Nutritionists and Dietitians in Haverhill, MA

Photo of Samantha McCarthy, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Samantha McCarthy
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Haverhill, MA 01835
If you’re here, you probably want to feel better, have more energy, and finally build habits that stick—but life keeps getting in the way. Maybe you know what to do but can’t stay consistent, your schedule makes healthy eating feel impossible, or you’re overwhelmed by mixed messages and past diets that never worked. As a registered dietitian, I help you cut through the noise, simplify nutrition, and create realistic, sustainable habits that fit your life—so you can feel confident and in control again.
If you’re here, you probably want to feel better, have more energy, and finally build habits that stick—but life keeps getting in the way. Maybe you know what to do but can’t stay consistent, your schedule makes healthy eating feel impossible, or you’re overwhelmed by mixed messages and past diets that never worked. As a registered dietitian, I help you cut through the noise, simplify nutrition, and create realistic, sustainable habits that fit your life—so you can feel confident and in control again.
(351) 666-8351 x121 View (351) 666-8351 x121

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Ryan John Gebo, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Ryan John Gebo
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Our relationships with food are often complex and dynamic. We provide telehealth support to those seeking an individualized outpatient treatment program for eating disorders including ARFID, Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge-eating, and others. While helping clients achieve complete peace with food, we also guide and motivate them towards optimal health and wellness through mindfulness based practice, compassion, and support. Our work together will consist of building a strategy to navigate difficult food situations, building confidence in food decisions, securing body-image, and allow you to finally enjoy food for ALL of what it is.
Our relationships with food are often complex and dynamic. We provide telehealth support to those seeking an individualized outpatient treatment program for eating disorders including ARFID, Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge-eating, and others. While helping clients achieve complete peace with food, we also guide and motivate them towards optimal health and wellness through mindfulness based practice, compassion, and support. Our work together will consist of building a strategy to navigate difficult food situations, building confidence in food decisions, securing body-image, and allow you to finally enjoy food for ALL of what it is.
(508) 266-8589 View (508) 266-8589
Photo of Samantha Siegel, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
Samantha Siegel
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
Online Only
Struggling to juggle work, life, and still find time to eat well? You’re not alone. Many of my clients are busy professionals who want to feel better, have more energy, and build healthier habits - but need a plan that fits real life. As someone who’s worked 100-hour weeks in finance, I understand that balance isn’t easy. My goal is to help you find a balanced approach to nutrition, without the extremes - through realistic, sustainable changes that fit your lifestyle and last long term.
Struggling to juggle work, life, and still find time to eat well? You’re not alone. Many of my clients are busy professionals who want to feel better, have more energy, and build healthier habits - but need a plan that fits real life. As someone who’s worked 100-hour weeks in finance, I understand that balance isn’t easy. My goal is to help you find a balanced approach to nutrition, without the extremes - through realistic, sustainable changes that fit your lifestyle and last long term.
(980) 377-2647 View (980) 377-2647
Photo of Jennifer Carlson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CYT
Jennifer Carlson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CYT
Serves Area
Jennifer has a master of science degree in food and nutrition, is a Registered Dietitian and a yoga teacher. She provides both in person as well as virtual services. For over 15 years, she has provided nutrition related services to thousands of people in a variety of settings including hospitals, psychiatric facilities, community health centers, schools, cafes, bakeries, restaurants and more. For the past decade, she has provided medical nutrition therapy to clients as a licensed dietitian. In 2021 she opened her private practice, Peace and Power LLC. Learn more at www.peaceful-nutrition.com!
Jennifer has a master of science degree in food and nutrition, is a Registered Dietitian and a yoga teacher. She provides both in person as well as virtual services. For over 15 years, she has provided nutrition related services to thousands of people in a variety of settings including hospitals, psychiatric facilities, community health centers, schools, cafes, bakeries, restaurants and more. For the past decade, she has provided medical nutrition therapy to clients as a licensed dietitian. In 2021 she opened her private practice, Peace and Power LLC. Learn more at www.peaceful-nutrition.com!
(774) 484-1477 View (774) 484-1477
Photo of Megan Bradshaw, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Megan Bradshaw
