Nutritionists and Dietitians near Merced County, CA
![Photo of Delilah Bisase, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/aed38c36-8cf9-4929-9c6a-3ab43f6bd758/1/320x400.png)
When I first entered the workforce as a dietitian my life looked picture perfect on the outside, but on the inside my work was so unfulfilling and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it; then intuitive eating and reiki entered my life. What many people don’t realize is that a major component of nutrition is behavior change. Behavior change has nothing to do with the foods you eat, rather it’s all about habits and mindset. Here’s where it gets interesting. Energetic imbalances are at the root of your habits and mindset, and this is why I incorporate intuitive eating and reiki into my work with clients.
When I first entered the workforce as a dietitian my life looked picture perfect on the outside, but on the inside my work was so unfulfilling and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it; then intuitive eating and reiki entered my life. What many people don’t realize is that a major component of nutrition is behavior change. Behavior change has nothing to do with the foods you eat, rather it’s all about habits and mindset. Here’s where it gets interesting. Energetic imbalances are at the root of your habits and mindset, and this is why I incorporate intuitive eating and reiki into my work with clients.
![Photo of Aliya Sisti, RD, LDN, MS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/7b60f557-e152-4854-bdc0-4ccedf1c89a6/2/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Aliya Sisti. I got my Bachelors in Food and Nutrition from SDSU and went on to get credentialed as a Registered Dietitian in 2018. I continued my education and received my Masters in Professional Practice in Dietetics from Iowa State University in 2021. I started my education in nutrition after finding frustration, as many do, with the contradicting information that was provided on the internet.
My name is Aliya Sisti. I got my Bachelors in Food and Nutrition from SDSU and went on to get credentialed as a Registered Dietitian in 2018. I continued my education and received my Masters in Professional Practice in Dietetics from Iowa State University in 2021. I started my education in nutrition after finding frustration, as many do, with the contradicting information that was provided on the internet.
![Photo of Sadie Hitsky, RD, LDN, MS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/eade7017-82a6-4936-84f7-6eef20923de1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sadie is a Seattle-based Registered Dietitian with 8 years of Integrative and Functional health experience. She completed her training in Nutrition and Dietetics at Bastyr University which emphasized a root-cause approach to healing. Sadie believes it’s within your control to be your happiest and most vibrant self and her goal is to empower you to achieve this. Sadie’s favorite part about working with others is partnering together and seeing people evolve into their healthiest selves yet. She believes in the body’s innate ability to heal when given the opportunity to do so.
Sadie is a Seattle-based Registered Dietitian with 8 years of Integrative and Functional health experience. She completed her training in Nutrition and Dietetics at Bastyr University which emphasized a root-cause approach to healing. Sadie believes it’s within your control to be your happiest and most vibrant self and her goal is to empower you to achieve this. Sadie’s favorite part about working with others is partnering together and seeing people evolve into their healthiest selves yet. She believes in the body’s innate ability to heal when given the opportunity to do so.
![Photo of Ginger Farias, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/46172b04-8f4b-4054-9868-5d0841771773/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ginger is a Registered Dietitian who wants to learn more about how she can help you on your journey to better health. Expectations are realistic and set to meet your personal needs. Ginger loves beagle dogs and enjoys roller skating. She cares for people and wants them to live their best lives.
Ginger is a Registered Dietitian who wants to learn more about how she can help you on your journey to better health. Expectations are realistic and set to meet your personal needs. Ginger loves beagle dogs and enjoys roller skating. She cares for people and wants them to live their best lives.
![Photo of Sarah Hall, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/614f3bd5-7c0e-4b7b-bcf1-068f68980114/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meet Sarah Hall: I am a passionate, fun-loving RDN who takes an empathetic, judgement free approach. I have a special love for sports nutrition, working with athletes or those training for races and challenges as I spent most of my life as an athlete and spent time working as an RD in an elite training center. As a type 1 diabetic I have a great enthusiasm for any and all diabetes patients, I understand the struggles and what it can take to manage.
Meet Sarah Hall: I am a passionate, fun-loving RDN who takes an empathetic, judgement free approach. I have a special love for sports nutrition, working with athletes or those training for races and challenges as I spent most of my life as an athlete and spent time working as an RD in an elite training center. As a type 1 diabetic I have a great enthusiasm for any and all diabetes patients, I understand the struggles and what it can take to manage.
