Nutritionists and Dietitians in Olympia, WA
![Photo of Brandi Olden - Creating Peace with Food, LLC, RDN, CEDS-S, RD, LD, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/c2b03980-3178-4692-a036-d86af43de5cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Creating Peace with Food, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CEDS-S, RD, LD, CD
Verified Verified
Olympia, WA 98516
Hi! My name is Brandi Olden. Helping individuals and families create peace with their food and bodies through a non-diet, Health at Every Size, gender affirming, anti-fat bias, social justice minded, neurodivergent & sensory aware, trauma-informed lens for almost 20 years. Licensed in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Individual & Family Nutrition Therapy, ADHD Coaching, Clinical Supervision for Eating Disorders & Pediatrics.
Hi! My name is Brandi Olden. Helping individuals and families create peace with their food and bodies through a non-diet, Health at Every Size, gender affirming, anti-fat bias, social justice minded, neurodivergent & sensory aware, trauma-informed lens for almost 20 years. Licensed in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Individual & Family Nutrition Therapy, ADHD Coaching, Clinical Supervision for Eating Disorders & Pediatrics.
![Photo of Charlene Koutchak, MS, RDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/874e9da6-6ed0-4d4a-8b46-71cf06734802/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you tired of being told, "Just try harder" or "It's a matter of willpower?" Whether you are struggling with the backlash of chronic dieting, an eating disorder, or disordered eating, you are not alone. I partner with adults who long to feel at peace in their bodies and discover their unique needs and pattern of eating. You may have heard about Intuitive Eating or are listening to podcasts encouraging you to ditch culture, and you're ready to move away from food guilt and body shame. Sharing your story in a safe and understanding space with someone skilled is essential.
Are you tired of being told, "Just try harder" or "It's a matter of willpower?" Whether you are struggling with the backlash of chronic dieting, an eating disorder, or disordered eating, you are not alone. I partner with adults who long to feel at peace in their bodies and discover their unique needs and pattern of eating. You may have heard about Intuitive Eating or are listening to podcasts encouraging you to ditch culture, and you're ready to move away from food guilt and body shame. Sharing your story in a safe and understanding space with someone skilled is essential.
![Photo of Cathy Visser, MPH, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/ed444163-dab1-4740-aeeb-9bb60029bc5a/4/320x400.jpeg)
Ready to quit dieting forever and heal your relationship with food? Struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating? I can help you heal your relationship with food and achieve body liberation. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, certified Intuitive Eating counselor, and body liberation advocate. Together, I will help you learn the principles of Intuitive Eating, including meal preparation and gentle nutrition that is health-promoting. I also offer a no-cost body liberation support group that will give you the support and tools you need to achieve a renewed sense of self-love.
Ready to quit dieting forever and heal your relationship with food? Struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating? I can help you heal your relationship with food and achieve body liberation. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, certified Intuitive Eating counselor, and body liberation advocate. Together, I will help you learn the principles of Intuitive Eating, including meal preparation and gentle nutrition that is health-promoting. I also offer a no-cost body liberation support group that will give you the support and tools you need to achieve a renewed sense of self-love.
![Photo of Gina Coduto, MPPD, RDN, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/fd10acee-9b6f-4e8a-9f0a-60939df77c04/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you are tired of chronic dieting and want to heal your relationship with food, you are in the right place! I help women create sustainable lifestyle changes to find food freedom and body confidence to become the best version of themselves. Eating to create a healthy lifestyle doesn't need to be complicated or restrictive. Imagine a life where you can stop dieting, eat without feeling guilty, and become more confident in yourself and in your body.
If you are tired of chronic dieting and want to heal your relationship with food, you are in the right place! I help women create sustainable lifestyle changes to find food freedom and body confidence to become the best version of themselves. Eating to create a healthy lifestyle doesn't need to be complicated or restrictive. Imagine a life where you can stop dieting, eat without feeling guilty, and become more confident in yourself and in your body.
![Photo of Alie Purcell - AP Nutrition PLLC, MS, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/fb1630d8-3e88-4dc5-b13a-f540f855e62a/1/320x400.png)
I empower clients to achieve their wellness goals, whether it's weight management, disease prevention, sports nutrition, or overall lifestyle improvement.
I empower clients to achieve their wellness goals, whether it's weight management, disease prevention, sports nutrition, or overall lifestyle improvement.
