tube? I am here to help! I have been a dietitian managing tube feedings for 13 years and am able to partner with you and your medical team to help your navigate this new season of your life. If you're interested in blenderized tube feedings, full formula feedings, or a combination of both, we can make it work! Email me to learn more!
Tube feeding expert! Have a new feeding tube and don't know where to start? Feeling overwhelmed with a new medical diagnosis that has completely changed the way you're able to eat and nourish yourself? Do you miss participating in meal times with your family and feel isolated with your feeding tube? I am here to help! I have been a dietitian managing tube feedings for 13 years and am able to partner with you and your medical team to help your navigate this new season of your life. If you're interested in blenderized tube feedings, full formula feedings, or a combination of both, we can make it work! Email me to learn more!
![Photo of Laura Gaston, MS, RD, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/de36b016-c77a-4a82-9a17-f057aa5d5810/2/320x400.jpeg)
Our ideal client is busy and tired of feeling held back by fatigue, bloating, low confidence, and confusion around nutrition. If you’re ready to ditch dieting for results that last without giving up your favorite foods, Busy Gal Nutrition was created for you! We are a team of registered dietitians and we work with busy women all over the country to help them reach their weight loss goals safely and sustainably without giving up their favorite foods, and by transforming how they view food and dieting as a whole. We’re here to give you all the tools, education, and accountability you need to reach your goals and maintain your results
Our ideal client is busy and tired of feeling held back by fatigue, bloating, low confidence, and confusion around nutrition. If you’re ready to ditch dieting for results that last without giving up your favorite foods, Busy Gal Nutrition was created for you! We are a team of registered dietitians and we work with busy women all over the country to help them reach their weight loss goals safely and sustainably without giving up their favorite foods, and by transforming how they view food and dieting as a whole. We’re here to give you all the tools, education, and accountability you need to reach your goals and maintain your results
![Photo of Ali Howard Elliott, MS, RDN, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/ba885abf-7c89-4900-8a90-402e5b3d7090/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ali Elliott MS, RDN, LD has 15 years of clinical expertise. She specializes in nutrition counseling for both Pediatric and Adult patients and her expertise includes nutrition counseling for patients with Eating Disorders, Weight management, GI disease management, food allergies, food intolerance, feeding counseling and therapy for picky eaters. She also provides Nutrition therapy and management for enteral dependent children and adults.
Ali Elliott MS, RDN, LD has 15 years of clinical expertise. She specializes in nutrition counseling for both Pediatric and Adult patients and her expertise includes nutrition counseling for patients with Eating Disorders, Weight management, GI disease management, food allergies, food intolerance, feeding counseling and therapy for picky eaters. She also provides Nutrition therapy and management for enteral dependent children and adults.
![Photo of Ryann Hilton - NourishRX Nutrition, RD, LDN, CEDRD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/cfc50efa-02a4-48a3-a015-2972eb2595be/2/320x400.jpeg)
NourishRX Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CEDRD
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35212 (Online Only)
We are NourishRX Nutrition, an outpatient eating disorder practice. Ryann, our founder, is a certified eating disorder registered dietitian who began our practice in 2010. We are a team of Registered Dietitians here to listen and get to the root of what’s causing you harm while establishing a safe and trusted space. Together we will work towards letting go of diet mentality and developing healthy habits to support improved nutrition and improved body image. We will work to pursue a healing journey that helps you to create a more meaningful, confident, and connected life! Book a FREE call: www.nourishrx.com/appointments
We are NourishRX Nutrition, an outpatient eating disorder practice. Ryann, our founder, is a certified eating disorder registered dietitian who began our practice in 2010. We are a team of Registered Dietitians here to listen and get to the root of what’s causing you harm while establishing a safe and trusted space. Together we will work towards letting go of diet mentality and developing healthy habits to support improved nutrition and improved body image. We will work to pursue a healing journey that helps you to create a more meaningful, confident, and connected life! Book a FREE call: www.nourishrx.com/appointments
![Photo of Kristin Paver, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/efe16b7a-6cce-4495-a936-c7d2e511a04a/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
![Photo of Josie Iroz, MS, RD, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/f65f08a0-d91b-483b-8bb3-ddab523f62f1/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in disordered eating nutrition counseling. Is restriction your go-to coping skill? Maybe you feel like you have lost control of food. Or maybe you just don't trust yourself around food. I can help you improve your relationship with food so that you promote both emotional & physical wellbeing. I will support you as you learn to trust food and your body.
I specialize in disordered eating nutrition counseling. Is restriction your go-to coping skill? Maybe you feel like you have lost control of food. Or maybe you just don't trust yourself around food. I can help you improve your relationship with food so that you promote both emotional & physical wellbeing. I will support you as you learn to trust food and your body.
