Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Nutritionists and Dietitians in Irvine, CA

Photo of Denise Canellos, MS, CNS, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Denise Canellos
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92604
Nutrition therapy can help your treatment be more successful and reduce your risk of developing cancer in the future.
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.
Nutrition therapy can help your treatment be more successful and reduce your risk of developing cancer in the future.
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 Sangeeta Shrivastava - Dr Sangeeta Nutrition, PhD, MS, RDN, FAND, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Dr Sangeeta Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, MS, RDN, FAND
Verified Verified
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 April L. Murray, RD, CLT, Nutritionist/Dietitian
April L. Murray
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CLT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92602
We specialize in weight management, eating disorders, digestive issues such as bloating, food sensitivities and other medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue and PCOS.
Are you struggling with losing weight, uncomfortable bloating or an unhealthy relationship with food? Do you want to work with someone who understands what you're going through... At OC Nutrition Coaching we truly care about the people we work with, that's why we take a one-on-one approach and focus on lifestyle changes.
We specialize in weight management, eating disorders, digestive issues such as bloating, food sensitivities and other medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue and PCOS.
Are you struggling with losing weight, uncomfortable bloating or an unhealthy relationship with food? Do you want to work with someone who understands what you're going through... At OC Nutrition Coaching we truly care about the people we work with, that's why we take a one-on-one approach and focus on lifestyle changes.
(714) 646-6641 View (714) 646-6641
Photo of Tami Broderick, RD, CLT, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Tami Broderick
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CLT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92602
I specialize in treating food sensitivities through LEAP Therapy (Lifestyle, Eating, and Performance), which uses a patented blood test called MRT (Mediator Release Test).
Do you suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraines, acid reflux, eczema, or other unexplained health conditions? Do you have trouble losing weight, or suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol? Do you need help with an auto-immune disorder such as celiac disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or graves disease? If so, please let me help - I would love to work with you. I've helped thousands of individuals lose weight, reduce or eliminate their medications, and put an end to the feeling of hopelessness these conditions can cause.
I specialize in treating food sensitivities through LEAP Therapy (Lifestyle, Eating, and Performance), which uses a patented blood test called MRT (Mediator Release Test).
Do you suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraines, acid reflux, eczema, or other unexplained health conditions? Do you have trouble losing weight, or suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol? Do you need help with an auto-immune disorder such as celiac disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or graves disease? If so, please let me help - I would love to work with you. I've helped thousands of individuals lose weight, reduce or eliminate their medications, and put an end to the feeling of hopelessness these conditions can cause.
(949) 281-7497 View (949) 281-7497
Photo of Yasaman 'yasi' Ansari - Yasi Ansari Nutrition, MS, RDN, CSSD, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Yasi Ansari Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CSSD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92618
Other Nutrition Services Include: 1:1 Nutrition Therapy, Family Nutrition Education, FBT-Informed Training, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Team Talks, Meal Planning, Sports Performance Nutrition Counseling, Performing Arts Nutrition, Food and Nutrition Media Expert.
I am a Registered Dietitian & Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD). I have had >10 years of experience in a variety of sports & clinical settings. I specialize in working with adult and adolescent athletes in sports such as dance, gymnastics, performing arts, ice skating, cross country/track, soccer, swim, volleyball, lacrosse, tennis, softball, football & basketball. Additionally, I also specialize in working with athletes struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating. I focus on a food-first approach that is nourishing and personalized to each athlete to help them perform their best and supports their health.
Other Nutrition Services Include: 1:1 Nutrition Therapy, Family Nutrition Education, FBT-Informed Training, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Team Talks, Meal Planning, Sports Performance Nutrition Counseling, Performing Arts Nutrition, Food and Nutrition Media Expert.
I am a Registered Dietitian & Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD). I have had >10 years of experience in a variety of sports & clinical settings. I specialize in working with adult and adolescent athletes in sports such as dance, gymnastics, performing arts, ice skating, cross country/track, soccer, swim, volleyball, lacrosse, tennis, softball, football & basketball. Additionally, I also specialize in working with athletes struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating. I focus on a food-first approach that is nourishing and personalized to each athlete to help them perform their best and supports their health.
(949) 528-8760 View (949) 528-8760
Photo of Eliza Cheng, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Eliza Cheng
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92603  (Online Only)
In my practice, I encourage gentle nutrition from a weight-inclusive perspective to address conditions such as eating disorders, heart disease, women's health issues, family-based nutrition therapy, intuitive eating, and normalizing lab values.
Have you ever felt guilty about what you just ate? Do you find yourself frustrated and anxious when thinking about your next meal? Have you tried every diet but failed and are wondering how to eat? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, know that you are not alone. So, if you’re tired of skipping events to avoid food, binging after a date, feeling unsure about how meals and snacks should look after receiving a medical diagnosis, feeling anxious about preparing food in the kitchen, or if you're a little curious about what intuitive eating is - I am here to help!
In my practice, I encourage gentle nutrition from a weight-inclusive perspective to address conditions such as eating disorders, heart disease, women's health issues, family-based nutrition therapy, intuitive eating, and normalizing lab values.
Have you ever felt guilty about what you just ate? Do you find yourself frustrated and anxious when thinking about your next meal? Have you tried every diet but failed and are wondering how to eat? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, know that you are not alone. So, if you’re tired of skipping events to avoid food, binging after a date, feeling unsure about how meals and snacks should look after receiving a medical diagnosis, feeling anxious about preparing food in the kitchen, or if you're a little curious about what intuitive eating is - I am here to help!
(629) 302-3191 View (629) 302-3191
Photo of Sarah Marie Jackson, MS, RDN, CLT, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Sarah Marie Jackson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CLT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92620
I help clients achieve their nutrition related health goals by coupling evidenced based practices with function nutrition therapies. I find the root cause of my clients health concerns then develop a personalized nutrition plan that is easy to follow so goals can be achieved.
