Nutritionists and Dietitians near Richardson, TX
![Photo of Gay Riley, MS, RD, CCN, FMN, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/5b0a69c4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gay Riley
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CCN, FMN, LD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richardson, TX 75082 (Online Only)
My name is Gay Riley. As a functional nutritionist my job is to guide you to "take control of your health". Whether you are managing a chronic medical condition, struggling with physical symptoms you cant seem to resolve, or striving to acheive a health and fitness goal I can help. We look for the source of the symptom (s), using your history, lifestyle, who you are, genomics and advanced tests to design a personalized plan just for you. We create realistic long term plans with food, nutrition and lifestyle to help you reach your goals naturally. You will be amazed at how easy it can be. www.netnutritionist.com/success-stories/
My name is Gay Riley. As a functional nutritionist my job is to guide you to "take control of your health". Whether you are managing a chronic medical condition, struggling with physical symptoms you cant seem to resolve, or striving to acheive a health and fitness goal I can help. We look for the source of the symptom (s), using your history, lifestyle, who you are, genomics and advanced tests to design a personalized plan just for you. We create realistic long term plans with food, nutrition and lifestyle to help you reach your goals naturally. You will be amazed at how easy it can be. www.netnutritionist.com/success-stories/
![Photo of Araceli Vázquez, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/5aabd772-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you ready to start your journey towards a healthier lifestyle? Whether you have a specific medical condition such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Eating Disorders, or are in need of Family Nutrition or individual consultation for weight management or malnutrition, I am the best choice for your nutritional needs. ¿Está listo para comenzar su viaje hacia un estilo de vida más saludable? Ya sea que tenga Diabetes, Hipertensión, Trastornos Alimenticios, o si necesita una consulta Individual o Familiar para manejo de su peso o malnutrición, soy la Nutrióloga que usted necesita.
Are you ready to start your journey towards a healthier lifestyle? Whether you have a specific medical condition such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Eating Disorders, or are in need of Family Nutrition or individual consultation for weight management or malnutrition, I am the best choice for your nutritional needs. ¿Está listo para comenzar su viaje hacia un estilo de vida más saludable? Ya sea que tenga Diabetes, Hipertensión, Trastornos Alimenticios, o si necesita una consulta Individual o Familiar para manejo de su peso o malnutrición, soy la Nutrióloga que usted necesita.
![Photo of Tim McComsey - TRYM FITNESS LLC, RD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/583fb940-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Weight loss, tone up, lower blood press and cholesterol, diabetes, or just to be in your best shape ever I can help you!
Weight loss, tone up, lower blood press and cholesterol, diabetes, or just to be in your best shape ever I can help you!
![Photo of Martha McHenry - Smart Plate Nutrition, RD, LD, CDE, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/f4c589f6-6a9d-4069-8dea-0cc950e2c205/2/320x400.jpeg)
Diabetes? High Cholesterol? Overweight? Need Healthy Meal Plans? Call today for your Initial Consultation. Tiene diabetes, colesterol, alta presion o esta sobre peso? Necesita ayuda con la planificacion de comidas? Llamenos hoy para su consulta inicial!
Diabetes? High Cholesterol? Overweight? Need Healthy Meal Plans? Call today for your Initial Consultation. Tiene diabetes, colesterol, alta presion o esta sobre peso? Necesita ayuda con la planificacion de comidas? Llamenos hoy para su consulta inicial!
![Photo of Megan Good, RD, LD, CEDS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/2b723f0a-b8e2-445b-977b-417ff9000c2c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Does your relationship with food feel chaotic or stressful? Are there foods you feel like you "can't" have? My goal is to help you find peace with food, learn to trust your body and it's signals, and feed yourself with nourishment and joy. After working in a treatment center, I have experience working with clients of all ages, and a variety of eating disorder diagnoses, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and ARFID.
Does your relationship with food feel chaotic or stressful? Are there foods you feel like you "can't" have? My goal is to help you find peace with food, learn to trust your body and it's signals, and feed yourself with nourishment and joy. After working in a treatment center, I have experience working with clients of all ages, and a variety of eating disorder diagnoses, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and ARFID.
![Photo of Tere Rivera, RDN, MS, CEDS, FAED, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/d7c8a22c-6b70-4b7a-ad8f-a62faa9b93e5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Have you thought you should have a better relationship with food and a better quality of life? Are you feeling tired to have to think about food all the time? Do you feel like your life now evolves around overwhelming food thoughts? Have you made attempts to eat better and not succeeded? Are your parents worried about your eating behavior? Is your child struggling with picky eating to the point that is loosing weight or not growing? Is your child overly conscious about their body and stopped eating adequate amounts? Have you observed your child struggle with drastic weight fluctuations and not eating as they were before?
