Nutritionists and Dietitians in Shrewsbury, MA

Photo of Karen Kiver Patalano, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MBA, RD, LDN, CDE
Karen Kiver Patalano
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MBA, RD, LDN, CDE
Online Only
Areas of specialty include weight management, avoiding or lowering medications for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol as well as food sensitivities and sports nutrition. I focus on individual's specific nutritional needs from healthy cooking ideas to supporting extreme fitness endeavors. You will receive recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes to meet your personalized needs and goals. Clients keep a detailed food intake and exercise record using a free online log. By supporting gradual changes over time, the priority is to instill a greater balance in clients thereby creating a more permanent transformation to achieve weight, medical and lifestyle goals.
Areas of specialty include weight management, avoiding or lowering medications for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol as well as food sensitivities and sports nutrition. I focus on individual's specific nutritional needs from healthy cooking ideas to supporting extreme fitness endeavors. You will receive recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes to meet your personalized needs and goals. Clients keep a detailed food intake and exercise record using a free online log. By supporting gradual changes over time, the priority is to instill a greater balance in clients thereby creating a more permanent transformation to achieve weight, medical and lifestyle goals.
(508) 841-3561 View (508) 841-3561
Photo of Karen Kiver Patalano, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CDE, MBA
Karen Kiver Patalano
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CDE, MBA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Areas of specialty include weight management, avoiding or lowering medications for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol as well as food sensitivities and sports nutrition. I focus on individual's specific nutritional needs from healthy cooking ideas to supporting extreme fitness endeavors. You will receive recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes to meet your personalized needs and goals. Clients keep a detailed food intake and exercise record using a free online log. By supporting gradual changes over time, the priority is to instill a greater balance in clients thereby creating a more permanent transformation to achieve weight, medical and lifestyle goals.
Areas of specialty include weight management, avoiding or lowering medications for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol as well as food sensitivities and sports nutrition. I focus on individual's specific nutritional needs from healthy cooking ideas to supporting extreme fitness endeavors. You will receive recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes to meet your personalized needs and goals. Clients keep a detailed food intake and exercise record using a free online log. By supporting gradual changes over time, the priority is to instill a greater balance in clients thereby creating a more permanent transformation to achieve weight, medical and lifestyle goals.
(508) 859-4113 View (508) 859-4113
Photo of Kate Killion, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
Kate Killion
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Deciding what to eat can be exhausting, especially if you or your child struggle with physical or mental health. Food allergies, Autism, ADHD, ARFID, and chronic illness diagnoses can make eating even more frustrating for children and adults alike. If you are looking for a neurodiversity-affirming provider who can help you make eating easy again, I invite you to reach out!
Deciding what to eat can be exhausting, especially if you or your child struggle with physical or mental health. Food allergies, Autism, ADHD, ARFID, and chronic illness diagnoses can make eating even more frustrating for children and adults alike. If you are looking for a neurodiversity-affirming provider who can help you make eating easy again, I invite you to reach out!
(508) 625-5959 View (508) 625-5959

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

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 Lydia Fernandes Holasek, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CNSC
Lydia Fernandes Holasek
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CNSC
1 Endorsed
Concord, MA 01742
There's an overwhelming amount of messages out there that tell us what or how we "should" eat. These messages tell us to abide by prescriptive “diets” or practices, and can keep us from trusting or connecting with ourselves. If you’re ready to break free from diet culture, and hope to restore your relationship with food, body and/or movement, but are wondering where to start, I’m here to help! I work with a variety of age groups, from adolescents to older adults. I work with those who are recovering from diet culture, disordered eating and eating disorders.
There's an overwhelming amount of messages out there that tell us what or how we "should" eat. These messages tell us to abide by prescriptive “diets” or practices, and can keep us from trusting or connecting with ourselves. If you’re ready to break free from diet culture, and hope to restore your relationship with food, body and/or movement, but are wondering where to start, I’m here to help! I work with a variety of age groups, from adolescents to older adults. I work with those who are recovering from diet culture, disordered eating and eating disorders.
(978) 709-2541 View (978) 709-2541
Photo of Ashley Vazquez, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CEDS-C
Ashley Vazquez
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CEDS-C
1 Endorsed
Medway, MA 02053
Ashley Vazquez is a non-diet certified eating disorder specialist and IAEDP approved consultant working to help individuals with eating disorders, disordered eating, negative body image, and chronic dieting, improve their relationship with food since 2012. Ashley's goal in working with clients is to help them find freedom from food and achieve optimal health. Ashley has experience working with individuals in a variety of care settings (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization programs, and outpatient) and truly believes the importance of strong team approach.
