How to Find a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist to Achieve Your Health Goals

Learn how to find a nutritionist, plus important considerations to think about before you book an appointment. It might save you a lot of time and money in the long run!

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In today’s fast-paced world, prioritizing health and wellness can often feel daunting. From conflicting information on social media and pseudo-science peddled by influencers, it can be tricky to figure out how you’re supposed to eat, let alone the best nutritionist to help you.

You might be wondering how to find a nutritionist or dietitian to guide you on your nutritional journey. Unfortunately, finding the right dietitian for you can feel quite complicated – is a nutritionist the same thing as a dietitian? Do they take your insurance? 

As a registered dietitian myself, I wrote this blog post in hopes of empowering you to find the right fit for your personality, specific health goals, and (maybe most importantly) budget.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding a registered dietitian to support your health and wellness goals.

And although I love working 1:1 with clients, my schedule is currently full! I’m not taking on new clients at this time, but if you’re in the Kansas City area, I recommend reaching out to The Tasty Balance and their team of fantastic dietitians.

What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?

When looking for nutrition advice, the first important thing for us to discuss is how to find a real expert. 

It’s important to know there is a real difference between a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (abbreviated as an RDN and as an RD – same thing) vs. a “nutritionist.” 

Registered Dietitians (RDs or RDNs) are credentialed health professionals who have met rigorous academic and professional requirements, including both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in dietetics, a supervised practice internship program (AKA, dietetic internship or DI), and passing a national examination. 

On top of our training, dietitians are responsible for completing continuing education hours each year. Many dietitians go on to become a board certified specialist in a particular practice area, such as sports nutrition or oncology. Plus, RDs are bound by professional standards and ethics. 

This is in sharp contrast to “nutritionists” – anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, and as such, their qualifications can vary widely. Think of it this way: All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians. 

Nutrition is a funny field to be in sometimes; just because we all eat does not make us all experts in how to nourish ourselves or help others. Just because a training coach in the gym has found an eating plan that is working for them right now does not mean that it is the right option (or even a safe option) for others to follow. 

Just because you know how to brush and floss your teeth doesn’t mean you’re a dentist. See what I mean?

Street Smart Nutrition Tip: Your primary care doctor is also probably not a nutrition expert. On average, medical doctors receive only a few hours of nutrition training vs. the thousands of hours a registered dietitian receives – ask your doctor for a referral to see a dietitian, not for their nutrition advice. 

Why work with a dietitian?

We can help you with SO many different things!

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are credentialed healthcare professionals who offer evidence-based dietary advice tailored to your individual needs and medical history. Nutrition is a big piece of overall health, and it plays a role in the risk or management of almost all health conditions. Here are a few of the most common reasons people try to find a dietitian:

• Heart disease, including high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Diabetes management, both Type 1 and Type 1
• Gut health, including inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease
• Food allergies
• Autoimmune disease management, such as Celiac disease
• Sports nutrition
• Pre- or post-natal nutrition, as well as support during breastfeeding or introducing foods to infants or children
• Eating disorders or disordered eating

…and the list goes on! There are countless specialty practice areas and many dietitians choose to focus on an area they’re passionate about. 

Whether you’re managing a medical condition or simply wanting to focus on lifestyle changes, a dietitian can provide personalized guidance. We can help you set realistic goals, create a meal plan, and offer ongoing support to ensure you stay on track. We can also help you sort through the latest (and wildest) nutrition trends or recommend which supplements or lab tests you need (and which would be a waste of money).

Changing your eating habits can feel overwhelming, but a dietitian will make sure your nutritional needs are met. And yes, I did mention meal plans, but we can do so much more than that! I’ve always believed handing over a meal plan is a temporary fix. Working with a dietitian should be a dynamic, flexible process that accounts for your needs and preferences. The result: a plan that truly works for you so you can stick with it for the long-term.

How to find a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Finding the best dietitian for you can seem overwhelming, but here are a few different starting points. Use this guide to find the right match for your unique situation. 

Option 1: Hospital-Based or Doctor Referral (Clinical)

Hospitals are still one of the more common places for dietitians to work, but perhaps not in the way you’d assume. Contrary to the popular misconception, dietitians are not cooking your hospital meals!

If you’re admitted to the hospital, a dietitian is part of your care team even if you don’t realize it. For example, if you’re hospitalized and get a new diagnosis of diabetes, a dietitian provides the first level of training to manage your new condition. Even if you’re not there for a chronic disease or new diagnosis, a dietitian is available to consult with you and work with the other medical professionals taking care of you. 

You may also find a dietitian in an outpatient setting through your local hospital.  Continuing with the previous example, if you are diagnosed with diabetes, your local hospital might schedule a follow-up appointment or session with a dietitian once you’re discharged.

One of the best ways to find a dietitian is through your insurance provider or a referral from your doctor. This route often covers some or all of the cost, making it much more affordable. While we still have a long way to go in terms of having dietitian services covered (also known as “Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT),” more and more appointments are covered now vs. in the past. 

Pros:

• Lower out-of-pocket costs.
• Coordinated care with your healthcare provider.

Cons:

• Limited to dietitians within your insurance network.
• Potentially longer wait times for appointments.
• Depends on insurance plans.

Cost Range:

• Often covered partially or entirely by insurance, with typical co-pays ranging from $20 to $50 per visit.
• There might be an option to use your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flex Spending Account) to cover the remaining balance.