![Photo of Fuad Al Qudsi, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/6494f1b7-162f-456d-9f58-b934d7bc6013/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I’m Fuad (pronounced Fowad)! I’m a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition and food science from Northern Colorado University. I am also a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer with eighteen years of experience in the wellness field. My mission is to empower individuals to reach their full potential through nutrition counseling and education using evidence-based nutrition and exercise science. My formal background in fitness combined with a functional approach to nutrition is foundation to my nutrition counseling.
Hello, I’m Fuad (pronounced Fowad)! I’m a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition and food science from Northern Colorado University. I am also a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer with eighteen years of experience in the wellness field. My mission is to empower individuals to reach their full potential through nutrition counseling and education using evidence-based nutrition and exercise science. My formal background in fitness combined with a functional approach to nutrition is foundation to my nutrition counseling.
![Photo of Aditi Shah, RD, LDN, MPH, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/02589051-0b9a-4d22-aa4b-f67461829251/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Rachael Costello, RD, LDN, MS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/cbe8b0cd-2f3d-45fe-b356-2fdc875e1de8/1/320x400.png)
Hi! I am Rachael, a registered dietitian nutritionist with a focus on gastrointestinal health and sports nutrition as well as overall wellness. I have experience in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care, rehabilitation, outpatient counseling, and higher education. I have a BA in Dietetics from the University of Northern Colorado and an MS in Applied Nutrition from the University of New England. Living with GI disorders is difficult and I want to help my patients get out of pain and feel healthy again. I have a certificate from Monash University in low FODMAP-Diet instruction, which is used in IBS.
Hi! I am Rachael, a registered dietitian nutritionist with a focus on gastrointestinal health and sports nutrition as well as overall wellness. I have experience in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care, rehabilitation, outpatient counseling, and higher education. I have a BA in Dietetics from the University of Northern Colorado and an MS in Applied Nutrition from the University of New England. Living with GI disorders is difficult and I want to help my patients get out of pain and feel healthy again. I have a certificate from Monash University in low FODMAP-Diet instruction, which is used in IBS.
![Photo of Brittany Bingham, RD, LDN, MS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/dca69987-6d92-4536-a55a-7cdca1f4911a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Bingham MS, RD, LD is a dietitian with many years of experience in dietetics and wellness. Brittany earned her undergraduate degree at Northern Illinois University. After undergrad, she moved back to her hometown to build her nutrition skills through the Sodexo Dietetic Internship with a focus in clinical nutrition while simultaneously completing her MS in Dietetics. If you are looking for ways to change your diet to meet your individual goals while still eating some of the things you love, look no further!
Brittany Bingham MS, RD, LD is a dietitian with many years of experience in dietetics and wellness. Brittany earned her undergraduate degree at Northern Illinois University. After undergrad, she moved back to her hometown to build her nutrition skills through the Sodexo Dietetic Internship with a focus in clinical nutrition while simultaneously completing her MS in Dietetics. If you are looking for ways to change your diet to meet your individual goals while still eating some of the things you love, look no further!
![Photo of Ayesha Shafeeq, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/26acd2ec-5f11-427d-aa7b-0dc0e55ce684/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Registered Dietitian licensed to practice in Illinois. I received my Bachelors in Nutrition Science with a minor in biological sciences from University of Illinois at Chicago. As an undergrad I participated in research related to diabetes, weight loss, physical activity and public health. I completed 1200 hours of supervised clinical training from Uchicago Medicine Ingalls memorial Dietetic Internship program. During my training I did research on nutrigenomics, diabetes, and weight loss.
I am a Registered Dietitian licensed to practice in Illinois. I received my Bachelors in Nutrition Science with a minor in biological sciences from University of Illinois at Chicago. As an undergrad I participated in research related to diabetes, weight loss, physical activity and public health. I completed 1200 hours of supervised clinical training from Uchicago Medicine Ingalls memorial Dietetic Internship program. During my training I did research on nutrigenomics, diabetes, and weight loss.