I help clients achieve their nutrition related health goals by coupling evidenced based practices with function nutrition therapies. I find the root cause of my clients health concerns then develop a personalized nutrition plan that is easy to follow so goals can be achieved.
(747) 271-2024 View (747) 271-2024
Photo of Brittany Bettingen, RDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Brittany Bettingen
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Verified Verified
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 Janice Dada, MPH, RDN, CDCES, CEDS, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Janice Dada
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, CDCES, CEDS
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92602
I specialize in helping individuals and families optimize their health, well-being, and eating behaviors. I offer personalized nutrition counseling using a non-diet, weight-inclusive framework, which means I don’t focus on body size or prescribe eating rules to follow. Instead, I use a client-centered model of care and serve as a guide on the journey to better health and wellness. My approach incorporates evidence-based nutrition principles along with an understanding of human behavior and psychology. This process looks different for everyone; there is no “one size fits all.”
I specialize in helping individuals and families optimize their health, well-being, and eating behaviors. I offer personalized nutrition counseling using a non-diet, weight-inclusive framework, which means I don’t focus on body size or prescribe eating rules to follow. Instead, I use a client-centered model of care and serve as a guide on the journey to better health and wellness. My approach incorporates evidence-based nutrition principles along with an understanding of human behavior and psychology. This process looks different for everyone; there is no “one size fits all.”
(949) 342-4605 View (949) 342-4605
Photo of Elizabeth Lee, MS, RD, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Elizabeth Lee
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92618
Look no further if you’re seeking a health-centered, weight-neutral dietitian! I may be the right fit for your needs if you: ▸ Need help managing blood sugar/cholesterol/blood pressure without being fearful or avoidant of food ▸ Can use a trained professional’s help with navigating through all the nutrition noise ▸ Don’t want to sacrifice enjoyment of food to achieve your health goal ▸ Are ready to break the cycles of diets for an approach that doesn’t leave you feeling ashamed and defeated ▸ Are searching for pre- and post-bariatric surgery support that understands the unique mental and physical transitions involved.
Look no further if you’re seeking a health-centered, weight-neutral dietitian! I may be the right fit for your needs if you: ▸ Need help managing blood sugar/cholesterol/blood pressure without being fearful or avoidant of food ▸ Can use a trained professional’s help with navigating through all the nutrition noise ▸ Don’t want to sacrifice enjoyment of food to achieve your health goal ▸ Are ready to break the cycles of diets for an approach that doesn’t leave you feeling ashamed and defeated ▸ Are searching for pre- and post-bariatric surgery support that understands the unique mental and physical transitions involved.
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Photo of Dalia S Beydoun, MS, RD, CNSC, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Dalia S Beydoun
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CNSC
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92602
I am a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition Science. I have nearly ten years of experience working with a variety of individuals with different health issues in various clinical settings. My primary niche is weight management, however I love helping people manage their health issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, among others. I focus on using an evidence-based, whole foods approach to weight loss and disease management to help adults adopt sustainable lifestyle habits.
I am a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition Science. I have nearly ten years of experience working with a variety of individuals with different health issues in various clinical settings. My primary niche is weight management, however I love helping people manage their health issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, among others. I focus on using an evidence-based, whole foods approach to weight loss and disease management to help adults adopt sustainable lifestyle habits.
(949) 608-6637 View (949) 608-6637
Photo of Saghar Sefidbakht - Avicenna Dietetics, MS, RDN, CLT, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Avicenna Dietetics
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CLT
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92618
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 Erin M Macdonald, RD, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Erin M Macdonald
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92602
Health and wellness is more than just what you eat. As a nutrition, fitness, and wellness coach, we work together to craft a plan that helps you achieve your health and wellness goals. Your plan for successfully acheiving your goals revolves around an individualized nutrition and fitness plan and strategies to make the necessary behavior changes.
Health and wellness is more than just what you eat. As a nutrition, fitness, and wellness coach, we work together to craft a plan that helps you achieve your health and wellness goals. Your plan for successfully acheiving your goals revolves around an individualized nutrition and fitness plan and strategies to make the necessary behavior changes.
(949) 342-5646 View (949) 342-5646
Photo of Aditi Shah, MPH, RDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Aditi Shah
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92603
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 Kelly Wills, MS, RD, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Kelly Wills
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92602  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Kelly! I work as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor supporting people living in San Luis Obispo County and throughout California. I offer virtual, weight inclusive nutrition counseling to folks struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, chronic dieting, & body image issues. Working together will allow you to heal your relationship with food while creating more space and energy to start living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Hi, I'm Kelly! I work as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor supporting people living in San Luis Obispo County and throughout California. I offer virtual, weight inclusive nutrition counseling to folks struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, chronic dieting, & body image issues. Working together will allow you to heal your relationship with food while creating more space and energy to start living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
(805) 321-1557 View (805) 321-1557
Photo of Kristie Tovar - Kristie Tovar Nutrition, MS, RDN, CEDS, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Kristie Tovar Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CEDS
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92612
Hi, I’m Kristie. I'm a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist. I'm passionate about helping others nourish their bodies, minds, and spirits in ways that are rewarding and without judgment. I provide weight-neutral nutrition support to help clients heal from eating disorders and chronic dieting, PCOS and women’s health.
Hi, I’m Kristie. I'm a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist. I'm passionate about helping others nourish their bodies, minds, and spirits in ways that are rewarding and without judgment. I provide weight-neutral nutrition support to help clients heal from eating disorders and chronic dieting, PCOS and women’s health.
(747) 999-4012 View (747) 999-4012