Ashley Vazquez is a non-diet certified eating disorder specialist and IAEDP approved consultant working to help individuals with eating disorders, disordered eating, negative body image, and chronic dieting, improve their relationship with food since 2012. Ashley's goal in working with clients is to help them find freedom from food and achieve optimal health. Ashley has experience working with individuals in a variety of care settings (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization programs, and outpatient) and truly believes the importance of strong team approach.
(774) 854-8675 View (774) 854-8675
Photo of Denise Marmillion, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RYT
Denise Marmillion
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RYT
Online Only
Do you feel confused, frustrated, or stuck when it comes to food—whether that looks like years of disordered eating, managing a medical condition, or knowing what to do but struggling to follow through? Are you tired of conflicting nutrition advice, rigid rules, or feeling disconnected from your body? Do you want support that’s both evidence-based and compassionate? If any of this resonates, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
Do you feel confused, frustrated, or stuck when it comes to food—whether that looks like years of disordered eating, managing a medical condition, or knowing what to do but struggling to follow through? Are you tired of conflicting nutrition advice, rigid rules, or feeling disconnected from your body? Do you want support that’s both evidence-based and compassionate? If any of this resonates, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
(617) 405-8543 View (617) 405-8543
Photo of Kristine Anne Bahr, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, LDN
Kristine Anne Bahr
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, LDN
Brookline, MA 02445
All sessions are on Zoom,: Kristine Bahr is a clinical nutritionist who specializes in integrative nutritional solutions for her patients. She has an impressive track record for helping people relieve symptoms resulting from chronic digestive disorders as well as Diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, issues related to body weight, and more. Her approach is based on utilizing exacting test procedures that focus on an individual's metabolic sensitivities, whether those be to food, hormonal imbalances, or the need to identify genetic predispositions for specific conditions in order to take preventative action.
All sessions are on Zoom,: Kristine Bahr is a clinical nutritionist who specializes in integrative nutritional solutions for her patients. She has an impressive track record for helping people relieve symptoms resulting from chronic digestive disorders as well as Diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, issues related to body weight, and more. Her approach is based on utilizing exacting test procedures that focus on an individual's metabolic sensitivities, whether those be to food, hormonal imbalances, or the need to identify genetic predispositions for specific conditions in order to take preventative action.
(617) 546-4065 View (617) 546-4065
Photo of Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes - 360Girls&Women, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDCES , LDN, CPT
360Girls&Women
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDCES , LDN, CPT
Hopkinton, MA 01748
Are you or your loved one struggling with hormone imbalances such as insulin resistance, low libido, irregular periods, early puberty, fibroids, PCOS, early menopause, hot flashes, gut issues, constant hunger, sugar cravings, etc? Chronic disease (Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes..) significantly affect your reproductive health. If you're struggling with these health issues expert professional guidance is available at 360Girls&Women. We help you manage, prevent, often times reverse diet & lifestyle related diseases, those specifically that affect the health of girls & women, using evidence-based holistic methods
Are you or your loved one struggling with hormone imbalances such as insulin resistance, low libido, irregular periods, early puberty, fibroids, PCOS, early menopause, hot flashes, gut issues, constant hunger, sugar cravings, etc? Chronic disease (Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes..) significantly affect your reproductive health. If you're struggling with these health issues expert professional guidance is available at 360Girls&Women. We help you manage, prevent, often times reverse diet & lifestyle related diseases, those specifically that affect the health of girls & women, using evidence-based holistic methods
(508) 625-7042 View (508) 625-7042
Photo of Stacy Garvey - Wellpoint Health Solutions, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MSHS, RD, LDN, CDN
Wellpoint Health Solutions
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MSHS, RD, LDN, CDN
Serves Area
We are a group of Dietitians and Nurse Practitioners here to help you manage and treat a whole host of conditions with lifestyle education including obesity, diabetes, IBS, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, reflux, food allergies and many more. We offer Integrative Nutrition and Wellness one-on-one support, group classes, personal training and supplements to help you reach your health goals. We have a solution that will work for everyone!
We are a group of Dietitians and Nurse Practitioners here to help you manage and treat a whole host of conditions with lifestyle education including obesity, diabetes, IBS, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, reflux, food allergies and many more. We offer Integrative Nutrition and Wellness one-on-one support, group classes, personal training and supplements to help you reach your health goals. We have a solution that will work for everyone!
(413) 225-8962 View (413) 225-8962
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 Christiana Daganhardt - Atlantic Registered Dietitian Solutions, LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Atlantic Registered Dietitian Solutions, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Online Only
My primary focus is to understand and analyze your lifestyle in order to create a nutrition plan that provides you a lifetime of healthy habits that are attainable and sustainable. I can assist individuals trying to manage their diabetes, reach and/or maintain a healthy weight, and face disordered eating behaviors. Through personal and professional experience, I understand the difficulties needed to confront and alleviate obstacles that may be standing in your way. My goal is to help create a nutrition plan based on your nutrition status, medical condition, and personal goals.