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Megan is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and disordered eating. She has clinical experience in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient settings, allowing her to understand the different levels of support people need throughout their recovery journey. She also holds a 200 hour yoga teacher certification, incorporating mindfulness and embodiment to help repair body image and increase emotional awareness.
Megan is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and disordered eating. She has clinical experience in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient settings, allowing her to understand the different levels of support people need throughout their recovery journey. She also holds a 200 hour yoga teacher certification, incorporating mindfulness and embodiment to help repair body image and increase emotional awareness.
(617) 764-9361 View (617) 764-9361
Photo of Joseph Feldman Lehrberg - CardioFunction Integrative Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
CardioFunction Integrative Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Online Only
Your doctor told you your numbers are high. Maybe you've already tried changing your diet. Maybe you don't know where to start. Either way, that's exactly who I work with. Most people know something about eating "healthy," but are still missing the specific dietary patterns that drive high cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. A general healthy diet isn't the same as a targeted one. Small, precise changes, and sometimes counterintuitive ones, move numbers more than overly restrictive approaches.
Your doctor told you your numbers are high. Maybe you've already tried changing your diet. Maybe you don't know where to start. Either way, that's exactly who I work with. Most people know something about eating "healthy," but are still missing the specific dietary patterns that drive high cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. A general healthy diet isn't the same as a targeted one. Small, precise changes, and sometimes counterintuitive ones, move numbers more than overly restrictive approaches.
(857) 382-4426 View (857) 382-4426
Photo of George Mandler, Nutritionist/Dietitian, CLT, CNS, LDN, LicAc, FABORM
George Mandler
Nutritionist/Dietitian, CLT, CNS, LDN, LicAc, FABORM
Belmont, MA 02478
I am a Massachusetts Chinese Medicine doc and Licensed Dietitian. I studied Functional Medicine before it became a buzzword 15+ years ago, although no longer use expen$ive testing but focus on Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment. I have a special interest in the areas of digestive issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, IBD, IBS, and reflux but see SIBO as a symptom rather than a cause. I do not give out SIBO diets, but work on fixing the underlying issue. If you have GYN issues such as heavy bleeding, menopausal symptoms, or pain during periods I can almost certainly help you with Chinese Medicine.
I am a Massachusetts Chinese Medicine doc and Licensed Dietitian. I studied Functional Medicine before it became a buzzword 15+ years ago, although no longer use expen$ive testing but focus on Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment. I have a special interest in the areas of digestive issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, IBD, IBS, and reflux but see SIBO as a symptom rather than a cause. I do not give out SIBO diets, but work on fixing the underlying issue. If you have GYN issues such as heavy bleeding, menopausal symptoms, or pain during periods I can almost certainly help you with Chinese Medicine.
(978) 248-0318 View (978) 248-0318
Photo of Ellen Harris, Nutritionist/Dietitian, EdM, RDN, LDN, CLT
Ellen Harris
Nutritionist/Dietitian, EdM, RDN, LDN, CLT
Serves Area
Would you like to work on weight or chronic health conditions: diabetes/pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroid, fibromyalgia, arthritis, skin reactions, GERD/reflux, gout, kidney stones, migraine, or brain fog? I work with you to target inflammation and food sensitivities using Integrative Nutrition Therapy combining western and complementary approaches. This regularly results in reducing or eliminating the need for medication. It repeatedly comes down to what you eat -- or don't eat — as well as stress management and exercise. My goal is to help you enjoy better health now and to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Would you like to work on weight or chronic health conditions: diabetes/pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroid, fibromyalgia, arthritis, skin reactions, GERD/reflux, gout, kidney stones, migraine, or brain fog? I work with you to target inflammation and food sensitivities using Integrative Nutrition Therapy combining western and complementary approaches. This regularly results in reducing or eliminating the need for medication. It repeatedly comes down to what you eat -- or don't eat — as well as stress management and exercise. My goal is to help you enjoy better health now and to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
(617) 209-4796 View (617) 209-4796
Photo of Kara Lydon - Kara Lydon Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Kara Lydon Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Serves Area
