Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Nutritionists and Dietitians in University Place, WA

Photo of Dr. Jennifer Champion, Nutritionist/Dietitian, DCN, CNS, CN, LDN, BCH
Dr. Jennifer Champion
Nutritionist/Dietitian, DCN, CNS, CN, LDN, BCH
University Place, WA 98466
Waitlist for new clients
Have you been told to “just live with it”? That’s not a plan—it’s a pause. You deserve answers and a clear path forward. Together, we address nutrition, sleep, movement, and nervous system regulation to support hormones, mental health, and chronic conditions. Call or email today to get scheduled—don’t wait to feel better. When you work with our team, expect personalized care, evidence-based guidance, collaborative support, and clear, actionable steps—so you leave each session feeling confident, equipped, and moving forward.
Have you been told to “just live with it”? That’s not a plan—it’s a pause. You deserve answers and a clear path forward. Together, we address nutrition, sleep, movement, and nervous system regulation to support hormones, mental health, and chronic conditions. Call or email today to get scheduled—don’t wait to feel better. When you work with our team, expect personalized care, evidence-based guidance, collaborative support, and clear, actionable steps—so you leave each session feeling confident, equipped, and moving forward.
(253) 303-5985 View (253) 303-5985

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Beve Kindblade - Seattle Nutrition - Beve Kindblade Consulting, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD
Seattle Nutrition - Beve Kindblade Consulting
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD
Online Only
Private practice offers a unique opportunity to discuss your health and wellness goals, any medical issues and evaluate your latest labs (or discuss labs needed) to see how well you are digesting and absorbing nutrients from your diet and supplements.
Let's find out what is really going on, together. See a Nutrition Expert - Beve is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Take control of your health. Contact Beve at Seattle Nutrition today - 206-920-7676.
Private practice offers a unique opportunity to discuss your health and wellness goals, any medical issues and evaluate your latest labs (or discuss labs needed) to see how well you are digesting and absorbing nutrients from your diet and supplements.
Let's find out what is really going on, together. See a Nutrition Expert - Beve is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Take control of your health. Contact Beve at Seattle Nutrition today - 206-920-7676.
(206) 745-0525 View (206) 745-0525
Photo of Linden Hale, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD
Linden Hale
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD
Online Only
I'm Linden Hale (she/her/hers), and I am a weight-neutral Registered Dietitian. I specialize in eating disorders/disordered eating, digestive health, ADHD/ASD, sports nutrition, and relationships to food & body. I love working with patients of all genders, neurotypes, and identities who are ready to explore their relationship to food with curiosity and compassion. I know that you are the best expert on your life and experience, so I take a collaborative, client-led approach to my work. My counseling style includes humor, sarcasm, compassionate honesty, and appearances by my two Corgi dogs (Barley & Pepper).
I'm Linden Hale (she/her/hers), and I am a weight-neutral Registered Dietitian. I specialize in eating disorders/disordered eating, digestive health, ADHD/ASD, sports nutrition, and relationships to food & body. I love working with patients of all genders, neurotypes, and identities who are ready to explore their relationship to food with curiosity and compassion. I know that you are the best expert on your life and experience, so I take a collaborative, client-led approach to my work. My counseling style includes humor, sarcasm, compassionate honesty, and appearances by my two Corgi dogs (Barley & Pepper).
(253) 528-4979 View (253) 528-4979
Photo of Ashley Bent, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD
Ashley Bent
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD
Online Only
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.
(206) 759-2366 View (206) 759-2366
Photo of Joanna Gallo Avery, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDCES
Joanna Gallo Avery
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDCES
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My ideal client is a woman who’s ready to understand her body on a deeper level. She may be struggling with hormonal changes, fertility challenges, postpartum recovery, digestive issues, or blood sugar imbalance. She wants to feel energized, balanced, and confident again—but is overwhelmed by conflicting advice. She’s looking for compassionate, science-based guidance to finally get to the root of what’s going on and feel like herself again.
My ideal client is a woman who’s ready to understand her body on a deeper level. She may be struggling with hormonal changes, fertility challenges, postpartum recovery, digestive issues, or blood sugar imbalance. She wants to feel energized, balanced, and confident again—but is overwhelmed by conflicting advice. She’s looking for compassionate, science-based guidance to finally get to the root of what’s going on and feel like herself again.