![Photo of Robert W Demko, MS, CN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/59fac26b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with people to make realistic dietary changes to improve overall health and wellness. Nutrition plans are customized to meet your individual dietary needs, goals, and preferences. Whether you are seeking assistance to manage weight, dietary changes for medical necessity, or you find yourself overwhelmed by all the conflicting nutrition information in the world today, we will develop your personalized diet plan to promote, easy to follow, optimal eating habits that foster a positive and functional relationship with food.
I enjoy working with people to make realistic dietary changes to improve overall health and wellness. Nutrition plans are customized to meet your individual dietary needs, goals, and preferences. Whether you are seeking assistance to manage weight, dietary changes for medical necessity, or you find yourself overwhelmed by all the conflicting nutrition information in the world today, we will develop your personalized diet plan to promote, easy to follow, optimal eating habits that foster a positive and functional relationship with food.
![Photo of Laura Foster - On Your Path Nutrition LLC, MS, RDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/100000f1-484e-4503-8ecc-31131edd9fd2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are your blood sugars higher than they should be? Have you been diagnosed with PCOS? Let me help you make personalized changes using real-time data with a CGM (continuous glucose monitor). Start now to prevent those inflammatory conditions from taking hold by getting your own blood sugar and insulin levels under control. Together, we can accomplish personalized goals to make lasting changes so you can continue feeling good into old age.
Are your blood sugars higher than they should be? Have you been diagnosed with PCOS? Let me help you make personalized changes using real-time data with a CGM (continuous glucose monitor). Start now to prevent those inflammatory conditions from taking hold by getting your own blood sugar and insulin levels under control. Together, we can accomplish personalized goals to make lasting changes so you can continue feeling good into old age.
![Photo of Ashley Bent, MS, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/b0d20bfb-c2d6-4767-bddb-e6f891c9b590/1/320x400.jpeg)
As both a Sports-, and Eating Disorders Dietitian, I've had the pleasure of helping athletes achieve personal records, recover faster, heal from injuries, and reach new levels of performance, in addition to helping people improve their relationship with food and their body as they navigate recovery from an eating disorder or disordered eating.
As both a Sports-, and Eating Disorders Dietitian, I've had the pleasure of helping athletes achieve personal records, recover faster, heal from injuries, and reach new levels of performance, in addition to helping people improve their relationship with food and their body as they navigate recovery from an eating disorder or disordered eating.
![Photo of Mimosa Collins, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/28cae0b5-5faf-4b9a-8e3b-73d7bbdf3d2c/2/320x400.jpeg)
"I just want to be able to eat and not feel guilty about it but I also want to feel good in my body." Does this sound familiar? Does it feel like you're either fighting a battle with food or fighting a battle with yourself? Whether you are healing from a diagnosed eating disorder or you're tired of food controlling so much of your life; your intuition is correct, there is another way to engage with food and relate to your body. A way to live more aligned with your values, be present to the relationships you care about, and reclaim your agency. If you're here; congratulations, you're already on your way.
"I just want to be able to eat and not feel guilty about it but I also want to feel good in my body." Does this sound familiar? Does it feel like you're either fighting a battle with food or fighting a battle with yourself? Whether you are healing from a diagnosed eating disorder or you're tired of food controlling so much of your life; your intuition is correct, there is another way to engage with food and relate to your body. A way to live more aligned with your values, be present to the relationships you care about, and reclaim your agency. If you're here; congratulations, you're already on your way.
![Photo of Erika Weber - Erika Weber | Cultivated Nutrition, MS, RD, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/a4e7fc37-6011-4402-92d0-3cd26d421f89/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erika Weber | Cultivated Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CD
Verified Verified
Olympia, WA 98501 (Online Only)
Hi there! I'm Erika, a registered dietitian offering virtual nutrition counseling using a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach. I help individuals nourish their bodies for fertility, during pregnancy, and postpartum as well as provide support for feeding little ones, from babies to older kids. I'm here to guide you and your family in learning to nourish your body without guilt or dieting. I provide nutrition counseling that's personalized to you and will meet you wherever you're at. I offer virtual nutrition counseling nationwide so you never have to leave the comfort of your home!
Hi there! I'm Erika, a registered dietitian offering virtual nutrition counseling using a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach. I help individuals nourish their bodies for fertility, during pregnancy, and postpartum as well as provide support for feeding little ones, from babies to older kids. I'm here to guide you and your family in learning to nourish your body without guilt or dieting. I provide nutrition counseling that's personalized to you and will meet you wherever you're at. I offer virtual nutrition counseling nationwide so you never have to leave the comfort of your home!