Do you spend all day worrying about how food impacts your health and body? If you’re ready to make peace with food, heal your relationship with your body, and are ready to free up space and energy to start living the life you desire, then we want to help you get there. Get ready for a radical approach to nutrition that is actually sustainable. Awarded “Best of Boston Dietitian” by Boston Magazine, our weight-inclusive practice consists of dietitians who are certified or specialized in Intuitive Eating, practice from the Health at Every Size(R) (HAES) framework, and are here to help you on your journey in finding food freedom.
Do you spend all day worrying about how food impacts your health and body? If you’re ready to make peace with food, heal your relationship with your body, and are ready to free up space and energy to start living the life you desire, then we want to help you get there. Get ready for a radical approach to nutrition that is actually sustainable. Awarded “Best of Boston Dietitian” by Boston Magazine, our weight-inclusive practice consists of dietitians who are certified or specialized in Intuitive Eating, practice from the Health at Every Size(R) (HAES) framework, and are here to help you on your journey in finding food freedom.
(617) 819-0844 View (617) 819-0844
Photo of Ryann Hilton - NourishRX Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CEDS-C
NourishRX Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CEDS-C
Online Only
Are you struggling with anxiety around meals, guilt after eating, or physical issues like digestive problems or hormonal imbalances? Are you feeling stuck in a cycle of dieting, restriction, or binging with no end in sight? Maybe you’re watching your child struggle with body image or refusing to eat, leaving you feeling worried and helpless. We understand that healing from an eating disorder isn’t just about food—it’s about rebuilding trust with your body and mind. Our personalized, non-judgmental approach helps you develop healthy habits. Our dietitians are here to guide you in reclaiming your health and finding long-term balance.
Are you struggling with anxiety around meals, guilt after eating, or physical issues like digestive problems or hormonal imbalances? Are you feeling stuck in a cycle of dieting, restriction, or binging with no end in sight? Maybe you’re watching your child struggle with body image or refusing to eat, leaving you feeling worried and helpless. We understand that healing from an eating disorder isn’t just about food—it’s about rebuilding trust with your body and mind. Our personalized, non-judgmental approach helps you develop healthy habits. Our dietitians are here to guide you in reclaiming your health and finding long-term balance.
(978) 451-7224 View (978) 451-7224
Photo of Alora Frederick, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Alora Frederick
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Waltham, MA 02452
I am a Registered Dietitian focused on applying integrative and functional nutrition models, which examine the root cause of issues rather than just addressing the symptoms. I love to help people feel their best and have a special interest in GI health and mental health (depression & anxiety). I strive to motivate individuals on their health journey and enjoy facilitating an understanding and practical application of nutrition science.
I am a Registered Dietitian focused on applying integrative and functional nutrition models, which examine the root cause of issues rather than just addressing the symptoms. I love to help people feel their best and have a special interest in GI health and mental health (depression & anxiety). I strive to motivate individuals on their health journey and enjoy facilitating an understanding and practical application of nutrition science.
(781) 746-7347 x149 View (781) 746-7347 x149
Photo of Christine Huntley, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Christine Huntley
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Wenham, MA 01984
I am passionate about nutrition and believe that food should be enjoyed! I am excited about the opportunity to help you achieve your personal health goals using a holistic approach that not only looks at nutrition, but strengthens all the pillars of health, including sleep, movement, and stress. As a busy mom of young children, I understand the challenges of staying on a healthy path. Personal experience with a hectic lifestyle, stress, and insomnia opened my eyes to the importance of uncovering root causes in order to begin the process of re-balancing life.
I am passionate about nutrition and believe that food should be enjoyed! I am excited about the opportunity to help you achieve your personal health goals using a holistic approach that not only looks at nutrition, but strengthens all the pillars of health, including sleep, movement, and stress. As a busy mom of young children, I understand the challenges of staying on a healthy path. Personal experience with a hectic lifestyle, stress, and insomnia opened my eyes to the importance of uncovering root causes in order to begin the process of re-balancing life.
(351) 277-3403 View (351) 277-3403
Photo of Jaclyn Fodor, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
Jaclyn Fodor
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
Wakefield, MA 01880
