Nutritionists and Dietitians in Seattle, WA
![Photo of Negin Ebrahimifard, RDN, CDCES, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/768353f9-f26b-43f8-a6b2-f5da33dc89a1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking for support with managing type 1, gestational, or type 2 diabetes? Are you confused about what/when to eat? Do you worry that your food choices will lead to blood sugars that are above or below your target range? As a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and my personal experience of living with diabetes for the past 20 years, I am devoted to providing support, education, and compassionate understanding to you. Often our health and what we can and cannot eat are used to define us. Let's restore the joy of eating while empowering you to be your best self!
Are you looking for support with managing type 1, gestational, or type 2 diabetes? Are you confused about what/when to eat? Do you worry that your food choices will lead to blood sugars that are above or below your target range? As a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and my personal experience of living with diabetes for the past 20 years, I am devoted to providing support, education, and compassionate understanding to you. Often our health and what we can and cannot eat are used to define us. Let's restore the joy of eating while empowering you to be your best self!
![Photo of Jackie Ahern, MA, RD, LMHCA, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/1cb03825-2d83-4a9e-ad25-ff9a85e43579/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jackie Ahern
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MA, RD, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with your relationship to food and your body? Or are your mental health concerns impacting your ability to nourish your mind and body? We can work on that together. As both a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate and Registered Dietitian, I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, mental health-informed nutrition, and gender affirming nutrition care. In practice, I integrate functional nutrition, holistic wellness and intuitive eating concepts to help folks reconnect with their whole being.
Are you struggling with your relationship to food and your body? Or are your mental health concerns impacting your ability to nourish your mind and body? We can work on that together. As both a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate and Registered Dietitian, I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, mental health-informed nutrition, and gender affirming nutrition care. In practice, I integrate functional nutrition, holistic wellness and intuitive eating concepts to help folks reconnect with their whole being.
![Photo of Mikaela Carrillo, MS, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/a841548e-b900-4fa3-a352-0a4e58a4daba/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mikaela Carrillo
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107
Not accepting new clients
Hello! I'm Mikaela and I am a non-diet dietitian. I am passionate about helping my clients develop an intuitive relationship with food while letting go of diet culture, body shame, and perfectionism. I am committed to assisting clients repair their relationship with food and exercise while using trauma-informed, size-inclusive, and client-centered approaches to care. I work with adults and adolescents ages 13 and up who struggle with a variety of disordered eating and body image concerns. With several years of experience in eating disorder treatment, I have helped many clients just like you heal their relationship with food.
Hello! I'm Mikaela and I am a non-diet dietitian. I am passionate about helping my clients develop an intuitive relationship with food while letting go of diet culture, body shame, and perfectionism. I am committed to assisting clients repair their relationship with food and exercise while using trauma-informed, size-inclusive, and client-centered approaches to care. I work with adults and adolescents ages 13 and up who struggle with a variety of disordered eating and body image concerns. With several years of experience in eating disorder treatment, I have helped many clients just like you heal their relationship with food.
![Photo of Shena R Jaramillo, MS, RD, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/e7bea03d-538b-4bb1-acb8-22ff5f118c55/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shena R Jaramillo
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101 (Online Only)
Are you feeling completely out of control with food? Do you feel like you can't stop eating? Are you afraid to eat anything at all? Are you constantly afraid you will gain weight if you eat what you want? If so, it probably feels like there is no hope for you to stop stressing constantly about food and simply eat normally.
Are you feeling completely out of control with food? Do you feel like you can't stop eating? Are you afraid to eat anything at all? Are you constantly afraid you will gain weight if you eat what you want? If so, it probably feels like there is no hope for you to stop stressing constantly about food and simply eat normally.