(425) 371-5542 View (425) 371-5542
Photo of Ashley Walls, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, RDN, LDN
Ashley Walls
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
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, Weight Management and more. With 3 years of experience at a residential treatment level, Ashley is well versed on the difficulties associated with cooccurring 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, Weight Management and more. With 3 years of experience at a residential treatment level, Ashley is well versed on the difficulties associated with cooccurring 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.
(312) 262-7112 View (312) 262-7112
Photo of Kathleen Putnam, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD
Kathleen Putnam
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize and am committed to ongoing training in trauma informed care, behavior change, nutrition and life coaching, and medical nutrition therapy.
My mission and vision is to prevent needless suffering caused by hurtful messaging and misinformation from our culture, family, or health care system that disrupts the connection and/or enjoyment of your body, food, and eating. Shame, guilt, and stigma have no place in healthcare. I am committed to providing trauma informed care and seek to help provide tools and skills to help learn to self regulate and improve tolerance connecting the body and eating. I provide practical, realistic strategies resulting in long-term success. Stop overthinking food, hating your body, emotional eating, or regrets. I'm here to help!
I specialize and am committed to ongoing training in trauma informed care, behavior change, nutrition and life coaching, and medical nutrition therapy.
My mission and vision is to prevent needless suffering caused by hurtful messaging and misinformation from our culture, family, or health care system that disrupts the connection and/or enjoyment of your body, food, and eating. Shame, guilt, and stigma have no place in healthcare. I am committed to providing trauma informed care and seek to help provide tools and skills to help learn to self regulate and improve tolerance connecting the body and eating. I provide practical, realistic strategies resulting in long-term success. Stop overthinking food, hating your body, emotional eating, or regrets. I'm here to help!
(206) 258-8191 View (206) 258-8191
Photo of Justine Violet Meyer - Clover Nutrition Counseling, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LD
Clover Nutrition Counseling
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
You are in the right place if you are seeking a more positive place for food in your day and better health to live your best life! You might be navigating the complexities of nutrition interventions to manage or prevent a chronic disease or looking to learn the basics of overall healthy food habits Some of the ways I can help: individualized nutritional guidance that supports goals for healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and/or triglycerides; tools to plan meals that work for the whole family; interventions for nutrition and aging, supporting muscle and bone health; or support for balance plant-based eating.
You are in the right place if you are seeking a more positive place for food in your day and better health to live your best life! You might be navigating the complexities of nutrition interventions to manage or prevent a chronic disease or looking to learn the basics of overall healthy food habits Some of the ways I can help: individualized nutritional guidance that supports goals for healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and/or triglycerides; tools to plan meals that work for the whole family; interventions for nutrition and aging, supporting muscle and bone health; or support for balance plant-based eating.
(360) 743-3267 View (360) 743-3267
Photo of Rochelle Adriano, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN
Rochelle Adriano
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN
2 Endorsed
Online Only
You may feel overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice, frustrated that past approaches haven’t worked, or worried about your child's eating. You might be looking for guidance that fits your day-to-day life and supports your health - without rigid rules or food guilt. Many of my clients are individuals working on their nutrition habits, managing health conditions, families navigating feeding challenges, or neurodivergent adults and children who benefit from flexible, sensory-aware strategies around food. They all have one thing in common: wanting a more peaceful relationship with food.
You may feel overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice, frustrated that past approaches haven’t worked, or worried about your child's eating. You might be looking for guidance that fits your day-to-day life and supports your health - without rigid rules or food guilt. Many of my clients are individuals working on their nutrition habits, managing health conditions, families navigating feeding challenges, or neurodivergent adults and children who benefit from flexible, sensory-aware strategies around food. They all have one thing in common: wanting a more peaceful relationship with food.
(360) 997-4478 View (360) 997-4478
Photo of Joy Metevier, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MSN, RDN, LD
Joy Metevier
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MSN, RDN, LD
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Trained in family-based therapy, I collaborate with specialists to ensure the right level of care throughout recovery.
Joy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with more than 15 years of experience, primarily serving as a dietitian for the U.S. Army. Her clinical background centers on eating disorders, and she’s passionate about helping clients define their own values around food, weight, and movement. She also facilitates eating-disorder recovery support groups through the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, supporting individuals and families throughout recovery.
Trained in family-based therapy, I collaborate with specialists to ensure the right level of care throughout recovery.
Joy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with more than 15 years of experience, primarily serving as a dietitian for the U.S. Army. Her clinical background centers on eating disorders, and she’s passionate about helping clients define their own values around food, weight, and movement. She also facilitates eating-disorder recovery support groups through the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, supporting individuals and families throughout recovery.