Welcome to Nutrition Counseling of New England! Where I have the honor of working with individual clients, families, and worksites. I help individuals who are looking to quit dieting for good and instead heal their relationship with food. My clients learn how to healthfully prepare their favorite foods and enjoy them fully! I became a dietitian in 2013 because of a strong interest and passion for food. That passion for food started in my teens and ultimately fueled my decision to go to culinary school. Johnson & Wales class of ‘12 here!
Welcome to Nutrition Counseling of New England! Where I have the honor of working with individual clients, families, and worksites. I help individuals who are looking to quit dieting for good and instead heal their relationship with food. My clients learn how to healthfully prepare their favorite foods and enjoy them fully! I became a dietitian in 2013 because of a strong interest and passion for food. That passion for food started in my teens and ultimately fueled my decision to go to culinary school. Johnson & Wales class of ‘12 here!
(781) 524-7075 View (781) 524-7075
Photo of Nicolette Fraza, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Nicolette Fraza
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Online Only
I work with people who feel bloated, fatigued, hormonally out of sync, or frustrated by digestive issues that no one seems to fully address. If you’re tired of restrictive diets, conflicting nutrition advice, and feeling disconnected from your body — you’re in the right place. My approach focuses on nourishing the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar, and supporting hormones holistically through plant-forward nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. You deserve to feel good in your body — without extremes, elimination overload, or food fear. Together, we focus on sustainable habits to help you thrive long term.
I work with people who feel bloated, fatigued, hormonally out of sync, or frustrated by digestive issues that no one seems to fully address. If you’re tired of restrictive diets, conflicting nutrition advice, and feeling disconnected from your body — you’re in the right place. My approach focuses on nourishing the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar, and supporting hormones holistically through plant-forward nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. You deserve to feel good in your body — without extremes, elimination overload, or food fear. Together, we focus on sustainable habits to help you thrive long term.
(401) 237-4164 View (401) 237-4164
Photo of Vanessa Beauregard - Actualize Counseling & Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Actualize Counseling & Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Online Only
If you feel stuck in a cycle of food rules, guilt, binge eating, or constant stress about eating, you're not alone. Many people struggling with disordered eating feel overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice and the pressure to eat perfectly or lose weight “for health.” I specialize in helping individuals recover from eating disorders—including binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, and chronic dieting—while rebuilding trust in their bodies through intuitive eating and a sustainable relationship with food.
If you feel stuck in a cycle of food rules, guilt, binge eating, or constant stress about eating, you're not alone. Many people struggling with disordered eating feel overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice and the pressure to eat perfectly or lose weight “for health.” I specialize in helping individuals recover from eating disorders—including binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, and chronic dieting—while rebuilding trust in their bodies through intuitive eating and a sustainable relationship with food.
(857) 524-3543 View (857) 524-3543
Photo of Jennifer Heinen - Nourish for Life, LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Nourish for Life, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Cambridge, MA 02140
If you are looking for compassionate dietitians who are dedicated to helping you find balance with food and movement, you have found the right practice! Our skilled dietitians will gently guide you toward your health goals while helping you heal your relationship with food using mindful and Intuitive Eating. We work collaboratively to create attainable and sustainable changes that work for YOU. We take the time to get to know you, to individualize nutrition and movement plans that work for your lifestyle and health needs.
If you are looking for compassionate dietitians who are dedicated to helping you find balance with food and movement, you have found the right practice! Our skilled dietitians will gently guide you toward your health goals while helping you heal your relationship with food using mindful and Intuitive Eating. We work collaboratively to create attainable and sustainable changes that work for YOU. We take the time to get to know you, to individualize nutrition and movement plans that work for your lifestyle and health needs.
(339) 300-4925 View (339) 300-4925
Photo of Rachael Utstein, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN, LDN
Rachael Utstein
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN, LDN
Online Only
Hello, I'm Rachael! I am a registered dietitian specializing in disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image. I believe that people of all body sizes and identities deserve a peaceful relationship with food and their bodies. I help my clients ditch diets & diet culture and support them in finding ways to nourish themselves, both physically & mentally, that actually feel good. Whether you are in recovery from an eating disorder, have been on & off diets for what seems like your whole life, or feel loads of stress, confusion or guilt surrounding your food choices, you've come to the right spot.
