Nutritionists and Dietitians in Missouri City, TX

Photo of Jessica Menard, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CSP
Jessica Menard
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CSP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you want to lose or gain weight? Are you having trouble managing your blood sugar levels? Do you need help preventing or managing food allergies for your child?
Do you want to lose or gain weight? Are you having trouble managing your blood sugar levels? Do you need help preventing or managing food allergies for your child?
(956) 996-6325 View (956) 996-6325
Photo of Patty Martin - Patty Martin at Sugar Land Nutritionist (SLN), Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RD, CSSD, LD
Patty Martin at Sugar Land Nutritionist (SLN)
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RD, CSSD, LD
Serves Area
Are you struggling with weight gain? It's never too late to transform! I’m Patty Martin, a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified in both adult weight management and sports dietetics. I specialize in helping women navigate the challenges of menopause, PCOS and other hormonal imbalances—so they can lose weight, regain energy, and feel their best. I know what a woman's body goes through at 62—I’ve experienced most of the stages myself. That’s why I take a science-backed, personalized approach to nutrition, focusing on balancing hormones, improving metabolism, and creating sustainable habits—without restrictive fad diets.
Are you struggling with weight gain? It's never too late to transform! I’m Patty Martin, a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified in both adult weight management and sports dietetics. I specialize in helping women navigate the challenges of menopause, PCOS and other hormonal imbalances—so they can lose weight, regain energy, and feel their best. I know what a woman's body goes through at 62—I’ve experienced most of the stages myself. That’s why I take a science-backed, personalized approach to nutrition, focusing on balancing hormones, improving metabolism, and creating sustainable habits—without restrictive fad diets.
(832) 648-2382 View (832) 648-2382

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Emily Ramos, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CNSC
Emily Ramos
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CNSC
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Emily’s ideal patients are individuals who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives. She especially enjoys working with those experiencing GI disorders, as these conditions can be deeply debilitating and require strong motivation. Emily also loves working with pediatric patients, finding joy in helping children build healthy nutrition habits that can positively impact their lives long term.
Emily’s ideal patients are individuals who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives. She especially enjoys working with those experiencing GI disorders, as these conditions can be deeply debilitating and require strong motivation. Emily also loves working with pediatric patients, finding joy in helping children build healthy nutrition habits that can positively impact their lives long term.
(785) 665-2186 View (785) 665-2186
Photo of Erin Peters, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Erin Peters
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Erin is a Registered Dietitian who takes a patient-centered, collaborative approach to nutrition. She believes there is no one-size-fits-all plan and works with patients to explore their habits, goals, and lifestyle. Erin creates practical, personalized strategies that fit each person’s life, focusing on sustainable habits, confidence, and a positive relationship with food to support long-term health and well-being.
Erin is a Registered Dietitian who takes a patient-centered, collaborative approach to nutrition. She believes there is no one-size-fits-all plan and works with patients to explore their habits, goals, and lifestyle. Erin creates practical, personalized strategies that fit each person’s life, focusing on sustainable habits, confidence, and a positive relationship with food to support long-term health and well-being.
(848) 306-0658 View (848) 306-0658
Photo of Niara Osman, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Niara Osman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Online Only
I believe nutrition should feel supportive, realistic, and empowering—not overwhelming. My approach is personalized and judgment-free, focusing on evidence-based guidance that fits your lifestyle, culture, and goals. Whether you’re working on weight management, gut health, or improving lab values, I partner with you to create sustainable habits that lead to real, lasting results.
I believe nutrition should feel supportive, realistic, and empowering—not overwhelming. My approach is personalized and judgment-free, focusing on evidence-based guidance that fits your lifestyle, culture, and goals. Whether you’re working on weight management, gut health, or improving lab values, I partner with you to create sustainable habits that lead to real, lasting results.
(862) 292-9023 View (862) 292-9023
Photo of Yasmine Mavrakis - Mavrakis Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
Mavrakis Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Welcome to Mavrakis Nutrition! You deserve a relationship with food that feels calm, nourishing, and flexible. Whether you’re here to heal your relationship with food, manage an eating disorder, or simply reduce the overwhelm around eating—I’m here to help. I work with people navigating busy lives, mental and physical health concerns, and everything in between. My approach is compassionate, realistic, and focused on building trust in yourself—one step at a time. Let’s make food feel less like a stressor and more like support.