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Ashley Lytwyn, MS, RDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Ashley Lytwyn
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92658
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 Joanna Richardson-Jones, RD, MBA, RPS, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Joanna Richardson-Jones
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, MBA, RPS
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92658
In addition to being a Registered Dietitian I am credentialed by California Medical Board to provide psychoanalytic therapy.
Do you feel like you can't control your eating food- related behaviors ? Do you see yourself as "fat" when others see you as too thin? Would you say that food and thoughts about food dominate your life? You don't have to be alone in your struggle. My specialized and experienced empathetic approach focuses on you and your personal experience . The science of nutrition is important but struggling clients need support with their emotions around food and eating. Plan of care and recovery is developed carefully with your involvement.
In addition to being a Registered Dietitian I am credentialed by California Medical Board to provide psychoanalytic therapy.
Do you feel like you can't control your eating food- related behaviors ? Do you see yourself as "fat" when others see you as too thin? Would you say that food and thoughts about food dominate your life? You don't have to be alone in your struggle. My specialized and experienced empathetic approach focuses on you and your personal experience . The science of nutrition is important but struggling clients need support with their emotions around food and eating. Plan of care and recovery is developed carefully with your involvement.
(949) 565-2818 View (949) 565-2818
Photo of Dahlia Marin - Married to Health, RDN, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Married to Health
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
We focus on medical nutrition therapy where every meal, every day, for every person can be a healing experience.
Patients come to our practice seeking to not only treat symptoms, but identify root causes as to why they have those symptoms in the first place. Nutrition and lifestyle are extremely important for root cause prevention and reversal of disease, therefore we use any and all evidence-based resources at our disposal to help our patients identify, treat, and evolve a sustainable action plan centered around an in-depth, root cause approach.
We focus on medical nutrition therapy where every meal, every day, for every person can be a healing experience.
Patients come to our practice seeking to not only treat symptoms, but identify root causes as to why they have those symptoms in the first place. Nutrition and lifestyle are extremely important for root cause prevention and reversal of disease, therefore we use any and all evidence-based resources at our disposal to help our patients identify, treat, and evolve a sustainable action plan centered around an in-depth, root cause approach.
(714) 316-7407 View (714) 316-7407
Photo of Katie Chapmon - Katie Chapmon Nutrition, MS, RDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Katie Chapmon Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92780  (Online Only)
Do you have bloating, irregular bowel movements, irregular periods, and are wanting to take a functional approach to feeling better? Together, we take a deep dive into your personal gut microbiome, overall digestion and hormones using functional testing and a whole person approach. Additionally, I specialize in working with people to prepare, recover and continue forward after metabolic and bariatric surgery - focusing on a non-judgmental environment to combine nutrition and mindset transformation
Do you have bloating, irregular bowel movements, irregular periods, and are wanting to take a functional approach to feeling better? Together, we take a deep dive into your personal gut microbiome, overall digestion and hormones using functional testing and a whole person approach. Additionally, I specialize in working with people to prepare, recover and continue forward after metabolic and bariatric surgery - focusing on a non-judgmental environment to combine nutrition and mindset transformation
(747) 201-4188 View (747) 201-4188
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Nutritionists and Dietitians

