Nutritionists and Dietitians in Boston, MA
![Photo of Kara Lydon - Kara Lydon Nutrition, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/c680468c-40aa-4a23-b42e-3190a3899ba9/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Julia Hotaling - Hotaling Nutrition, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/1aa17450-a1fe-4ebc-9117-815cc95a1e59/3/320x400.jpeg)
My name’s Julia, I’m a registered dietitian located in Boston, Massachusetts. I’ve spent my nutrition career providing counseling to a wide range of individuals. I’ve worked with clients who have goals of weight loss, have gone through major life changes, or experience different chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. I help clients discover their goals and overcome their own personal barriers to reach them.
My name’s Julia, I’m a registered dietitian located in Boston, Massachusetts. I’ve spent my nutrition career providing counseling to a wide range of individuals. I’ve worked with clients who have goals of weight loss, have gone through major life changes, or experience different chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. I help clients discover their goals and overcome their own personal barriers to reach them.
![Photo of Elizabeth Ann Barth - Teker Nutrition, LLC, MS, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/1b52b7ea-2592-48df-9198-52bc9695c3ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Teker Nutrition, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02116 (Online Only)
Whether you are pregnant, post partum or have older children, food will always play a critical role. However, many people struggle with eating a balanced diet for a number of reasons. I focus one on one with patients to learn about your goals so we can comeup with a plan together that works best for you.
Whether you are pregnant, post partum or have older children, food will always play a critical role. However, many people struggle with eating a balanced diet for a number of reasons. I focus one on one with patients to learn about your goals so we can comeup with a plan together that works best for you.
![Photo of Rachna Rajpal, MS, RDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/0a95d9dd-f3c8-41d0-9b14-f0ef6f306ef9/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have an extensive background in working in hospital settings and specialized care for eating disorders. My dedication lies in promoting health and well-being through personalized and evidence-based nutrition strategies. I successfully navigate the complex challenges of the hospital environment and treat a diverse range of health diagnoses.
I have an extensive background in working in hospital settings and specialized care for eating disorders. My dedication lies in promoting health and well-being through personalized and evidence-based nutrition strategies. I successfully navigate the complex challenges of the hospital environment and treat a diverse range of health diagnoses.
![Photo of Liberated Nutrition, MS, RD, LDN, CSN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/23b3877d-5e3b-442e-9eba-fee24b55aa44/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you tired of obsessing over food and your body? Sick of feeling at war with your body instead of confident and empowered? Struggling with disordered eating or body image concerns? I've been there! And there's a way out of it. I help liberate my clients from diets and food shame through positive, personalized and straight-forward nutrition and body image counseling. If you have concerns with your relationship with food and how that might impact overall wellbeing, or feel preoccupied with food and body, you've come to the right place. Together, we can help you re-discover the joy in eating. Wellness should not require obsession.
Are you tired of obsessing over food and your body? Sick of feeling at war with your body instead of confident and empowered? Struggling with disordered eating or body image concerns? I've been there! And there's a way out of it. I help liberate my clients from diets and food shame through positive, personalized and straight-forward nutrition and body image counseling. If you have concerns with your relationship with food and how that might impact overall wellbeing, or feel preoccupied with food and body, you've come to the right place. Together, we can help you re-discover the joy in eating. Wellness should not require obsession.
![Photo of Jillian Tuchman, MS, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/852721b1-f935-44df-9806-3ce14dda7b8a/3/320x400.jpeg)
I help people heal from chronic conditions by uncovering the root cause and bringing their bodies back into balance. If you’re ready to get the root causes of your symptoms, heal your body + mind, and are ready to recover your health to start living the life you desire, then I want to help you get there. Whether you’re managing an illness or just want to feel better, I get it - I've been there + know exactly how you feel. With so much conflicting health information out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed + paralyzed. With my help, you can learn how to put an end to your health struggles + start feeling your best.
I help people heal from chronic conditions by uncovering the root cause and bringing their bodies back into balance. If you’re ready to get the root causes of your symptoms, heal your body + mind, and are ready to recover your health to start living the life you desire, then I want to help you get there. Whether you’re managing an illness or just want to feel better, I get it - I've been there + know exactly how you feel. With so much conflicting health information out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed + paralyzed. With my help, you can learn how to put an end to your health struggles + start feeling your best.
![Photo of Michelle King, MS, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/37c1c47b-5bed-45ed-b64b-30ccb8a58282/2/320x400.jpeg)
Working towards your nutrition and health goals can be tricky and frustrating. There's so many different pieces to it that it can feel overwhelming and sometimes impossible to achieve. As a registered dietitian my mission is to provide you with all the tools and education you need to truly make food a joyful experience, instead of a daunting one. I make reaching your goals feel attainable, easy, and set you up for long-term success. Please note: All sessions are virtual through a telehealth platform.
Working towards your nutrition and health goals can be tricky and frustrating. There's so many different pieces to it that it can feel overwhelming and sometimes impossible to achieve. As a registered dietitian my mission is to provide you with all the tools and education you need to truly make food a joyful experience, instead of a daunting one. I make reaching your goals feel attainable, easy, and set you up for long-term success. Please note: All sessions are virtual through a telehealth platform.