![Photo of Karen Bishop, RDN, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/be57a362-2317-4cb0-a332-2a0ee220969b/3/320x400.png)
25-Year EXPERT. Weight Loss, Chronic Issues. FREE 20-Min. Intro Call. Functional Medicine Nutrition for weight loss, diabetes, hormone balance, PCOS, renal and digestive issues, IBS, cancer, food allergy, anxiety, depression, hypertension, heart disease, fibromyalgia, adrenal fatigue, thyroid imbalances, menopause, arthritis, chronic yeast overgrowth, autism, AD(H)D, COPD & more. I help patients recreate their health with customized meal plans, botanical medicine, nutritional supplements & exercise prescription. Gluten-free, low-histamine, vegetarian/vegan, low carb, low oxalate, Paleo, FODMAPs & others, adjusted for special needs.
25-Year EXPERT. Weight Loss, Chronic Issues. FREE 20-Min. Intro Call. Functional Medicine Nutrition for weight loss, diabetes, hormone balance, PCOS, renal and digestive issues, IBS, cancer, food allergy, anxiety, depression, hypertension, heart disease, fibromyalgia, adrenal fatigue, thyroid imbalances, menopause, arthritis, chronic yeast overgrowth, autism, AD(H)D, COPD & more. I help patients recreate their health with customized meal plans, botanical medicine, nutritional supplements & exercise prescription. Gluten-free, low-histamine, vegetarian/vegan, low carb, low oxalate, Paleo, FODMAPs & others, adjusted for special needs.
![Photo of Kristi Sibert, MA, RD, LD, CEDRD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/58d4b5ed-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Food should NOT be complicated! Finding a balance with food and developing a healthy lifestyle does not have to mean dieting or feeling chronic food guilt. It's hard to know what to believe about food and fitness in our diet driven world. Specializing in helping my clients achieve their health and wellness goals, I approach nutrition with a diet free philosophy where all foods can be enjoyed as part of a healthy life. Using scientifically proven nutrition principles, education, and a therapeutic approach, I will work with you to help you find peace with food and your body.
Food should NOT be complicated! Finding a balance with food and developing a healthy lifestyle does not have to mean dieting or feeling chronic food guilt. It's hard to know what to believe about food and fitness in our diet driven world. Specializing in helping my clients achieve their health and wellness goals, I approach nutrition with a diet free philosophy where all foods can be enjoyed as part of a healthy life. Using scientifically proven nutrition principles, education, and a therapeutic approach, I will work with you to help you find peace with food and your body.
![Photo of Ellie Livingston, MS, RD, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/6ac4f0b2-d499-4f5c-bddc-3dbff05c28ff/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ellie Livingston
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35201 (Online Only)
I provide faith-based, virtual outpatient nutrition services for individuals with eating disorders, disordered eating, or general health concerns. You can become set free from food rules, food judgments, and guilt as you learn to have a healthy relationship with food and your body with non-diet nutrition education, nutrition counseling, and implementation of practical life skills.
I provide faith-based, virtual outpatient nutrition services for individuals with eating disorders, disordered eating, or general health concerns. You can become set free from food rules, food judgments, and guilt as you learn to have a healthy relationship with food and your body with non-diet nutrition education, nutrition counseling, and implementation of practical life skills.
![Photo of Tammie Nikole Rowe, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/cec03d72-ad5f-4481-8e96-441b1c2cc4a3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that a healthy diet is the foundation for overall well-being, and my mission is to empower my clients to make positive changes in their lives through nutrition education and support. I absolutely love helping people achieve their health and wellness goals. I meet you where you are and we work together to get to the goals set. I understand that each person has unique nutritional needs and goals, and I take the time to listen to my clients and create individualized plans that fit their lifestyles and preferences.
I believe that a healthy diet is the foundation for overall well-being, and my mission is to empower my clients to make positive changes in their lives through nutrition education and support. I absolutely love helping people achieve their health and wellness goals. I meet you where you are and we work together to get to the goals set. I understand that each person has unique nutritional needs and goals, and I take the time to listen to my clients and create individualized plans that fit their lifestyles and preferences.
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![Photo of Anne Suelzer, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/aa80e6f2-990f-44d7-a7bf-212463687c21/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
![Photo of Grady Daniel Murray - Pineapple Pathway LLC, MS, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/e52a6a70-adec-43fb-b127-aaacb8a267dd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pineapple Pathway LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35201 (Online Only)
We offer a unique perspective on Nutrition and Dietary counseling designed for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their family members' needs, through an online Telehealth platform. Our Unique perspective is a food first approach and focused on nutrition education for the whole family. We believe in a whole team approach, and with your permission, we will initiate a Telehealth Care-Team with your child's other providers. Understanding and communicating the child's needs, leads to more significant outcomes when a team approach is used.
We offer a unique perspective on Nutrition and Dietary counseling designed for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their family members' needs, through an online Telehealth platform. Our Unique perspective is a food first approach and focused on nutrition education for the whole family. We believe in a whole team approach, and with your permission, we will initiate a Telehealth Care-Team with your child's other providers. Understanding and communicating the child's needs, leads to more significant outcomes when a team approach is used.