Have you thought you should have a better relationship with food and a better quality of life? Are you feeling tired to have to think about food all the time? Do you feel like your life now evolves around overwhelming food thoughts? Have you made attempts to eat better and not succeeded? Are your parents worried about your eating behavior? Is your child struggling with picky eating to the point that is loosing weight or not growing? Is your child overly conscious about their body and stopped eating adequate amounts? Have you observed your child struggle with drastic weight fluctuations and not eating as they were before?
![Photo of Shelby Bradford, MCN, RD, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/91c4e5d6-d64c-4c49-94c8-a5b8d9a27609/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! I am a clinical dietitian with an interest in disordered eating behaviors. When I was in high school I saw a lot of my peers struggling with body image, self esteem, and disordered eating. This led me to major in both nutrition and psychology in my undergraduate studies. In my dietary counseling sessions, I provide evidence-based information based on years of experience as a clinical dietitian within a Health At Every Size (HAES) framework. That means I'm focused on your health first, not just your weight. When you decide to work with me you will gain the tools necessary to make healthful decisions with confidence.
Hello! I am a clinical dietitian with an interest in disordered eating behaviors. When I was in high school I saw a lot of my peers struggling with body image, self esteem, and disordered eating. This led me to major in both nutrition and psychology in my undergraduate studies. In my dietary counseling sessions, I provide evidence-based information based on years of experience as a clinical dietitian within a Health At Every Size (HAES) framework. That means I'm focused on your health first, not just your weight. When you decide to work with me you will gain the tools necessary to make healthful decisions with confidence.
Marla Kimberly Ablon
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, DipACLM
Verified Verified
Richardson, TX 75080
Marla Ablon, RDN, LD, graduated with honors from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center of Dallas. As a Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner, Marla shares the ACLM’s vision: “A world in which all physicians and health professionals have been trained and certified in evidence-based lifestyle medicine, integrating healthful behaviors into their own lives, while incorporating a lifestyle medicine-first approach to treating root causes of lifestyle-related diseases into their clinical practices.”
Marla Ablon, RDN, LD, graduated with honors from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center of Dallas. As a Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner, Marla shares the ACLM’s vision: “A world in which all physicians and health professionals have been trained and certified in evidence-based lifestyle medicine, integrating healthful behaviors into their own lives, while incorporating a lifestyle medicine-first approach to treating root causes of lifestyle-related diseases into their clinical practices.”
![Photo of Casey Bonano - Casey Bonano RD, LD, CEDS-C, RD, LD, CEDS-C, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/230d844a-91bc-44d4-b17a-61c3b9fabc95/1/320x400.jpeg)
Casey Bonano RD, LD, CEDS-C
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD, CEDS-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75251
Are you struggling with the stress of an eating disorder, disordered eating, emotional eating, and/or chronic dieting? Through nutrition counseling, we can work to normalize your relationship with food and free yourself from the restrictive and dieting mentality through Intuitive Eating. My goal is to help you navigate not just WHAT you are eating, but the HOW, WHEN, and WHY you are eating to figure out what food freedom and health look like for you through 1:1 or group nutrition sessions. I am passionate about learning my client's story and helping each person heal their relationship with food.
Are you struggling with the stress of an eating disorder, disordered eating, emotional eating, and/or chronic dieting? Through nutrition counseling, we can work to normalize your relationship with food and free yourself from the restrictive and dieting mentality through Intuitive Eating. My goal is to help you navigate not just WHAT you are eating, but the HOW, WHEN, and WHY you are eating to figure out what food freedom and health look like for you through 1:1 or group nutrition sessions. I am passionate about learning my client's story and helping each person heal their relationship with food.
![Photo of Susan Linke, MBA, MS, RD, LD, CLT, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/59adddf4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Linke
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MBA, MS, RD, LD, CLT
Verified Verified
67 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75243
Do you have a chronic health condition such as IBS, Migraines, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, eczema, or others? Since 80% of your immune system is in the gut, foods can act as "triggers" causing inflammation, pain, diarrhea and more. Your immune system is as unique as a fingerprint, so there is no one-size-fits all solution. What might give one person a migraine doesn't necessarily give someone else a migraine. I personalize my approach by combining nutrition, laboratory analysis and supplements (if needed). Most importantly I listen. You know your body better than anyone. Together we'll develop an approach that works for you.