Welcome to Mavrakis Nutrition! You deserve a relationship with food that feels calm, nourishing, and flexible. Whether you’re here to heal your relationship with food, manage an eating disorder, or simply reduce the overwhelm around eating—I’m here to help. I work with people navigating busy lives, mental and physical health concerns, and everything in between. My approach is compassionate, realistic, and focused on building trust in yourself—one step at a time. Let’s make food feel less like a stressor and more like support.
(512) 729-6310 View (512) 729-6310
Photo of Rachel Laster, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDN
Rachel Laster
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDN
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Rachel is a compassionate, board-certified nutrition expert with more than nine years of experience supporting patients with specialized health needs. She is passionate about working with patients in underserved communities. Both within and beyond her practice, Rachel is an advocate for patients facing the challenges of chronic disease. Her approach is deeply rooted in inclusive, thoughtful care that brings cultural competence to every interaction.
Rachel is a compassionate, board-certified nutrition expert with more than nine years of experience supporting patients with specialized health needs. She is passionate about working with patients in underserved communities. Both within and beyond her practice, Rachel is an advocate for patients facing the challenges of chronic disease. Her approach is deeply rooted in inclusive, thoughtful care that brings cultural competence to every interaction.
(929) 209-9128 View (929) 209-9128
Photo of Anna Grumm, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Anna Grumm
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Anna’s ideal clients are individuals looking for practical, personalized support to improve their health through realistic nutrition and lifestyle changes. Many come to her feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. She helps clients build sustainable habits through a supportive, collaborative approach that considers the whole person, including nutrition, mental well-being, physical health, and each client’s unique goals.
Anna’s ideal clients are individuals looking for practical, personalized support to improve their health through realistic nutrition and lifestyle changes. Many come to her feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. She helps clients build sustainable habits through a supportive, collaborative approach that considers the whole person, including nutrition, mental well-being, physical health, and each client’s unique goals.
(971) 449-1216 View (971) 449-1216
Photo of Kathleen Garvey - Nutrition Refocused, LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Nutrition Refocused, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Online Only
Have you been trying for years to lose weight with no success? Have you been recently diagnosed with a condition but don’t know what to nutritionally do next? Then give me a call today! The word “diet” is not in my vocabulary, which is why I focus on intuitive eating and whole food nutrition.
Have you been trying for years to lose weight with no success? Have you been recently diagnosed with a condition but don’t know what to nutritionally do next? Then give me a call today! The word “diet” is not in my vocabulary, which is why I focus on intuitive eating and whole food nutrition.
(719) 350-6612 View (719) 350-6612
Photo of Caitlyn Fergerson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, MEd, LDN
Caitlyn Fergerson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, MEd, LDN
Serves Area
Would you like help working on your relationship with food and your relationship with your body? There are so many confusing nutrition messages out there and no single plan works for every person. If you're looking for a dietitian with varied experience and a nonjudgemental approach, I would love to talk with you. With a whole-person approach, I meet people where they're at and help them set reasonable, attainable wellness goals. I use a non-diet, trauma-informed approach with HAES (Health at Every Size) alignment and Intuitive Eating at the forefront.
Would you like help working on your relationship with food and your relationship with your body? There are so many confusing nutrition messages out there and no single plan works for every person. If you're looking for a dietitian with varied experience and a nonjudgemental approach, I would love to talk with you. With a whole-person approach, I meet people where they're at and help them set reasonable, attainable wellness goals. I use a non-diet, trauma-informed approach with HAES (Health at Every Size) alignment and Intuitive Eating at the forefront.
(520) 595-4179 View (520) 595-4179
Photo of Elizabeth Hartz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDN
Elizabeth Hartz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDN
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Elizabeth has extensive experience in academia, clinical nutrition, and one-on-one care. She strives to foster an environment where patients of all ages can explore their relationship with food in a supportive, individualized, and evidence-based manner. She has specific expertise at the intersection of mental health and chronic conditions, and she focuses on bringing the latest clinical research to her patients in a safe, thoughtful, and emotionally secure way.
Elizabeth has extensive experience in academia, clinical nutrition, and one-on-one care. She strives to foster an environment where patients of all ages can explore their relationship with food in a supportive, individualized, and evidence-based manner. She has specific expertise at the intersection of mental health and chronic conditions, and she focuses on bringing the latest clinical research to her patients in a safe, thoughtful, and emotionally secure way.
(716) 356-3193 View (716) 356-3193
Photo of Stacie Olivarri, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Stacie Olivarri
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My work centers on understanding you as an individual, your needs, your culture, your preferences, and your health goals. I believe nutrition care works best when you are actively involved in the process, so I prioritize shared decision-making and goal setting that feels realistic and meaningful to you.