![Photo of Rachel Artus, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/f2958e91-eab6-43d8-93eb-337b9b5b12c0/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Brittany Kiss, MS, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/1b509036-1392-4bd7-9907-002f9322c5f6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Kiss, MS, RDN, LDN attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for her degrees in Nutrition and Spanish and Boston University for her Masters in Nutrition. Though she has extensive experience in sports nutrition and gut health, she has spent all of her post-graduate and professional careers in the treatment of eating disorders. Working concurrently in the clinical inpatient setting, her astuteness for how eating disorders take hold of the mind has been fine-tuned. She believes in accepting your body and freeing your mind from itself by using a HAES-centered, non-diet and intuitive eating approach.
Brittany Kiss, MS, RDN, LDN attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for her degrees in Nutrition and Spanish and Boston University for her Masters in Nutrition. Though she has extensive experience in sports nutrition and gut health, she has spent all of her post-graduate and professional careers in the treatment of eating disorders. Working concurrently in the clinical inpatient setting, her astuteness for how eating disorders take hold of the mind has been fine-tuned. She believes in accepting your body and freeing your mind from itself by using a HAES-centered, non-diet and intuitive eating approach.
![Photo of Michelle Marie Caslin - Fuel2Live Nutrition, LLC, RDN, CSSD, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/796cbb8f-52dd-4045-8d8b-1204e679f5e3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Fuel2Live Nutrition, LLC’s mission is to educate athletes on how to properly fuel their bodies for enhanced sports performance, increased strength and lean muscle mass, and everyday life. With a primary focus on CrossFit and strength training, Fuel2Live helps take the guesswork out of healthy eating to fuel your life and your fitness goals. You will learn how to eat all your favorite foods, boost metabolism, ditch dieting for good, and find the optimal way to fuel YOUR body and YOUR life, no matter what season you are in. Nutrition specialties include Sports Nutrition and Performance, Weight Management, Women's Health and Wellness.
Fuel2Live Nutrition, LLC’s mission is to educate athletes on how to properly fuel their bodies for enhanced sports performance, increased strength and lean muscle mass, and everyday life. With a primary focus on CrossFit and strength training, Fuel2Live helps take the guesswork out of healthy eating to fuel your life and your fitness goals. You will learn how to eat all your favorite foods, boost metabolism, ditch dieting for good, and find the optimal way to fuel YOUR body and YOUR life, no matter what season you are in. Nutrition specialties include Sports Nutrition and Performance, Weight Management, Women's Health and Wellness.
![Photo of Daniel Goebel, RD, LDN, CSSD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/d65ce572-110b-4450-ad0f-d38da5472209/3/320x400.jpeg)
Work with you every step of the way to meet your nutrition and performance goals. Whether you are looking to find ways to improve your eating habits, lose weight and build strength, or manage a chronic disease, I will take a personal and individualized approach to helping you clients reach your goals.
Work with you every step of the way to meet your nutrition and performance goals. Whether you are looking to find ways to improve your eating habits, lose weight and build strength, or manage a chronic disease, I will take a personal and individualized approach to helping you clients reach your goals.
15 Second Videos
Ryan Maciel
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YourFide Dietitian Nutritionist Services
![Photo of Kathleen Wright, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/2420e6ff-5a05-489e-9b3e-819bac55178b/3/320x400.jpeg)
A PCOS diagnosis can be scary and confusing. You've been handed a medication without any education on the connection between nutrition & PCOS. You're told to "just lose weight" to improve your symptoms, yet you've tried every diet in the book. You're lost on what is actually happening in your body. And, you are craving guidance!
A PCOS diagnosis can be scary and confusing. You've been handed a medication without any education on the connection between nutrition & PCOS. You're told to "just lose weight" to improve your symptoms, yet you've tried every diet in the book. You're lost on what is actually happening in your body. And, you are craving guidance!
![Photo of Nicole Chenard, MS, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/860ec045-bb2a-4c24-b62d-c06ba8d2ec95/3/320x400.jpeg)
Do you constantly wish you had more energy? Less confusion? More confidence about your health? That's what you are you going to get from Nicole. Personally tailored tools for you to build up your health skills, so you can stop questioning your choices. The last thing you'll get is one-size-fits-all advice. At your initial visit, expect to do a lot of talking while she does a lot of listening. After learning about your health history, favorite foods, eating and exercise habits, she will help you set goals and prioritize. Follow-up visits will focus on maintenance and monitoring your progress. You pick the topic.
Do you constantly wish you had more energy? Less confusion? More confidence about your health? That's what you are you going to get from Nicole. Personally tailored tools for you to build up your health skills, so you can stop questioning your choices. The last thing you'll get is one-size-fits-all advice. At your initial visit, expect to do a lot of talking while she does a lot of listening. After learning about your health history, favorite foods, eating and exercise habits, she will help you set goals and prioritize. Follow-up visits will focus on maintenance and monitoring your progress. You pick the topic.