(410) 873-9844 View (410) 873-9844
Photo of Christina Scott - Christina Scott Nutrition LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD
Christina Scott Nutrition LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD
Online Only
Now accepting insurance! I am passionate about helping individuals reclaim their life with a functional nutrition approach. I specialize in weight loss with a holistic emphasis on gut and hormonal balance. Suffering from a thyroid or autoimmune disorder, gut dysfunction, or hormonal imbalance can leave you fatigued and feeling uncomfortable in your own body. Using a holistic approach, it is possible to finally meet your goals while finding balance and vitality.
Now accepting insurance! I am passionate about helping individuals reclaim their life with a functional nutrition approach. I specialize in weight loss with a holistic emphasis on gut and hormonal balance. Suffering from a thyroid or autoimmune disorder, gut dysfunction, or hormonal imbalance can leave you fatigued and feeling uncomfortable in your own body. Using a holistic approach, it is possible to finally meet your goals while finding balance and vitality.
(509) 402-2838 View (509) 402-2838
Photo of Nataly Nislow, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, CN
Nataly Nislow
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, CN
Online Only
Nataly Nislow is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor specializing in supporting individuals navigating the complexities of eating disorders, disordered eating, intuitive eating, body acceptance, and recovery from chronic dieting. Nataly finds fulfillment in working closely with those diagnosed with OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Beyond her expertise in mental health nutrition, Nataly extends her services to individuals living with heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and digestive disorders.
Nataly Nislow is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor specializing in supporting individuals navigating the complexities of eating disorders, disordered eating, intuitive eating, body acceptance, and recovery from chronic dieting. Nataly finds fulfillment in working closely with those diagnosed with OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Beyond her expertise in mental health nutrition, Nataly extends her services to individuals living with heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and digestive disorders.
(425) 230-6029 View (425) 230-6029
Photo of Shelly Najjar, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN
Shelly Najjar
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN
Online Only
Ready to develop a better relationship with food, even with ADHD? Want something freeing and stress-reducing… that works with, not against, your brain, lifestyle, schedule, and responsibilities? You've been working so hard. Imagine what life could be like with less guilt, negative self-talk, and unsatisfying food choices. What if you could feel nourished and confident around food, have energy for your day, and trust your body?
Ready to develop a better relationship with food, even with ADHD? Want something freeing and stress-reducing… that works with, not against, your brain, lifestyle, schedule, and responsibilities? You've been working so hard. Imagine what life could be like with less guilt, negative self-talk, and unsatisfying food choices. What if you could feel nourished and confident around food, have energy for your day, and trust your body?
(206) 717-8543 View (206) 717-8543
Photo of Heather K Nakamura, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPE, MS, RDN, CLT, IFNCP
Heather K Nakamura
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPE, MS, RDN, CLT, IFNCP
Online Only
"I know what I should be doing... I just don't do it". If you've ever said that about your weight loss, sports nutrition or wellness goals, then you're just like the clients I work with everyday. They have great intentions to lose weight, get fit, and improve their health, but struggle to find the time, energy and motivation to make it a priority. They've tried strict diets, joined numerous exercise programs, and set unrealistic goals - only to experience frustration and failure.
"I know what I should be doing... I just don't do it". If you've ever said that about your weight loss, sports nutrition or wellness goals, then you're just like the clients I work with everyday. They have great intentions to lose weight, get fit, and improve their health, but struggle to find the time, energy and motivation to make it a priority. They've tried strict diets, joined numerous exercise programs, and set unrealistic goals - only to experience frustration and failure.
(206) 429-4134 View (206) 429-4134
Photo of Annelise Bunch, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN
Annelise Bunch
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN
Serves Area
When we work together, I look at not only your health goals and concerns, but I explore the full you - medical diagnoses, stress, lifestyle, diet, medication / rx and potential nutrient interactions or depletions that may be influencing your health.
Hi, I'm Annie! I’m an integrative trained licensed dietitian nutritionist and board certified CNS with a passion for women’s health, mental and gut health. I’m here to educate, listen, and empower you on your journey to addressing your health concerns to get you to feeling your best. When working with clients, I cater to each client’s uniqueness to craft personalized plans that are evidence based that aim to optimize and restore balance in the body - it simply doesn't start and stop with food. I operate from a judgement free space and seek to improve everyone's relationship with food while addressing top health concerns.