![Photo of Laurie Kaplan, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/108ece42-9992-4fc3-82f7-247fa914f64d/2/320x400.jpeg)
A mom of two amazing young men, a lifelong equestrian, a rock -n- roll drummer and a farmer -sheep, chickens and horses. I have explored life on many levels including my formal education at Michigan State University where I received a BS in Animal Science and another in Human Nutrition/Dietetics. A stint as an Air Force dietitian, thousands of hours in personal development with Tony Robbins, Joseph McClendon III and the Legendary Group have and continue to support my growth. I connect deeply with my clients so that they are able to live the healthy lives they seek. It is truly my mission.
A mom of two amazing young men, a lifelong equestrian, a rock -n- roll drummer and a farmer -sheep, chickens and horses. I have explored life on many levels including my formal education at Michigan State University where I received a BS in Animal Science and another in Human Nutrition/Dietetics. A stint as an Air Force dietitian, thousands of hours in personal development with Tony Robbins, Joseph McClendon III and the Legendary Group have and continue to support my growth. I connect deeply with my clients so that they are able to live the healthy lives they seek. It is truly my mission.
![Photo of Jaime Zavala, RD, LDN, MS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/b8b85df1-8d6f-48e1-8def-03e0f444d715/2/320x400.jpeg)
Food is a basic need that unites us as human beings. With so much health-related information, misinformation, fearmongering, and outside noise, it is easy to see how our perception of health and relationship with food can become altered. With a graduate degree in nutrition and almost a decade of experience as a dietitian, I bring a well-rounded knowledge base to meet you where you are and to equip you with the tools to make nutrition work for you!
Food is a basic need that unites us as human beings. With so much health-related information, misinformation, fearmongering, and outside noise, it is easy to see how our perception of health and relationship with food can become altered. With a graduate degree in nutrition and almost a decade of experience as a dietitian, I bring a well-rounded knowledge base to meet you where you are and to equip you with the tools to make nutrition work for you!
![Photo of Jocelyn Johnson, RD, LDN, MS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/06e86fd3-ebef-461a-85db-53941fbfa68d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a registered dietitian from the Midwest with over 10 years of experience. Having held positions in a variety of settings within the industry, I've been lucky to work with people from all walks of life. I'm passionate about assisting others on their journey to improve their health. Whether you are looking to lose weight, manage symptoms, or battling a chronic disease, I can empower you to take control of your health using evidence-based information and personalized coaching. We will work together to develop new habits that become long-term changes.
I am a registered dietitian from the Midwest with over 10 years of experience. Having held positions in a variety of settings within the industry, I've been lucky to work with people from all walks of life. I'm passionate about assisting others on their journey to improve their health. Whether you are looking to lose weight, manage symptoms, or battling a chronic disease, I can empower you to take control of your health using evidence-based information and personalized coaching. We will work together to develop new habits that become long-term changes.
![Photo of Haley Singer, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/9fb9be57-8cf9-409b-a4c0-1dd6470c28b9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Haley is a Registered Dietitian practicing lifestyle medicine. This whole-person approach to wellness recognizes that our physical health is very much connected to our mental/emotional health. Haley received her education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed her dietetic internship in Chicago through Aramark Healthcare+. Haley is also a Registered 500-hour Yoga Teacher, and Reiki Master. She integrates various complementary and alternative medicine techniques into her nutrition sessions. When Haley is not working you can find her at the climbing gym, practicing yoga, or exploring the outdoors!
Haley is a Registered Dietitian practicing lifestyle medicine. This whole-person approach to wellness recognizes that our physical health is very much connected to our mental/emotional health. Haley received her education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed her dietetic internship in Chicago through Aramark Healthcare+. Haley is also a Registered 500-hour Yoga Teacher, and Reiki Master. She integrates various complementary and alternative medicine techniques into her nutrition sessions. When Haley is not working you can find her at the climbing gym, practicing yoga, or exploring the outdoors!
![Photo of Shalini Shah, RD, LDN, MS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/99cc786f-2dc7-420a-98f9-0cae9d8efc97/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shalini is a Board-Certified Registered Dietitian who also holds a Master of Science in Health Science and Nutrition from Georgia State University. Shalini began her career as an inpatient Clinical Dietitian over 10 years ago and has since transitioned into providing medical nutrition therapy in outpatient settings. Shalini practices a flexitarian, plant-based style of eating at home. Aside from nutrition, Shalini has a passion for cooking, fitness, and spending time with her family. She became a Registered Dietitian to help people understand the connection between food and wellness.