![Photo of Emily Burns, MS, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/58ed3d31-b635-480e-9645-431879c53475/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emily practices out of Health Loft and specializes in working with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Plant Based Diets, Digestive Issues, Body Image Concerns and other conditions. She strongly believes that all foods fit and strives to help clients in their food freedom journey. Using a weight neutral and non-judgemental approach, Emily believes that health is multifactorial and will work to see you as a person, rather than a diagnosis. Emily has spent the majority of her career in higher levels of care for eating disorder treatment (RES, PHP, IOP) treating various eating disorders diagnoses.
Emily practices out of Health Loft and specializes in working with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Plant Based Diets, Digestive Issues, Body Image Concerns and other conditions. She strongly believes that all foods fit and strives to help clients in their food freedom journey. Using a weight neutral and non-judgemental approach, Emily believes that health is multifactorial and will work to see you as a person, rather than a diagnosis. Emily has spent the majority of her career in higher levels of care for eating disorder treatment (RES, PHP, IOP) treating various eating disorders diagnoses.
![Photo of Janice Lai, MS, RD, CNSC, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/cda11244-aab8-4048-af21-f7a7a1457a63/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there! I'm a pediatric dietitian passionate about helping kids achieve their best health with personalized nutrition plans. With years of experience at a major children's hospital and other medical facilities, I use evidence-based strategies to support children with picky eating, introducing first foods, reducing food allergy risks, optimizing weight, and more. What sets me apart is my dedication to creating individualized care plans that fit your family's unique situation. I listen to your concerns and understand your challenges, offering practical, tailored steps instead of generic advice.
Hi there! I'm a pediatric dietitian passionate about helping kids achieve their best health with personalized nutrition plans. With years of experience at a major children's hospital and other medical facilities, I use evidence-based strategies to support children with picky eating, introducing first foods, reducing food allergy risks, optimizing weight, and more. What sets me apart is my dedication to creating individualized care plans that fit your family's unique situation. I listen to your concerns and understand your challenges, offering practical, tailored steps instead of generic advice.
![Photo of Nicole Thelan - Experience Momentum , MS, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/e1a873af-2bae-4e61-99ee-bc30b6d5f8b3/1/320x400.png)
As weight-neutral providers, we understand that food is social, emotional, and cultural. One way of eating doesn’t fit all, and knowing which foods optimally fuel your body is complex. Our goal is to empower you with nutritional education, support, and strategy so you can live the life you choose.
As weight-neutral providers, we understand that food is social, emotional, and cultural. One way of eating doesn’t fit all, and knowing which foods optimally fuel your body is complex. Our goal is to empower you with nutritional education, support, and strategy so you can live the life you choose.
![Photo of Heather Brummer, MS, LAc, CN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/3e3fac6a-71d6-4c9f-9594-65c0bed3b058/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Brummer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, LAc, CN
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
Are you tired of being confused about what to eat? I'm here for you! As a nutritionist that has practiced for nearly twenty years, I have seen a lot of fads come and go. And I have worked with so many of you who have come to me unsure about which fad was “right”. Instead of focusing on the perfectly “right” way to eat, I help my clients find the right ways to eat for them, while also helping to reverse prediabetes, improve fertility or symptoms with PCOS, and create a more resilient immune and hormonal balance with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease.
Are you tired of being confused about what to eat? I'm here for you! As a nutritionist that has practiced for nearly twenty years, I have seen a lot of fads come and go. And I have worked with so many of you who have come to me unsure about which fad was “right”. Instead of focusing on the perfectly “right” way to eat, I help my clients find the right ways to eat for them, while also helping to reverse prediabetes, improve fertility or symptoms with PCOS, and create a more resilient immune and hormonal balance with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease.
![Photo of Mimosa Collins, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/28cae0b5-5faf-4b9a-8e3b-73d7bbdf3d2c/2/320x400.jpeg)
"I just want to be able to eat and not feel guilty about it but I also want to feel good in my body." Does this sound familiar? Does it feel like you're either fighting a battle with food or fighting a battle with yourself? Whether you are healing from a diagnosed eating disorder or you're tired of food controlling so much of your life; your intuition is correct, there is another way to engage with food and relate to your body. A way to live more aligned with your values, be present to the relationships you care about, and reclaim your agency. If you're here; congratulations, you're already on your way.