![Photo of Racquel (Rocky) Burch, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/40ce85c8-827f-41e3-acfa-0b6bc2ada98f/3/320x400.png)
Racquel (Rocky) Burch
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35202 (Online Only)
Rocky is a registered dietitian who has been in the field of dietetics for 5 years. She specializes in working with folks affected by/with disordered eating, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and wanting to learn mindful and intuitive eating. She includes a health at every size (HAES) approach and really enjoys working with LGBTQ+IA folks struggling with their relationship with food. Rocky's approach to nutrition care is direct but kind, openness with understanding, and an overall "intensive care bear" approach. Her main job is to listen to you in the moment, provide feedback, help you set and reach specific goals.
Rocky is a registered dietitian who has been in the field of dietetics for 5 years. She specializes in working with folks affected by/with disordered eating, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and wanting to learn mindful and intuitive eating. She includes a health at every size (HAES) approach and really enjoys working with LGBTQ+IA folks struggling with their relationship with food. Rocky's approach to nutrition care is direct but kind, openness with understanding, and an overall "intensive care bear" approach. Her main job is to listen to you in the moment, provide feedback, help you set and reach specific goals.
![Photo of Alyssum Reno-Smith - The Non Diet Sports RD , MS, RDN, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/07b15568-72ab-4d38-93ad-c5949c273bb2/3/320x400.jpeg)
The Non Diet Sports RD
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35233
My passion for sports nutrition and overall health stems from being a former collegiate athlete and my desire to help others develop a healthy relationship with food while emphasizing a health-at-every-size, weight-inclusive approach in my practice. The societal standards that individuals, especially athletes, experience can be exhausting and create impossible standards to live up to.
My passion for sports nutrition and overall health stems from being a former collegiate athlete and my desire to help others develop a healthy relationship with food while emphasizing a health-at-every-size, weight-inclusive approach in my practice. The societal standards that individuals, especially athletes, experience can be exhausting and create impossible standards to live up to.
![Photo of Danika Vielma, MS, RDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/d2b47af6-f433-4877-89ae-8e09a8350020/1/320x400.jpeg)
In my role as a Registered Dietitian, my mission is to challenge diet culture, promote body diversity, and cultivate a positive relationship with food that nurtures both your physical well-being and mental health. Utilizing virtual sessions, I provide tailored guidance and support to assist you in reaching your health and wellness objectives. Together, we can formulate a sustainable plan that aligns with your individual needs.
In my role as a Registered Dietitian, my mission is to challenge diet culture, promote body diversity, and cultivate a positive relationship with food that nurtures both your physical well-being and mental health. Utilizing virtual sessions, I provide tailored guidance and support to assist you in reaching your health and wellness objectives. Together, we can formulate a sustainable plan that aligns with your individual needs.
![Photo of Kelly Neilson, MDA, RD, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/57c06ef0-ce1f-415e-9b72-0615ab4c8fae/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about working with individuals struggling with eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, OSFED, ARFID) and disordered eating (such as chronic dieting, compulsive overeating, emotional eating, etc). I know my clients are so much MORE than their eating disorder/disordered eating and I love helping them visualize and achieve their potential. My ideal client is ready to make changes to improve their life, have more freedom with food, and learn to embrace and love their body.
I am passionate about working with individuals struggling with eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, OSFED, ARFID) and disordered eating (such as chronic dieting, compulsive overeating, emotional eating, etc). I know my clients are so much MORE than their eating disorder/disordered eating and I love helping them visualize and achieve their potential. My ideal client is ready to make changes to improve their life, have more freedom with food, and learn to embrace and love their body.
![Photo of Jenny Antony, MS, RD, CSPCC, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/50f0c8bc-972f-458a-a495-ff00ac41b239/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jenny Antony
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CSPCC, LD
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35201 (Online Only)
Jenny is a registered dietitian who believes in a holistic approach to health. She has helped people manage their nutrition and weight through some of the most critical times of their lives. She has worked with conditions including pregnancy, postpartum, poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal disease, congenital heart disease, transplant, and inborn errors of metabolism. She loves working with children and adults alike and believes there is something to learn from every client she meets. Jenny strives to be a good listener and understand her clients' goals and struggles.
Jenny is a registered dietitian who believes in a holistic approach to health. She has helped people manage their nutrition and weight through some of the most critical times of their lives. She has worked with conditions including pregnancy, postpartum, poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal disease, congenital heart disease, transplant, and inborn errors of metabolism. She loves working with children and adults alike and believes there is something to learn from every client she meets. Jenny strives to be a good listener and understand her clients' goals and struggles.
![Photo of Jessica Whatley And Courtney Johnson - Restore Nutrition Counseling, MS, RD, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/65a00405-1d70-4321-99e1-bd97c367a2d7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Restore Nutrition Counseling
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35242
Restore Nutrition helps individuals and families establish a healing relationship with food with evidence-based practices and client-centered care. Our dietitians empower individuals to find their own relationship with food to heal disordered eating and hormone imbalances. We are here to help you reconnect to yourself and the joy of eating.
Restore Nutrition helps individuals and families establish a healing relationship with food with evidence-based practices and client-centered care. Our dietitians empower individuals to find their own relationship with food to heal disordered eating and hormone imbalances. We are here to help you reconnect to yourself and the joy of eating.
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Birmingham?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.