My work centers on understanding you as an individual, your needs, your culture, your preferences, and your health goals. I believe nutrition care works best when you are actively involved in the process, so I prioritize shared decision-making and goal setting that feels realistic and meaningful to you.
(737) 637-4936 View (737) 637-4936
Photo of Barbara Amsler, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Barbara Amsler
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Online Only
My practice focuses on helping those that have found their health beginning to decline in middle age. Often, their provider is urging them to start medications because of concerning labs. Many wonder if there is better way to improve their health through diet and lifestyle. The answer is: yes, definitely! I enjoy sharing with my clients which diet and lifestyle changes are backed by the latest research and are worth their time and effort to pursue. I patiently coach clients, with their individual needs and preferences in mind, until goals become healthy habits that stick.
My practice focuses on helping those that have found their health beginning to decline in middle age. Often, their provider is urging them to start medications because of concerning labs. Many wonder if there is better way to improve their health through diet and lifestyle. The answer is: yes, definitely! I enjoy sharing with my clients which diet and lifestyle changes are backed by the latest research and are worth their time and effort to pursue. I patiently coach clients, with their individual needs and preferences in mind, until goals become healthy habits that stick.
(360) 230-7558 View (360) 230-7558
Photo of Pamela Parulian - Beacon Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
Beacon Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
Online Only
Your health matters. Let's talk about it! Hi I’m Pamela, a registered dietitian who cares about you and your health. Whether you want to restore a trusting relationship with food and your body or gain new knowledge, I would love to help. I understand how disappointing it can be to try diet after diet without any sustainable healthy changes. The food rules that you live by may be more harmful than helpful. Together, we can work through the barriers that stand in the way of you gaining a healthy mindset, as health starts from the inside out.
Your health matters. Let's talk about it! Hi I’m Pamela, a registered dietitian who cares about you and your health. Whether you want to restore a trusting relationship with food and your body or gain new knowledge, I would love to help. I understand how disappointing it can be to try diet after diet without any sustainable healthy changes. The food rules that you live by may be more harmful than helpful. Together, we can work through the barriers that stand in the way of you gaining a healthy mindset, as health starts from the inside out.
(979) 201-8848 View (979) 201-8848
Photo of Gina Tran Holmes, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Gina Tran Holmes
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Online Only
Have you spent years trying to “fix” your eating habits or your body but nothing seems to work? Are you totally confused about what to eat? Are your days super busy and it’s hard to find time to eat? Want to eat in a way that feels good and doesn’t stress you out? I get it! I help people discover the joy in eating and pursue well-being without focusing on their weight. As a non-diet dietitian, my goal is to help you stop dieting and obsessing about food and your body, and start living a joyful life with sustainable health, peace, and balance.
Have you spent years trying to “fix” your eating habits or your body but nothing seems to work? Are you totally confused about what to eat? Are your days super busy and it’s hard to find time to eat? Want to eat in a way that feels good and doesn’t stress you out? I get it! I help people discover the joy in eating and pursue well-being without focusing on their weight. As a non-diet dietitian, my goal is to help you stop dieting and obsessing about food and your body, and start living a joyful life with sustainable health, peace, and balance.
(214) 856-7917 View (214) 856-7917
Photo of Julia Fickenscher, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Julia Fickenscher
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Adolescent Eating Disorder & Disordered Eating Treatment: Hi, I’m Julia Fickenscher, a Registered Dietitian specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating in teens. I support adolescents navigating anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, OSFED, and ARFID. If your child is avoiding meals or becoming fixated on their body, you’re not alone—and they can get better. My approach is compassionate, developmentally informed, and rooted in medical nutrition therapy, intuitive eating, and Health at Every Size. I work closely with families and care teams to create a safe, supportive path to healing.
Adolescent Eating Disorder & Disordered Eating Treatment: Hi, I’m Julia Fickenscher, a Registered Dietitian specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating in teens. I support adolescents navigating anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, OSFED, and ARFID. If your child is avoiding meals or becoming fixated on their body, you’re not alone—and they can get better. My approach is compassionate, developmentally informed, and rooted in medical nutrition therapy, intuitive eating, and Health at Every Size. I work closely with families and care teams to create a safe, supportive path to healing.