What is medical nutrition therapy?

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) involves the use of personalized dietary changes to prevent or manage chronic conditions. Typically conducted in an outpatient setting by a Registered Dietitian (RD), MNT aims to address specific health issues through tailored nutrition plans. Clients are often referred for MNT by healthcare professionals who identify conditions that could benefit from dietary and lifestyle modifications, such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. The goal of MNT is to improve overall health outcomes by making adjustments to the client's diet based on their individual needs and medical conditions.

What conditions is medical nutrition therapy for?

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is often used for individuals with diseases caused or worsened by poor diet, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and cardiovascular diseases. However, other conditions can also benefit from nutrition therapy. MNT is typically not intended to replace other treatments, such as medication, but rather to complement them. By improving a person's overall diet and health, MNT aims to prevent the exacerbation of symptoms and complement other treatments.

Is medical nutrition therapy covered by insurance?

Medical nutrition therapy is frequently covered by insurance. 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. While a referral is not required to see a dietitian or nutritionist, and many individuals independently seek nutritional support without prior medical advice, a referral from a primary care physician or another medical professional may be necessary to obtain coverage for medical nutrition services. 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. 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.

What does medical nutrition therapy involve?

The approach a dietitian will take in a medical nutrition therapy session will depend on a number of factors, including what conditions the client has and what the goals of the client are. An initial session often involves an assessment of the client's overall health and current dietary intake; a dietitian may also speak with a client's medical doctor prior to or following a first session to obtain information on the medical condition(s) the client is seeking nutrition therapy counseling for. The dietitian will then work with the client to create goals of medical nutrition therapy sessions, such as weight loss, eating a more plant-based diet, or reducing sodium intake. Then, in ongoing sessions, the dietitian will work with the client to meet their stated goals. These ongoing sessions often include menu planning and coaching, which involve the dietitian working with the client to develop strategies for a healthier and more balanced diet. Dietitians may suggest recipes, put together grocery shopping lists, and/or recommend tracking one's intake in order to help clients make desired changes.