"I just want to be able to eat and not feel guilty about it but I also want to feel good in my body." Does this sound familiar? Does it feel like you're either fighting a battle with food or fighting a battle with yourself? Whether you are healing from a diagnosed eating disorder or you're tired of food controlling so much of your life; your intuition is correct, there is another way to engage with food and relate to your body. A way to live more aligned with your values, be present to the relationships you care about, and reclaim your agency. If you're here; congratulations, you're already on your way.
![Photo of Kathleen Putnam, MS, RD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/749c0abf-24df-4eb5-b176-27caaad9f5e1/2/320x400.jpeg)
My mission and vision is to prevent needless suffering caused by hurtful messaging and misinformation from our culture, family, or health care system that disrupts the connection and/or enjoyment of your body, food, and eating. Shame, guilt, and stigma have no place in healthcare. I am committed to providing trauma informed care and seek to help provide tools and skills to help learn to self regulate and improve tolerance connecting the body and eating. I provide practical, realistic strategies resulting in long-term success. Stop overthinking food, hating your body, emotional eating, or regrets. I'm here to help!
My mission and vision is to prevent needless suffering caused by hurtful messaging and misinformation from our culture, family, or health care system that disrupts the connection and/or enjoyment of your body, food, and eating. Shame, guilt, and stigma have no place in healthcare. I am committed to providing trauma informed care and seek to help provide tools and skills to help learn to self regulate and improve tolerance connecting the body and eating. I provide practical, realistic strategies resulting in long-term success. Stop overthinking food, hating your body, emotional eating, or regrets. I'm here to help!
![Photo of Gretchen Gruender, MS, RDN, CSO, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/0fe685a4-434f-4f94-b98c-315495f5807e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you ready to make positive changes to your diet but dealing with the effects of a chronic illness or cancer treatment? Find your path to a diet that tastes delicious to you while serving and supporting your unique needs and palate. I support people who are in cancer treatment, cancer survivors, or have diabetes/pre-diabetes, osteoporosis, hyperlipidemia, digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, and other side effects of cancer treatment.
Are you ready to make positive changes to your diet but dealing with the effects of a chronic illness or cancer treatment? Find your path to a diet that tastes delicious to you while serving and supporting your unique needs and palate. I support people who are in cancer treatment, cancer survivors, or have diabetes/pre-diabetes, osteoporosis, hyperlipidemia, digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, and other side effects of cancer treatment.
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![Photo of Lauren Rice, MPH, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/62e515e5-6574-4ad1-bb7a-f2745b8926c4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Rice
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, CD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98102
Waitlist for new clients
Prospective Client? Please visit my website to request an appointment or get on my waitlist! I pride myself on being described as warm, authentic, and fiercely devoted to what I am passionate about: helping you! I support adults and adolescents (13+) struggling with disordered eating or eating disorder recovery. I have a particular interest in supporting athletes and clients who engage in dysfunctional exercise. My counseling style is one that works with you, not against you. My role is not to lecture at you, but team with you on a foundation of shared expertise. You, as the expert of your own life. Me, as the nutrition expert.
Prospective Client? Please visit my website to request an appointment or get on my waitlist! I pride myself on being described as warm, authentic, and fiercely devoted to what I am passionate about: helping you! I support adults and adolescents (13+) struggling with disordered eating or eating disorder recovery. I have a particular interest in supporting athletes and clients who engage in dysfunctional exercise. My counseling style is one that works with you, not against you. My role is not to lecture at you, but team with you on a foundation of shared expertise. You, as the expert of your own life. Me, as the nutrition expert.