![Photo of Heather Brummer, MS, LAc, CN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/3e3fac6a-71d6-4c9f-9594-65c0bed3b058/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Brummer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, LAc, CN
Verified Verified
Olympia, WA 98501 (Online Only)
Are you tired of being confused about what to eat? I'm here for you! As a nutritionist that has practiced for nearly twenty years, I have seen a lot of fads come and go. And I have worked with so many of you who have come to me unsure about which fad was “right”. Instead of focusing on the perfectly “right” way to eat, I help my clients find the right ways to eat for them, while also helping to reverse prediabetes, improve fertility or symptoms with PCOS, and create a more resilient immune and hormonal balance with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease.
Are you tired of being confused about what to eat? I'm here for you! As a nutritionist that has practiced for nearly twenty years, I have seen a lot of fads come and go. And I have worked with so many of you who have come to me unsure about which fad was “right”. Instead of focusing on the perfectly “right” way to eat, I help my clients find the right ways to eat for them, while also helping to reverse prediabetes, improve fertility or symptoms with PCOS, and create a more resilient immune and hormonal balance with autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease.
![Photo of Ash Linxwiler, MPH, RD, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/bd497ab1-1b67-43ba-b6ba-102d1df778c2/1/320x400.jpeg)
We live in a chaotic world full of challenges and deciding what, when and how to eat can be one of them. But it doesn't have to feel like this forever! Whatever your struggle may be, I'd like to help make eating feel less challenging. Using motivational interviewing skills, I focus on understanding the complex and unique struggles each patient is experiencing and helping guide them towards sustainable and manageable solutions to last a lifetime.
We live in a chaotic world full of challenges and deciding what, when and how to eat can be one of them. But it doesn't have to feel like this forever! Whatever your struggle may be, I'd like to help make eating feel less challenging. Using motivational interviewing skills, I focus on understanding the complex and unique struggles each patient is experiencing and helping guide them towards sustainable and manageable solutions to last a lifetime.
![Photo of Kate Ueland, MS, RD, CSO, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/cf53df7c-b974-4f68-8248-f6eb8da94275/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you confused about the conflicting information on cancer or sports nutrition and just want to feel confident in your choices? Need someone to sort out the fact from fiction and make changes sustainable? If you are ready to talk or make changes, I'm here for you.
Are you confused about the conflicting information on cancer or sports nutrition and just want to feel confident in your choices? Need someone to sort out the fact from fiction and make changes sustainable? If you are ready to talk or make changes, I'm here for you.
![Photo of Mikaela Carrillo, MS, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/a841548e-b900-4fa3-a352-0a4e58a4daba/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mikaela Carrillo
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Olympia, WA 98501
Not accepting new clients
Hello! I'm Mikaela and I am a non-diet dietitian. I am passionate about helping my clients develop an intuitive relationship with food while letting go of diet culture, body shame, and perfectionism. I am committed to assisting clients repair their relationship with food and exercise while using trauma-informed, size-inclusive, and client-centered approaches to care. I work with adults and adolescents ages 13 and up who struggle with a variety of disordered eating and body image concerns. With several years of experience in eating disorder treatment, I have helped many clients just like you heal their relationship with food.
Hello! I'm Mikaela and I am a non-diet dietitian. I am passionate about helping my clients develop an intuitive relationship with food while letting go of diet culture, body shame, and perfectionism. I am committed to assisting clients repair their relationship with food and exercise while using trauma-informed, size-inclusive, and client-centered approaches to care. I work with adults and adolescents ages 13 and up who struggle with a variety of disordered eating and body image concerns. With several years of experience in eating disorder treatment, I have helped many clients just like you heal their relationship with food.
![Photo of Lydia Fredeen - New Leaf Nutrition Counseling, RD, CD, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/3d07ed7f-d669-4094-b5e9-77cd8b67a12e/3/320x400.jpeg)
New Leaf Nutrition Counseling
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CD, LD
Verified Verified
Olympia, WA 98501
Hi there! We are a group practice of Registered Dietitians who specialize in eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, and an anti-diet approach to wellness. We serve folks virtually in WA and OR with some in-person availability in Portland. We value client-centered care by meeting clients where they’re at while providing supportive encouragement for clients to reach towards their goals.
Hi there! We are a group practice of Registered Dietitians who specialize in eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, and an anti-diet approach to wellness. We serve folks virtually in WA and OR with some in-person availability in Portland. We value client-centered care by meeting clients where they’re at while providing supportive encouragement for clients to reach towards their goals.