Do you have a chronic health condition such as IBS, Migraines, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, eczema, or others? Since 80% of your immune system is in the gut, foods can act as "triggers" causing inflammation, pain, diarrhea and more. Your immune system is as unique as a fingerprint, so there is no one-size-fits all solution. What might give one person a migraine doesn't necessarily give someone else a migraine. I personalize my approach by combining nutrition, laboratory analysis and supplements (if needed). Most importantly I listen. You know your body better than anyone. Together we'll develop an approach that works for you.
![Photo of Rebecca Tilden, MCN, RD, LD, CEDS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/131851dc-8fdd-4c01-8f40-3dfe9b092d46/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Tilden
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MCN, RD, LD, CEDS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75251
Are you ready to fight your eating disorder, disordered eating, and/or chronic dieting mentality? With nutrition counseling, we can work to normalize your relationship with food and free yourself from the dieting mentality through Intuitive Eating. I have worked in all levels of eating disorder treatment, and am so happy to bring that experience to the outpatient world serving clients at Dallas Nutritional Counseling.
Are you ready to fight your eating disorder, disordered eating, and/or chronic dieting mentality? With nutrition counseling, we can work to normalize your relationship with food and free yourself from the dieting mentality through Intuitive Eating. I have worked in all levels of eating disorder treatment, and am so happy to bring that experience to the outpatient world serving clients at Dallas Nutritional Counseling.
![Photo of Lauren Heidenreich, RD, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/56ecba73-f04d-4bc6-a4dd-24671500f89d/1/320x400.png)
Evening & Saturday appointments available! Would you like to decrease your anxiety around food and eating, decrease the time you spend thinking about food, and help make food and eating feel like less effort? Keep reading! I believe that health, intuitive eating, mindfulness, and appropriate exercise can exist in harmony while developing and maintaining a “no bad foods” mentality. I can help you decrease anxiety and thinking around food and make eating easier.
Evening & Saturday appointments available! Would you like to decrease your anxiety around food and eating, decrease the time you spend thinking about food, and help make food and eating feel like less effort? Keep reading! I believe that health, intuitive eating, mindfulness, and appropriate exercise can exist in harmony while developing and maintaining a “no bad foods” mentality. I can help you decrease anxiety and thinking around food and make eating easier.
![Photo of Andrea Luongo - Dietitians Of Dallas LLC, MS, RDN, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/be97653e-0e55-4cf3-a682-658569fedc0b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dietitians of Dallas, LLC is proud to be one of the most trusted preventative health practices in the DFW area! Veteran owned and operated, Dietitians of Dallas focuses on ethical practice and patient centered care. Each Registered Dietitian has over 10 years of experience with expertise in Eating Disorders, Functional Nutrition, Weight Loss, Bariatric Support, and Diabetes. To optimize your health Dietitians of Dallas also offers Vitamin Infusions provided by their own in house Registered Nurse!
Dietitians of Dallas, LLC is proud to be one of the most trusted preventative health practices in the DFW area! Veteran owned and operated, Dietitians of Dallas focuses on ethical practice and patient centered care. Each Registered Dietitian has over 10 years of experience with expertise in Eating Disorders, Functional Nutrition, Weight Loss, Bariatric Support, and Diabetes. To optimize your health Dietitians of Dallas also offers Vitamin Infusions provided by their own in house Registered Nurse!
![Photo of Ashley Walls, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/39d8db42-a475-4515-bcf7-16316128d585/1/320x400.png)
Ashley Walls
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75254 (Online Only)
Ashley Walls specializes in working with clients interested in general healthy eating, and conditions including Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Celiac, Crohn's, IBS, Intuitive Eating and more. With 3 years of experience at a residential treatment level, Ashley is well versed on the difficulties associated with co-occurring diagnosis and eating disorder recovery. She believes that all foods fit through practice of balance, variety and moderation. Her past experiences as an athlete and personal trainer has prompted a particular interest in sports nutrition.
Ashley Walls specializes in working with clients interested in general healthy eating, and conditions including Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Celiac, Crohn's, IBS, Intuitive Eating and more. With 3 years of experience at a residential treatment level, Ashley is well versed on the difficulties associated with co-occurring diagnosis and eating disorder recovery. She believes that all foods fit through practice of balance, variety and moderation. Her past experiences as an athlete and personal trainer has prompted a particular interest in sports nutrition.