When we work together, I look at not only your health goals and concerns, but I explore the full you - medical diagnoses, stress, lifestyle, diet, medication / rx and potential nutrient interactions or depletions that may be influencing your health.
Hi, I'm Annie! I’m an integrative trained licensed dietitian nutritionist and board certified CNS with a passion for women’s health, mental and gut health. I’m here to educate, listen, and empower you on your journey to addressing your health concerns to get you to feeling your best. When working with clients, I cater to each client’s uniqueness to craft personalized plans that are evidence based that aim to optimize and restore balance in the body - it simply doesn't start and stop with food. I operate from a judgement free space and seek to improve everyone's relationship with food while addressing top health concerns.
(458) 232-3311 View (458) 232-3311
Photo of Laura Foster - On Your Path Nutrition – Midlife Metabolic Health, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
On Your Path Nutrition – Midlife Metabolic Health
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
1 Endorsed
Olympia, WA 98506
If you’re navigating rising cholesterol, prediabetes, insulin resistance, or other midlife metabolic changes, you don’t have to sort through conflicting advice alone. I specialize in helping adults improve lab values through evidence-based nutrition strategies tailored to how hormones and metabolism shift over time. Many of my clients are experiencing perimenopause, PCOS, or weight changes despite “doing everything right.”
If you’re navigating rising cholesterol, prediabetes, insulin resistance, or other midlife metabolic changes, you don’t have to sort through conflicting advice alone. I specialize in helping adults improve lab values through evidence-based nutrition strategies tailored to how hormones and metabolism shift over time. Many of my clients are experiencing perimenopause, PCOS, or weight changes despite “doing everything right.”
(360) 531-7347 View (360) 531-7347
Photo of Ash Linxwiler, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RD, CD
Ash Linxwiler
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RD, CD
Online Only
Hi. I'm Ash! I'm here to help make eating feel less challenging. In our sessions, I focus on understanding the complex and unique struggles each patient is experiencing to help guide them towards sustainable and manageable solutions to last a lifetime. My approach is neuro-affirming and weight inclusive. This approach can be particularly beneficial for patients who are neurodivergent (ADHD/Autism/OCD/SPD) and those with auto-immune conditions. I have experience treating patients with all manner of disease states including diabetes, digestive disorders, heart disease, and kidney disease.
Hi. I'm Ash! I'm here to help make eating feel less challenging. In our sessions, I focus on understanding the complex and unique struggles each patient is experiencing to help guide them towards sustainable and manageable solutions to last a lifetime. My approach is neuro-affirming and weight inclusive. This approach can be particularly beneficial for patients who are neurodivergent (ADHD/Autism/OCD/SPD) and those with auto-immune conditions. I have experience treating patients with all manner of disease states including diabetes, digestive disorders, heart disease, and kidney disease.
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Photo of Sophia Tasler, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CD
Sophia Tasler
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CD
Puyallup, WA 98372
My approach is rooted in weight-inclusive nutrition therapy blending evidence-based nutrition with trauma-informed counseling.
Do you feel trapped in the cycle of dieting, wondering if ease with food and your body is possible? You may feel overwhelmed by body pressures, frustrated by confusing health advice, or unsure how to eat in a way that feels good. You’re not alone. In our work, we ease the stress around food, ditch the body shame, and help you feel more aligned in your choices. Imagine enjoying meals without fear, trusting your body’s signals, and having more vitality for daily life. Whether you’re managing health concerns, recovery from an eating disorder, or simply tired of dieting, our work will build ease, confidence, and lasting self-compassion.
My approach is rooted in weight-inclusive nutrition therapy blending evidence-based nutrition with trauma-informed counseling.
Do you feel trapped in the cycle of dieting, wondering if ease with food and your body is possible? You may feel overwhelmed by body pressures, frustrated by confusing health advice, or unsure how to eat in a way that feels good. You’re not alone. In our work, we ease the stress around food, ditch the body shame, and help you feel more aligned in your choices. Imagine enjoying meals without fear, trusting your body’s signals, and having more vitality for daily life. Whether you’re managing health concerns, recovery from an eating disorder, or simply tired of dieting, our work will build ease, confidence, and lasting self-compassion.