![Photo of Margaret Mills, MS, CN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/7a13bb77-77b5-44de-9ab8-c0e63cc80693/1/320x400.jpeg)
I love working with clients who are looking ditch diet culture, to redefine what "health" means to them, and to improve their relationship to food and body. But sometimes, the journey toward body acceptance and intuitive eating is complicated. Complex medical issues like autoimmune conditions, food allergies/intolerances, and disordered eating patterns can disrupt the relationship we have to our bodies. Most of my clients are sitting at this intersection, ready to explore a new framework and rebuild trust in their bodies.
I love working with clients who are looking ditch diet culture, to redefine what "health" means to them, and to improve their relationship to food and body. But sometimes, the journey toward body acceptance and intuitive eating is complicated. Complex medical issues like autoimmune conditions, food allergies/intolerances, and disordered eating patterns can disrupt the relationship we have to our bodies. Most of my clients are sitting at this intersection, ready to explore a new framework and rebuild trust in their bodies.
![Photo of Gretchen Gruender, MS, RDN, CSO, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/0fe685a4-434f-4f94-b98c-315495f5807e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you ready to make positive changes to your diet but dealing with the effects of a chronic illness or cancer treatment? Find your path to a diet that tastes delicious to you while serving and supporting your unique needs and palate. I support people who are in cancer treatment, cancer survivors, or have diabetes/pre-diabetes, osteoporosis, hyperlipidemia, digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, and other side effects of cancer treatment.
Are you ready to make positive changes to your diet but dealing with the effects of a chronic illness or cancer treatment? Find your path to a diet that tastes delicious to you while serving and supporting your unique needs and palate. I support people who are in cancer treatment, cancer survivors, or have diabetes/pre-diabetes, osteoporosis, hyperlipidemia, digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, and other side effects of cancer treatment.
![Photo of Negin Ebrahimifard, RDN, CDCES, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/768353f9-f26b-43f8-a6b2-f5da33dc89a1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking for support with managing type 1, gestational, or type 2 diabetes? Are you confused about what/when to eat? Do you worry that your food choices will lead to blood sugars that are above or below your target range? As a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and my personal experience of living with diabetes for the past 20 years, I am devoted to providing support, education, and compassionate understanding to you. Often our health and what we can and cannot eat are used to define us. Let's restore the joy of eating while empowering you to be your best self!
Are you looking for support with managing type 1, gestational, or type 2 diabetes? Are you confused about what/when to eat? Do you worry that your food choices will lead to blood sugars that are above or below your target range? As a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and my personal experience of living with diabetes for the past 20 years, I am devoted to providing support, education, and compassionate understanding to you. Often our health and what we can and cannot eat are used to define us. Let's restore the joy of eating while empowering you to be your best self!
![Photo of Kellan Morgan, RD, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/efe84983-4f62-44c8-9f3a-faf49cc517a0/1/320x400.png)
Kellan Morgan
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Olympia, WA 98501 (Online Only)
Are you thinking about food or your body non-stop? Struggling with fatigue, poor recovery, impaired performance, or a missing period? Do you suspect that you might have disordered eating or an eating disorder?I'm so glad you're here - reaching out for help takes a lot of courage. It is totally possible to live in a world where food and your body don't distract you from what really matters.
Are you thinking about food or your body non-stop? Struggling with fatigue, poor recovery, impaired performance, or a missing period? Do you suspect that you might have disordered eating or an eating disorder?I'm so glad you're here - reaching out for help takes a lot of courage. It is totally possible to live in a world where food and your body don't distract you from what really matters.
![Photo of Sandra L Pearce - Rooted Nutrition - Sandra Pearce, RDN, CD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/4a94bca6-beb2-4cbb-8200-58fbb8bbea3d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rooted Nutrition - Sandra Pearce
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CD
Verified Verified
Olympia, WA 98502
Looking for nutrition support? I focus on nutrition for Women's health, specializing in preconception, infertility and pregnancy nutrition. Nourishing your body can help improve egg quality, regulate menstrual cycles, balance blood sugars, increase implantation rate, optimize thyroid hormones, improve PCOS symptoms and enhance IVF outcomes. Easy online booking is available on our website! Not sure this is the right next step in your health journey? Let's chat! Book a quick free clarity call today!
Looking for nutrition support? I focus on nutrition for Women's health, specializing in preconception, infertility and pregnancy nutrition. Nourishing your body can help improve egg quality, regulate menstrual cycles, balance blood sugars, increase implantation rate, optimize thyroid hormones, improve PCOS symptoms and enhance IVF outcomes. Easy online booking is available on our website! Not sure this is the right next step in your health journey? Let's chat! Book a quick free clarity call today!
FAQs - About Nutritionists and Dietitians
How can I find a dietitian or nutritionist in Olympia?
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.