![Photo of Kimberly Young, MS, CNS, CSNC, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/165049d0-b653-444a-a31a-59a35f67e840/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Young
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, CSNC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75243 (Online Only)
My approach is focused on dietary and lifestyle modifications with a primary focus on whole food. I utilize a wide range of diagnostic tools and customize results oriented programs based on your goals. My ideal client is looking for a sustainable balanced lifestyle and improvement of chronic conditions. Flex spending/HSA accounts are accepted. I can provide a Super Bill for insurance purposes. All sessions exclusively online.
My approach is focused on dietary and lifestyle modifications with a primary focus on whole food. I utilize a wide range of diagnostic tools and customize results oriented programs based on your goals. My ideal client is looking for a sustainable balanced lifestyle and improvement of chronic conditions. Flex spending/HSA accounts are accepted. I can provide a Super Bill for insurance purposes. All sessions exclusively online.
![Photo of Lemond Nutrition - Lemond Nutrition, MA, LPC-A, RDN, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/5b43b50a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lemond Nutrition is proud to be one of the most trusted private nutrition practices among families and doctors in the Dallas and Lubbock areas. After seeing a need for comprehensive nutrition assistance specifically for children and families— Angela and Jeff Lemond founded the company in 2009. Lemond Nutrition has helped hundreds of people find a nutritious and healthy lifestyle. We are honored daily to be a continued resource for people in need.
Lemond Nutrition is proud to be one of the most trusted private nutrition practices among families and doctors in the Dallas and Lubbock areas. After seeing a need for comprehensive nutrition assistance specifically for children and families— Angela and Jeff Lemond founded the company in 2009. Lemond Nutrition has helped hundreds of people find a nutritious and healthy lifestyle. We are honored daily to be a continued resource for people in need.
![Photo of McKayla Mazziotti, MS, RD, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/7fbfc5cf-617e-4701-991c-2e31a9e59461/1/320x400.jpeg)
Has your sport impacted your relationship with food? Has your energy been dropping? How is your body image? Through nutrition counseling, We can work to normalize your relationship with food, free yourself from the dieting mentality, and improve both your performance and your body image. I help active individuals, as well as former athletes, repair their relationship with food and fueling using principles of intuitive eating and all foods fit. I love helping young adults navigate new independence around food such as cooking, meal planning, and grocery shopping.
Has your sport impacted your relationship with food? Has your energy been dropping? How is your body image? Through nutrition counseling, We can work to normalize your relationship with food, free yourself from the dieting mentality, and improve both your performance and your body image. I help active individuals, as well as former athletes, repair their relationship with food and fueling using principles of intuitive eating and all foods fit. I love helping young adults navigate new independence around food such as cooking, meal planning, and grocery shopping.
![Photo of Adrienne DePaul, MS, RD, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/89ab87ad-cd5a-42c5-91a7-4f954a1ff8b9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Adrienne DePaul
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN, LDN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75243 (Online Only)
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft helping clients whom have PCOS, interests in Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, or Weight Management. I help clients to craft personalized, attainable, and sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes that support their health. By collaboratively designing small, impactful steps that preserve quality of life and promote personal choice, I help my clients achieve their goals from better blood sugar control to increased energy.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft helping clients whom have PCOS, interests in Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, or Weight Management. I help clients to craft personalized, attainable, and sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes that support their health. By collaboratively designing small, impactful steps that preserve quality of life and promote personal choice, I help my clients achieve their goals from better blood sugar control to increased energy.
![Photo of Anne Suelzer, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/806fb122-b805-4309-8aed-c1ddc2d78782/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
![Photo of Alexandra (Alex) Leibold, MS, RD, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/6c3add8b-6697-451a-acb5-f65fd213d559/3/320x400.jpeg)
Alexandra (Alex) Leibold
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75251 (Online Only)
When was the last time food was FUN for you? If it’s been a while, I’d love to help you explore how food can be more than just necessary nourishment. Eating disorders take the social, cultural, and, frankly, the joy out of eating. My goal is to guide each client on their journey, teaching clients how to nourish themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.
When was the last time food was FUN for you? If it’s been a while, I’d love to help you explore how food can be more than just necessary nourishment. Eating disorders take the social, cultural, and, frankly, the joy out of eating. My goal is to guide each client on their journey, teaching clients how to nourish themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Richardson?
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.