![Photo of Stephanie Voytek, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/04d1e590-2b12-4547-9558-98d26ebaf64a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Voytek
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98115 (Online Only)
Freeing yourself from diet culture and disordered eating is scary. I’m hoping that if you’ve arrived here, you’re ready to take a leap and learn to live in alignment with your body. Disordered eating habits may have prevented you from believing that you can trust your body. They may have muddled with your bodies natural hunger & fullness cues, preventing you from being able to adequately nourish your body as you deserve. I’ll help you lean into your bodies natural cues, develop communication with your body, and honor it’s needs.
Freeing yourself from diet culture and disordered eating is scary. I’m hoping that if you’ve arrived here, you’re ready to take a leap and learn to live in alignment with your body. Disordered eating habits may have prevented you from believing that you can trust your body. They may have muddled with your bodies natural hunger & fullness cues, preventing you from being able to adequately nourish your body as you deserve. I’ll help you lean into your bodies natural cues, develop communication with your body, and honor it’s needs.
![Photo of Reiko Sudduth - Reiko Sudduth | Rocket Nutrition, MS, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/5a7e6d2f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Reiko Sudduth | Rocket Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115
Are you ready to make a change to improve your health? Do you have questions or concerns regarding nutrition for you or your family? Whether you are looking to prevent a health condition, to heal from a condition or simply to reduce your symptoms, your approach to eating and taking care of yourself can have a profound effect on your health. We can work together to bring clarity and create the best plan to meet your health goals. I provide individualized nutritional counseling to people of all ages to help establish diet and lifestyle habits that serve their unique needs.
Are you ready to make a change to improve your health? Do you have questions or concerns regarding nutrition for you or your family? Whether you are looking to prevent a health condition, to heal from a condition or simply to reduce your symptoms, your approach to eating and taking care of yourself can have a profound effect on your health. We can work together to bring clarity and create the best plan to meet your health goals. I provide individualized nutritional counseling to people of all ages to help establish diet and lifestyle habits that serve their unique needs.
![Photo of Emma Doerner - Fed Spirit Counseling + Nutrition, PLLC, MS, LMHC, CN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/b3a7101f-55ef-4097-a228-db3611aa100b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Fed Spirit Counseling + Nutrition, PLLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, LMHC, CN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98116 (Online Only)
How many diets have you tried and quit? What if I told you that it wasn’t you failing the diet, but the diet failing YOU? Many of us grew up believing that thin equals healthy, and that sticking to rigid rules around eating and moving would lead to happiness and success. But in reality, sticking to food rules creates stronger and stronger cravings, feelings of powerlessness or guilt, and disconnection from the body’s signals of hunger, fullness, thirst, and more! Dieting can even lead to total loss of control, binge eating, and shame spirals. To heal a chaotic relationship with food, the first step is understand this cycle.
How many diets have you tried and quit? What if I told you that it wasn’t you failing the diet, but the diet failing YOU? Many of us grew up believing that thin equals healthy, and that sticking to rigid rules around eating and moving would lead to happiness and success. But in reality, sticking to food rules creates stronger and stronger cravings, feelings of powerlessness or guilt, and disconnection from the body’s signals of hunger, fullness, thirst, and more! Dieting can even lead to total loss of control, binge eating, and shame spirals. To heal a chaotic relationship with food, the first step is understand this cycle.
![Photo of Mary Emmilia Smith, MS, RDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/69f81afc-5b0f-4358-9321-cbfd9e693de9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emmilia’s passion for integrative medicine and whole foods nutrition has evolved throughout her life and career. Like many of her clients, she grew up learning from various outlets that wellness should look and behave a certain way. After learning the transformative impact of integrative functional nutrition through her education at Bastyr University, and witnessing the shame, confusion, and damage that can come from a narrow approach to health through her work with patients, it has become clear to her that one-size does not fit all.
Emmilia’s passion for integrative medicine and whole foods nutrition has evolved throughout her life and career. Like many of her clients, she grew up learning from various outlets that wellness should look and behave a certain way. After learning the transformative impact of integrative functional nutrition through her education at Bastyr University, and witnessing the shame, confusion, and damage that can come from a narrow approach to health through her work with patients, it has become clear to her that one-size does not fit all.