(253) 231-7834 View (253) 231-7834
Photo of Emmy Bright, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD, LDN
Emmy Bright
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD, LDN
Serves Area
I specialize in providing HAES-based medical nutrition therapy for chronic conditions including GI Disorders (IBS, Celiac, GERD, & many more), Thyroid Disorders, PCOS, Diabetes, Heart Health, Pregnancy, Menopause, Vegan/Vegetarian Diets, Food Allergies, and Autoimmune Conditions.
You’re the expert of your own body, and I'm here to listen and support you. My work is rooted in Intuitive Eating, so I'll help you have a healthy & balanced relationship with food by sharing non-restrictive, research-backed nutrition recommendations instead of food rules, strict diets, and questionable nutrition BS recycled from social media.
I specialize in providing HAES-based medical nutrition therapy for chronic conditions including GI Disorders (IBS, Celiac, GERD, & many more), Thyroid Disorders, PCOS, Diabetes, Heart Health, Pregnancy, Menopause, Vegan/Vegetarian Diets, Food Allergies, and Autoimmune Conditions.
You’re the expert of your own body, and I'm here to listen and support you. My work is rooted in Intuitive Eating, so I'll help you have a healthy & balanced relationship with food by sharing non-restrictive, research-backed nutrition recommendations instead of food rules, strict diets, and questionable nutrition BS recycled from social media.
(608) 535-6692 View (608) 535-6692
Photo of Virginia May Everett, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD
Virginia May Everett
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD
Port Orchard, WA 98367
I conduct individualized nutrition assessments that include review of medical history, labs, eating patterns, exercise and weight history, and lifestyle factors.
I help those who are looking for support for disordered eating or an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, or OSFED. You may also feel stuck in cycles of restriction, binge eating, or distress around eating and body image. Others come to me after years of dieting without sustainable results, experiencing weight cycling, metabolic concerns, or frustration with approaches that feel rigid or unrealistic. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and grounded in evidence-based nutrition care. I focus on sustainable health behaviors, metabolic function, and overall wellbeing.
I conduct individualized nutrition assessments that include review of medical history, labs, eating patterns, exercise and weight history, and lifestyle factors.
I help those who are looking for support for disordered eating or an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, or OSFED. You may also feel stuck in cycles of restriction, binge eating, or distress around eating and body image. Others come to me after years of dieting without sustainable results, experiencing weight cycling, metabolic concerns, or frustration with approaches that feel rigid or unrealistic. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and grounded in evidence-based nutrition care. I focus on sustainable health behaviors, metabolic function, and overall wellbeing.
(253) 528-7193 View (253) 528-7193
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is medical nutrition therapy?
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) involves the use of personalized dietary changes to prevent or manage chronic conditions. Typically conducted in an outpatient setting by a Registered Dietitian (RD), MNT aims to address specific health issues through tailored nutrition plans. Clients are often referred for MNT by healthcare professionals who identify conditions that could benefit from dietary and lifestyle modifications, such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. The goal of MNT is to improve overall health outcomes by making adjustments to the client's diet based on their individual needs and medical conditions.

What conditions is medical nutrition therapy for?
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is often used for individuals with diseases caused or worsened by poor diet, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and cardiovascular diseases. However, other conditions can also benefit from nutrition therapy. MNT is typically not intended to replace other treatments, such as medication, but rather to complement them. By improving a person's overall diet and health, MNT aims to prevent the exacerbation of symptoms and complement other treatments.

Is medical nutrition therapy covered by insurance?
Medical nutrition therapy is frequently covered by insurance. 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. While a referral is not required to see a dietitian or nutritionist, and many individuals independently seek nutritional support without prior medical advice, a referral from a primary care physician or another medical professional may be necessary to obtain coverage for medical nutrition services. 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. 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.

What does medical nutrition therapy involve?
The approach a dietitian will take in a medical nutrition therapy session will depend on a number of factors, including what conditions the client has and what the goals of the client are. An initial session often involves an assessment of the client's overall health and current dietary intake; a dietitian may also speak with a client's medical doctor prior to or following a first session to obtain information on the medical condition(s) the client is seeking nutrition therapy counseling for. The dietitian will then work with the client to create goals of medical nutrition therapy sessions, such as weight loss, eating a more plant-based diet, or reducing sodium intake. Then, in ongoing sessions, the dietitian will work with the client to meet their stated goals. These ongoing sessions often include menu planning and coaching, which involve the dietitian working with the client to develop strategies for a healthier and more balanced diet. Dietitians may suggest recipes, put together grocery shopping lists, and/or recommend tracking one's intake in order to help clients make desired changes.