Hello, I'm Rachael! I am a registered dietitian specializing in disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image. I believe that people of all body sizes and identities deserve a peaceful relationship with food and their bodies. I help my clients ditch diets & diet culture and support them in finding ways to nourish themselves, both physically & mentally, that actually feel good. Whether you are in recovery from an eating disorder, have been on & off diets for what seems like your whole life, or feel loads of stress, confusion or guilt surrounding your food choices, you've come to the right spot.
(475) 241-7938 View (475) 241-7938
Photo of Alison Swiggard, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Alison Swiggard
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Online Only
Hi, I’m Alison Swiggard, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian at CV Wellbeing. I work with teens and adults navigating eating disorders, ADHD, PCOS, body image concerns, and complicated relationships with food. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that health and worth are not determined by body size. I know that food can become tangled up with anxiety, shame, perfectionism, sensory needs, executive dysfunction, trauma, or years of conflicting messages. You do not need to have it all figured out before reaching out.
Hi, I’m Alison Swiggard, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian at CV Wellbeing. I work with teens and adults navigating eating disorders, ADHD, PCOS, body image concerns, and complicated relationships with food. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that health and worth are not determined by body size. I know that food can become tangled up with anxiety, shame, perfectionism, sensory needs, executive dysfunction, trauma, or years of conflicting messages. You do not need to have it all figured out before reaching out.
(207) 569-3692 View (207) 569-3692
Photo of Natalie Pirolli - Naturally Natalie RDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, RYT
Naturally Natalie RDN
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, RYT
Boston, MA 02116
With experience working in clinical dietetics, nutrition education, and eating disorder treatment, I've seen just how important a good nutritional foundation is for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I see clients via Telehealth in my virtual practice to help with various concerns such as eating disorders and disordered eating, stress management, pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, intuitive eating, health concerns (stress, elevated cholesterol, hypertension, blood sugar management, etc.), or just a desire to improve overall health and well-being.
With experience working in clinical dietetics, nutrition education, and eating disorder treatment, I've seen just how important a good nutritional foundation is for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I see clients via Telehealth in my virtual practice to help with various concerns such as eating disorders and disordered eating, stress management, pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, intuitive eating, health concerns (stress, elevated cholesterol, hypertension, blood sugar management, etc.), or just a desire to improve overall health and well-being.
(401) 210-0678 View (401) 210-0678
Photo of Roberta Laredo, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CDE
Roberta Laredo
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CDE
Serves Area
Are you looking for a nutrition coach who you can partner with to best meet your health goals? I focus on working collaboratively with each client to make positive lifestyle changes towards long term health. Whether your concern is a new health challenge or you are ready to work on better managing more long term issues, my approach is holistic and individualized to each client toward meeting his or her health goals. I look forward to working with you!
Are you looking for a nutrition coach who you can partner with to best meet your health goals? I focus on working collaboratively with each client to make positive lifestyle changes towards long term health. Whether your concern is a new health challenge or you are ready to work on better managing more long term issues, my approach is holistic and individualized to each client toward meeting his or her health goals. I look forward to working with you!
(617) 297-8975 View (617) 297-8975
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians

How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Haverhill?

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

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

What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

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

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

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

When should I see a dietitian or a nutritionist?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are consultations with a dietitian or nutritionist covered by insurance?

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

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