![Photo of Virginia Alcalde, MA, LMHC, RDN , CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/bac78038-5741-45b1-8783-ac78ae0290ab/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I am Virginia (Gigi) a registered dietitian, psychotherapist, and yoga and mindfulness teacher. I specialize in supporting individuals struggling with eating disorders/disordered eating, are in a journey of healing their relationships with food and exercise and want reconnection with their bodies. I also provide individualized medical nutrition therapy for diverse health conditions from a weight inclusive approach. In addition, I specialize in mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma and support clients with nutrition and mental health counseling to improve symptoms and feel better.
Hello, I am Virginia (Gigi) a registered dietitian, psychotherapist, and yoga and mindfulness teacher. I specialize in supporting individuals struggling with eating disorders/disordered eating, are in a journey of healing their relationships with food and exercise and want reconnection with their bodies. I also provide individualized medical nutrition therapy for diverse health conditions from a weight inclusive approach. In addition, I specialize in mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma and support clients with nutrition and mental health counseling to improve symptoms and feel better.
![Photo of Beve Kindblade - Seattle Nutrition - Beve Kindblade Consulting, MS, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/581317d9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Seattle Nutrition - Beve Kindblade Consulting
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
Experience counts! Why trust your nutritional health to just anyone? Private practice offers a unique opportunity to discuss your health and wellness goals; any medical issues; and evaluate your latest labs (or any labs needed) to see how you are digesting and absorbing nutrients from your diet and supplements. Beve will create a customized Nutrition Care Plan for you. Tired? Sleep issues? Weight changes? Let's find out "why?" Combining the best of traditional medicine with a natural health approach has been Beve's intention and purpose with clients for more than 32 years. Seattle Nutrition - the missing L-I-N-K in your healthcare.
Experience counts! Why trust your nutritional health to just anyone? Private practice offers a unique opportunity to discuss your health and wellness goals; any medical issues; and evaluate your latest labs (or any labs needed) to see how you are digesting and absorbing nutrients from your diet and supplements. Beve will create a customized Nutrition Care Plan for you. Tired? Sleep issues? Weight changes? Let's find out "why?" Combining the best of traditional medicine with a natural health approach has been Beve's intention and purpose with clients for more than 32 years. Seattle Nutrition - the missing L-I-N-K in your healthcare.
![Photo of Christina Stapke - Christina Stapke, RDN, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/5b2cdf77-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you have a chronic gut issue (such as SIBO, IBS, Crohn's, Ulcerative colitis, GERD) keeping you from feeling your best? We'll work together to develop a personalized action plan, taking your current diet and lifestyle habits, environment, gut health, genetics, family history (and much more) into account.
Do you have a chronic gut issue (such as SIBO, IBS, Crohn's, Ulcerative colitis, GERD) keeping you from feeling your best? We'll work together to develop a personalized action plan, taking your current diet and lifestyle habits, environment, gut health, genetics, family history (and much more) into account.
![Photo of Kaitlin Benjamin, MPH, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/fc52653d-118e-45fd-a0b6-c4d3e689d79b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kaitlin Benjamin
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, CD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98115 (Online Only)
Have you ever been so caught up in trying to eat the “right” thing, that you become paralyzed with indecision? Maybe you’ve found yourself so anxious about trying to be healthy that you’re unable to eat anything at all. Even if it feels a long way off, food freedom is possible; yes, even for you! If you’re done with dieting and ready to try a more gentle, enjoyable approach to eating and nutrition, I’m your gal.
Have you ever been so caught up in trying to eat the “right” thing, that you become paralyzed with indecision? Maybe you’ve found yourself so anxious about trying to be healthy that you’re unable to eat anything at all. Even if it feels a long way off, food freedom is possible; yes, even for you! If you’re done with dieting and ready to try a more gentle, enjoyable approach to eating and nutrition, I’m your gal.
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Seattle?
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.