(610) 819-5516 View (610) 819-5516
Photo of Haleigh Mann, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Haleigh Mann
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Haleigh is a registered dietitian who is passionate about helping her clients discover their love for food and their bodies. Haleigh provides evidence-based nutrition education and works to empower clients to make realistic changes that work with their unique lifestyles and preferences. Haleigh approaches each client personally and individually. She has an anti-diet, all-foods-fit, trauma-informed approach to care. She enjoys the challenge of working closely with each client to meet their goals and live their best life while building a healthier relationship with food and their body.
Haleigh is a registered dietitian who is passionate about helping her clients discover their love for food and their bodies. Haleigh provides evidence-based nutrition education and works to empower clients to make realistic changes that work with their unique lifestyles and preferences. Haleigh approaches each client personally and individually. She has an anti-diet, all-foods-fit, trauma-informed approach to care. She enjoys the challenge of working closely with each client to meet their goals and live their best life while building a healthier relationship with food and their body.
(640) 209-4955 View (640) 209-4955
Photo of Dharti Shah (Kidney Dietitian), Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD, CLT
Dharti Shah (Kidney Dietitian)
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD, CLT
Serves Area
Being vegetarian is awesome. It can help your kidneys too, especially if you have been diagnosed with CKD. Patients often struggle to find the right diet for kidneys or are trying to make sense of 'food lists' given to them by their physician, not realizing that a renal diet is much more than a list of do's and don'ts. Timely nutrition therapy can delay or completely avoid the need for dialysis. That's huge! This is the opportunity window that many patients miss, ending up on dialysis, which in many cases, is life-long.
Being vegetarian is awesome. It can help your kidneys too, especially if you have been diagnosed with CKD. Patients often struggle to find the right diet for kidneys or are trying to make sense of 'food lists' given to them by their physician, not realizing that a renal diet is much more than a list of do's and don'ts. Timely nutrition therapy can delay or completely avoid the need for dialysis. That's huge! This is the opportunity window that many patients miss, ending up on dialysis, which in many cases, is life-long.
(512) 572-5006 View (512) 572-5006
Photo of Liliana Aguilar, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, MPH, RD, LD
Liliana Aguilar
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, MPH, RD, LD
Houston, TX 77007
My Goal is to provide the most updated nutrition medical information to address the whole individual. Liliana Aguilar is a bilingual licensed and registered dietitian in private practice who lectures and develops nutrition education seminars, provides medical nutrition therapy to patients, as well as referred individuals. Gives lectures to corporations, colleges and support groups. Has served as a Dietitian on Staff for The YMCA, out patient dietitian for The Houston Area Community Services for 5+ years, Spring Branch Community Services and eight years as adjunct faculty in the science department at Houston Community College.
My Goal is to provide the most updated nutrition medical information to address the whole individual. Liliana Aguilar is a bilingual licensed and registered dietitian in private practice who lectures and develops nutrition education seminars, provides medical nutrition therapy to patients, as well as referred individuals. Gives lectures to corporations, colleges and support groups. Has served as a Dietitian on Staff for The YMCA, out patient dietitian for The Houston Area Community Services for 5+ years, Spring Branch Community Services and eight years as adjunct faculty in the science department at Houston Community College.
(281) 916-8429 View (281) 916-8429
Photo of Dr. Serge Gregoire, Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, CCH
Dr. Serge Gregoire
Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, CCH
Webster, TX 77598
My mission is to provide the community with safe, effective, and natural answers to health concerns. It is to make sick people well and to keep healthy people healthy. I have great success with ADHD, allergies/asthma/sinus, anxiety, arthritis, bladder dysfunction, bronchitis, chronic fatigue, colitis, cold, depression, digestive disorders, detox, eczema, fibromyalgia, heart related conditions, high cholesterol, infertility, insomnia, joint issues, pain, migraines, PMS, menopause, slow metabolism, stress, thyroid disorders, weight management, Lyme disease, diabetes, etc.
My mission is to provide the community with safe, effective, and natural answers to health concerns. It is to make sick people well and to keep healthy people healthy. I have great success with ADHD, allergies/asthma/sinus, anxiety, arthritis, bladder dysfunction, bronchitis, chronic fatigue, colitis, cold, depression, digestive disorders, detox, eczema, fibromyalgia, heart related conditions, high cholesterol, infertility, insomnia, joint issues, pain, migraines, PMS, menopause, slow metabolism, stress, thyroid disorders, weight management, Lyme disease, diabetes, etc.
(832) 895-7422 View (832) 895-7422
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians

How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Missouri City?

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.