My primary focus is to understand and analyze your lifestyle in order to create a nutrition plan that provides you a lifetime of healthy habits that are attainable and sustainable. I can assist individuals trying to manage their diabetes, reach and/or maintain a healthy weight, and face disordered eating behaviors. Through personal and professional experience, I understand the difficulties needed to confront and alleviate obstacles that may be standing in your way. My goal is to help create a nutrition plan based on your nutrition status, medical condition, and personal goals.
(401) 357-0823 View (401) 357-0823
Photo of Matt Stranberg, Nutritionist/Dietitian, CSSD, MS, RDN, LDN, CSCS
Matt Stranberg
Nutritionist/Dietitian, CSSD, MS, RDN, LDN, CSCS
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02135
We are overloaded with information about food and exercise, but often struggle to find the wisdom needed to nurture these relationships. To address these issues, I have studied and worked with some of the best athletes, coaches, and teams in the world. I have cofounded research-based programs and initiatives to treat athletes struggling with eating disorders, and aim to distill the knowledge and wisdom needed to translate nutrition and exercise science into practical solutions to help you achieve your dreams. I look forward to hearing about your goals and learning how I can best equip you to develop your own sense of mastery!
We are overloaded with information about food and exercise, but often struggle to find the wisdom needed to nurture these relationships. To address these issues, I have studied and worked with some of the best athletes, coaches, and teams in the world. I have cofounded research-based programs and initiatives to treat athletes struggling with eating disorders, and aim to distill the knowledge and wisdom needed to translate nutrition and exercise science into practical solutions to help you achieve your dreams. I look forward to hearing about your goals and learning how I can best equip you to develop your own sense of mastery!
(617) 231-9373 View (617) 231-9373
Photo of Alejandra .londono, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Alejandra .londono
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Serves Area
With over 12 years of experience in the field of holistic and functional nutrition, I am passionate about helping individuals create lasting, meaningful change in their health and well-being. My approach focuses on addressing the root causes of imbalance rather than just managing symptoms, guiding clients to develop sustainable eating habits that support their unique needs and long-term goals. I believe that true wellness comes from a well-rounded approach, which is why I work with all the key pillars of well-being—nutrition, lifestyle, emotional health, and mindfulness. My mission is to empower people to make conscious decisions.
With over 12 years of experience in the field of holistic and functional nutrition, I am passionate about helping individuals create lasting, meaningful change in their health and well-being. My approach focuses on addressing the root causes of imbalance rather than just managing symptoms, guiding clients to develop sustainable eating habits that support their unique needs and long-term goals. I believe that true wellness comes from a well-rounded approach, which is why I work with all the key pillars of well-being—nutrition, lifestyle, emotional health, and mindfulness. My mission is to empower people to make conscious decisions.
(813) 694-9329 View (813) 694-9329
Photo of Tori Peters, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, RDN
Tori Peters
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, RDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
You’re overwhelmed. Maybe food feels confusing, or your body feels like a mystery. You’re managing chronic disease, disordered eating, digestive issues, anxiety, picky eating, or meal planning burnout—and you’re done with diets and one-size-fits-all advice. You’re looking for someone who gets it and who will guide you with compassion, evidence, and real-life strategies. Our ideal client wants to feel well physically and mentally—not perfect, just more like themselves again. Parents come to us looking for the same support—for their children, teens, or the whole family.
You’re overwhelmed. Maybe food feels confusing, or your body feels like a mystery. You’re managing chronic disease, disordered eating, digestive issues, anxiety, picky eating, or meal planning burnout—and you’re done with diets and one-size-fits-all advice. You’re looking for someone who gets it and who will guide you with compassion, evidence, and real-life strategies. Our ideal client wants to feel well physically and mentally—not perfect, just more like themselves again. Parents come to us looking for the same support—for their children, teens, or the whole family.
(972) 635-4806 View (972) 635-4806
Photo of Cynthia Milner Woodman - Risk Management Incorporated - Health Services, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Risk Management Incorporated - Health Services
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Shirley, MA 01464
Cindy: More than as a Medical Nutrition Therapist. Certified in Adult/Pediatric Weight Management; Sports, Cardiovascular & Wellness Nutrition; Member, Diabetes Care & Education Group, Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. NIH, Commissioned Officer, PHS; Chief Clinical Dietitian, George Washington University Hospital; teaches student/adult groups about nutrition; presenter to the Food & Nutrition Board, National Academy of Sciences on use of RDAs in Kidney Disease. Private practice, specializing in eating disorders, weight issues, diabetes, gastrointestinal and lipid disorders, sports diets, cardiovascular and wellness.