![Photo of Sarah Elyse Galicki - Appetite Health LLC, MS, RDN, CSOWM, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/5a582ac8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Appetite Health LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CSOWM, LD
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02135
Do you have a healthy appetite? Have you tried several diets and failed? Do you eat beyond fullness or feel guilty after eating? If you answered YES to any of these questions, then you are in the right place! I strongly believe that part of healthy eating, is eating! No one food or drink is going to give you all the nutrients your body needs and no foods are off limits. I personalize nutrition to fit your lifestyle and want you to develop a healthy relationship with food, in addition to achieving meaningful weight loss. As a Registered Dietitian who has had her own struggles with weight and food, I'm here for you!
Do you have a healthy appetite? Have you tried several diets and failed? Do you eat beyond fullness or feel guilty after eating? If you answered YES to any of these questions, then you are in the right place! I strongly believe that part of healthy eating, is eating! No one food or drink is going to give you all the nutrients your body needs and no foods are off limits. I personalize nutrition to fit your lifestyle and want you to develop a healthy relationship with food, in addition to achieving meaningful weight loss. As a Registered Dietitian who has had her own struggles with weight and food, I'm here for you!
![Photo of Jessica Kruzan, MS, RD, RDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/4d6e5e52-adfe-4ee3-acbb-2d91424f422d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica specializes in working with PCOS, Disordered/Eating Disorders, Infertility Nutrition, Pre/Post Partum, Hormonal Imbalances, and other areas. She believes that a diet should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. She works with her clients to identify their goals, understand their lifestyle and preferences, and create a plan that fits their unique needs. Jessica also recognizes that food is more than just fuel for the body – it is often tied to emotions, memories, and cultural traditions. As such, she helps her clients to build a positive relationship with food.
Jessica specializes in working with PCOS, Disordered/Eating Disorders, Infertility Nutrition, Pre/Post Partum, Hormonal Imbalances, and other areas. She believes that a diet should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. She works with her clients to identify their goals, understand their lifestyle and preferences, and create a plan that fits their unique needs. Jessica also recognizes that food is more than just fuel for the body – it is often tied to emotions, memories, and cultural traditions. As such, she helps her clients to build a positive relationship with food.
![Photo of Matt Stranberg, CSSD, MS, RDN, LDN, CSCS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/3ad61332-e745-4f35-b52b-327698dd8eeb/3/320x400.jpeg)
Matt Stranberg
Nutritionist/Dietitian, CSSD, MS, RDN, LDN, CSCS
Verified Verified
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!
![Photo of Molly Warner - Hand in Hand Nutrition, MS, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/96e992fc-545e-49da-8908-94969e6d8b89/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking to break free of diet culture and start pursuing health right now? Or you need support to prevent or manage a chronic disease like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and are tired of being told to “just lose weight”? Or maybe you need support for your family- to help improve your child’s eating habits, or to get excited about mealtimes again? At Hand in Hand Nutrition, Molly Warner is here to help. As a weight-neutral, non-diet dietitian, she is passionate about helping you feel good in your body and feel confident in your habits.
Are you looking to break free of diet culture and start pursuing health right now? Or you need support to prevent or manage a chronic disease like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and are tired of being told to “just lose weight”? Or maybe you need support for your family- to help improve your child’s eating habits, or to get excited about mealtimes again? At Hand in Hand Nutrition, Molly Warner is here to help. As a weight-neutral, non-diet dietitian, she is passionate about helping you feel good in your body and feel confident in your habits.
![Photo of Kristine Miklos, MS, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/a8d7b863-6561-4d05-a7ab-8dd552007e86/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristine is a registered dietitian with recent experience working as an outpatient dietitian at a premier Boston hospital. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Bentley University and then went on to complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion at Simmons College.
Kristine is a registered dietitian with recent experience working as an outpatient dietitian at a premier Boston hospital. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Bentley University and then went on to complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion at Simmons College.
![Photo of Michelle Ly, MS, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/ea107fb5-9501-4af9-886a-86de0f605aa9/1/320x400.jpeg)
An anti-diet Registered Dietitian Nutritionist offering nutrition therapy and counseling services. Operating under the practice philosophies of Intuitive Eating & Health at Every Size (HAES) to help support folks in finding peace with food and improving their relationship with their bodies to lead a more joyful and fulfilling life. Navigating health concerns, such as blood sugar imbalances, type 2 diabetes, and cardiac concerns in a compassionate and sustainable way.
An anti-diet Registered Dietitian Nutritionist offering nutrition therapy and counseling services. Operating under the practice philosophies of Intuitive Eating & Health at Every Size (HAES) to help support folks in finding peace with food and improving their relationship with their bodies to lead a more joyful and fulfilling life. Navigating health concerns, such as blood sugar imbalances, type 2 diabetes, and cardiac concerns in a compassionate and sustainable way.
![Photo of Britt Berger, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/0ad4644e-ec95-428c-9411-36185e1c6ed7/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in the treatment of individuals with all eating disorders, as well as those without a formal diagnosis or struggling with disordered eating, chronic dieting, and orthorexia.
I specialize in the treatment of individuals with all eating disorders, as well as those without a formal diagnosis or struggling with disordered eating, chronic dieting, and orthorexia.
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Boston?
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.