Shalini is a Board-Certified Registered Dietitian who also holds a Master of Science in Health Science and Nutrition from Georgia State University. Shalini began her career as an inpatient Clinical Dietitian over 10 years ago and has since transitioned into providing medical nutrition therapy in outpatient settings. Shalini practices a flexitarian, plant-based style of eating at home. Aside from nutrition, Shalini has a passion for cooking, fitness, and spending time with her family. She became a Registered Dietitian to help people understand the connection between food and wellness.
![Photo of Anne Guinane, RD, LDN, MS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/06e0255f-c718-4abd-a30f-c5b9f457f425/2/320x400.jpeg)
I was born and raised in Chicago, attended the University of Dayton for undergrad (Go Flyers!) and received my master's degree at Central Michigan University. I currently work at the University of Chicago as the liver transplant dietitian, specializing in all types of liver disease. I also own my own consulting business which has allowed me to broaden my expertise to serve an even wider variety of patient populations. When I am not working, I am spending time with my family- my husband, Kevin, and my two young (crazy) boys, Marty and Charlie, and have one more on the way!
I was born and raised in Chicago, attended the University of Dayton for undergrad (Go Flyers!) and received my master's degree at Central Michigan University. I currently work at the University of Chicago as the liver transplant dietitian, specializing in all types of liver disease. I also own my own consulting business which has allowed me to broaden my expertise to serve an even wider variety of patient populations. When I am not working, I am spending time with my family- my husband, Kevin, and my two young (crazy) boys, Marty and Charlie, and have one more on the way!
![Photo of Keri-Ann Canton, RD, LDN, MS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/60ff9e72-409a-4f04-8e15-a5a2370f5f24/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! I'm a registered dietitian, passionate about helping others feel and be their best. I have over 10 years of experience in nutrition education and weight management. My goal as a dietitian is to help you find the best nutrition plan for your body that you can do every day for the rest of your life. I don’t believe in a one size fits all approach and instead focus on your individual needs for your lifestyle, body, and goals. I value the importance of a healthy relationship with food just as much as the food itself and how it makes you feel. I believe in meeting you where you are at, to help you get to where you want to be.
Hello! I'm a registered dietitian, passionate about helping others feel and be their best. I have over 10 years of experience in nutrition education and weight management. My goal as a dietitian is to help you find the best nutrition plan for your body that you can do every day for the rest of your life. I don’t believe in a one size fits all approach and instead focus on your individual needs for your lifestyle, body, and goals. I value the importance of a healthy relationship with food just as much as the food itself and how it makes you feel. I believe in meeting you where you are at, to help you get to where you want to be.
![Photo of Elika Imandel, RD, LDN, MS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/edeb698c-b05a-4dd8-a2a8-ac7b9e599a48/1/320x400.png)
My approach is centered on finding balance and nourishing the body in a way that is sustainable, rather than promoting restriction. I consider the emotional, cultural, and spiritual importance of food in people's lives when offering guidance. Good health looks different for everyone, so rather than striving for an unattainable standard, let's work together to challenge distorted beliefs about food and establish healthy habits that support overall well-being.
My approach is centered on finding balance and nourishing the body in a way that is sustainable, rather than promoting restriction. I consider the emotional, cultural, and spiritual importance of food in people's lives when offering guidance. Good health looks different for everyone, so rather than striving for an unattainable standard, let's work together to challenge distorted beliefs about food and establish healthy habits that support overall well-being.
![Photo of Marla Brodsky, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/acb53d13-dac4-40fd-b63c-eebbb8d40de6/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Registered dietitian and Integrative and Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFNCP). I have over 25 years experience in both academic and clinical dietetics. I have received the "Outstanding Woman Award" from the City of Chicago for my work as well as being named one of the top 10 dietitians in Chicago by Expertise.com. While traditional medicine treats the body as individual separate organs, as a Functional Medicine dietitian, I view the body as one integrated system.
I am a Registered dietitian and Integrative and Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFNCP). I have over 25 years experience in both academic and clinical dietetics. I have received the "Outstanding Woman Award" from the City of Chicago for my work as well as being named one of the top 10 dietitians in Chicago by Expertise.com. While traditional medicine treats the body as individual separate organs, as a Functional Medicine dietitian, I view the body as one integrated system.
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Merced County?
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.