Cindy: More than as a Medical Nutrition Therapist. Certified in Adult/Pediatric Weight Management; Sports, Cardiovascular & Wellness Nutrition; Member, Diabetes Care & Education Group, Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. NIH, Commissioned Officer, PHS; Chief Clinical Dietitian, George Washington University Hospital; teaches student/adult groups about nutrition; presenter to the Food & Nutrition Board, National Academy of Sciences on use of RDAs in Kidney Disease. Private practice, specializing in eating disorders, weight issues, diabetes, gastrointestinal and lipid disorders, sports diets, cardiovascular and wellness.
(978) 616-4084 x12 View (978) 616-4084 x12
Photo of Leslie Sanford - Sanford Nutrition Consulting, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Sanford Nutrition Consulting
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Holliston, MA 01746
Hello! I’m a registered, licensed dietitian with more than 30 years of experience helping people create healthy eating habits in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. My approach is practical and personalized, and my recommendations emphasize sustainable changes that fit your lifestyle. My areas of specialty include IBS management (and the low FODMAP diet), weight management, heart health, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. I offer both in person and virtual appointments and accept all major insurance plans. Please contact me by phone or visit my website to schedule an appointment or learn more about my services.
Hello! I’m a registered, licensed dietitian with more than 30 years of experience helping people create healthy eating habits in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. My approach is practical and personalized, and my recommendations emphasize sustainable changes that fit your lifestyle. My areas of specialty include IBS management (and the low FODMAP diet), weight management, heart health, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. I offer both in person and virtual appointments and accept all major insurance plans. Please contact me by phone or visit my website to schedule an appointment or learn more about my services.
(508) 306-8825 View (508) 306-8825
Photo of Coreyann K Poly - Dr. Coreyann Poly_ Nutritionist @, Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, MEd, RDN, LDN, CDE
Dr. Coreyann Poly_ Nutritionist @
Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, MEd, RDN, LDN, CDE
Uxbridge, MA 01569
Dr. Coreyann Poly is a highly skilled Registered Dietitian, Diabetes Educator and Speaker promoting good nutrition/wellness to the adult/older adult populations. She provided one-on-one nutrition counseling to a variety of patients (ages 18+) to improve their health and nutritional status using individualized diet and lifestyle plans. She works with patients on achieving goals such as normalizing weight, increasing strength and endurance, and reducing or preventing medication use through improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Dr. Poly specializes in chronic disease prevention and management such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension,high cholesterol/lipids, IBS and Celiac disease.
Dr. Coreyann Poly is a highly skilled Registered Dietitian, Diabetes Educator and Speaker promoting good nutrition/wellness to the adult/older adult populations. She provided one-on-one nutrition counseling to a variety of patients (ages 18+) to improve their health and nutritional status using individualized diet and lifestyle plans. She works with patients on achieving goals such as normalizing weight, increasing strength and endurance, and reducing or preventing medication use through improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Dr. Poly specializes in chronic disease prevention and management such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension,high cholesterol/lipids, IBS and Celiac disease.
(508) 213-9166 View (508) 213-9166
Photo of Caitlin M Crews, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CLT, LDN
Caitlin M Crews
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CLT, LDN
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Nutrition is more than the essential nutrients required for life, it is a way of living in balance of the body and soul. Together we navigate your specific journey to optimal health. I use functional nutrition medicine counseling and diagnostic testing if needed to get to the root cause of underlying health issues. My goal for you is to learn to incorporate foods that speak to your body and your lifestyle allowing you to live your best life.
Nutrition is more than the essential nutrients required for life, it is a way of living in balance of the body and soul. Together we navigate your specific journey to optimal health. I use functional nutrition medicine counseling and diagnostic testing if needed to get to the root cause of underlying health issues. My goal for you is to learn to incorporate foods that speak to your body and your lifestyle allowing you to live your best life.
(508) 403-2273 View (508) 403-2273
Photo of Rachel Artus, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Rachel Artus
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Boston, MA 02135
Telehealth appointments only. Rachel's goal is to empower her clients to make food and lifestyle changes that will not only stick for decades, but will result in joyful and wholesome living. Rachel helps her clients to ditch their restrictive mindset and find food freedom through one-on-one coaching for behavior change, while promoting attainable and realistic goal-setting along the way. She believes in the power of balanced nutrition and food freedom, while using a hands-on approach to assist clients in making and then meeting their individualized goals.
Telehealth appointments only. Rachel's goal is to empower her clients to make food and lifestyle changes that will not only stick for decades, but will result in joyful and wholesome living. Rachel helps her clients to ditch their restrictive mindset and find food freedom through one-on-one coaching for behavior change, while promoting attainable and realistic goal-setting along the way. She believes in the power of balanced nutrition and food freedom, while using a hands-on approach to assist clients in making and then meeting their individualized goals.
(860) 499-3367 View (860) 499-3367
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians

How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Shrewsbury?

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.