Option 2: Private Practice

Opting for a dietitian in private practice or paying out-of-pocket gives you more flexibility in choosing a provider. Some dietitians are credentialed with health insurance companies, so they might be in network with your health insurance plan. Other dietitians just see clients on a cash basis, meaning you pay out of pocket.

Pros:

• Greater choice of dietitians and their specialties.
• More personalized and flexible scheduling.

Cons:

• Possibly higher out-of-pocket costs.
• Insurance may not reimburse expenses; coverage depends on your individual health insurance plan and any diagnosis you have. 

Cost Range:

• Sessions might range from $100 to $200 per hour, depending on the dietitian’s experience and location.

Some private practice dietitians partner with companies to take care of all of the hoop-jumping that is required to get your nutrition counseling appointments covered by your insurance. 

There are a few examples of these companies, such as Fay, Nourish, and Berry Street. The idea is that the dietitian outsources the administrative tasks to these company. In theory, this should free up their time and energy so they can focus on you. It’s a good idea, since medical billing can be such a headache. But I’ve heard mixed reviews from both patients and providers, so do you due diligence if you’re looking into these options.

On these websites, you can search for a provider based on your zip code or where you live and what goals you’re working on. But you can also do a quick search based on this and find private practice dietitians who work solo or as part of a group practice that is not affiliated with a hospital, clinic, or larger company.

Option 3: Self-Paced Course or Module

For those who need a more affordable option, self-paced courses, modules, or group sessions can be a great starting point. Dietitians who have earned years of experience in their specific niche might take the time to collect their best strategies into a course. Others offer group sessions with regular check-ins over several months, which helps reduce the cost for each participant.

Pros:

• Lower cost.
• Flexibility to learn at your own pace.
• ​Learn from the comfort of your home or other preferred location

Cons:

• Lack of personalized guidance.
• May not address specific individual needs.

Cost Range:

• Courses can range from $50 to $500 and beyond, depending on the depth of the material and the level of support from the dietitian who created the course. Likewise, group courses can vary both in cost and time commitment. 

Important Considerations for Working With A Dietitian

There are a few more criteria for you to consider as you seek your best match. 

In-Person vs. Virtual

Choosing between in-person and virtual consultations depends on your own personal preferences and schedule. Virtual sessions offer convenience, while in-person meetings may provide a more intimate environment to discuss your care.

The quality of care should be similar between face-to-face and telehealth options (virtual). There are some challenges for technology (like making sure you take yourself off of mute!) but can usually be overcome within the first session or two. 

Many dietitians opt for telehealth services because they can potentially work with clients in rural areas or other states who normally may not be able to see them in an office or clinic. 

General vs. Specialized Practice

Gynecologists and dentists are both doctors, but I’d only want one of those healthcare professionals to clean my teeth.

Similarly, some dietitians specialize in areas like the ones I listed above. I recommend that you think about whether you need a generalist or a specialist based on your specific health and nutrition goals. For example, I wouldn’t recommend booking a session with a sports dietitian who works with ultramarathoners if you’re looking for nutrition guidance after being diagnosed with kidney disease.

Weight loss or Intuitive Eating

Many dietitians work in weight management while others focus on a weight-inclusive, anti-diet approach like Intuitive Eating. 

There are many ways to assess health, and the number on the scale doesn’t tell the whole story. As you look for your best-fit dietitian, consider if you would be best supported from a weight-loss approach or from a non-diet approach. 

Curious about Intuitive Eating? Check out this post: What is Intuitive Eating? Hint: It’s Definitely NOT Another Diet.

Eating Disorder Treatment and Support

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to find a dietitian with specialized training in this area. They can provide the necessary support and resources for recovery without the risk of causing harm.

Cultural Sensitivity

Is your dietitian familiar with the foods you eat and love? This can make it far simpler to plan meals and snacks that are on track for your health goals while also respecting your preferences and heritage. 

Reviews and References

If your dietitian has an online presence – a website, Google listing, or profile to check – take a peek at their references or reviews. This will help you to feel more confident booking.

Also, ask your friends and colleagues if they have a registered dietitian that they’ve worked with and what their experience was like. 

Questions to Ask a Potential Provider

This is a common practice among dietitians who work independently (private practice). It’s usually called a “Discovery Call” or something similar, but it offers a way to get to know them first before deciding if they’re a good fit. 

Even if you’re planning to use your insurance coverage through a referral, you can still call or contact them ahead of time to learn more.

When speaking with a dietitian you think you’d like to work with, here are some key questions to consider:

1. What experience do you have with clients who have similar goals to mine?
2. How do you tailor your recommendations to individual needs?
3. What is your approach to dietary counseling?
4. Do you offer virtual sessions?
5. How do you measure progress?
6. How many sessions should I expect? 

Street Smart Nutrition Tip: ​Don’t expect a one-and-done situation. Most dietitians will recommend at least 2-3 sessions (or more) to be able to learn your history and health concerns, identify the root causes of what you’re struggling with, and find the best way to make changes going forward. Expect some trouble-shooting and adjustments along the way, which usually can’t happen in just one session!

Where to Start Looking

To begin your search for a dietitian, here are a few resources:

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – check their national directory as a first stop.
• Fay, Nourish, and Berry Street are all telehealth companies that are designed to connect you with a registered dietitian online using your health insurance.
• Intuitive Eating Counselor Directory – find a registered dietitian who practices with a non-diet, Intuitive Eating approach.
• Locate a CDCES – this is the national database of Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES), which are healthcare professionals with extensive advanced training in the care and management of diabetes. A CDCES can be a registered dietitian, registered nurse, or other healthcare provider. 

In addition to these, you might also find a good match via social media. Hear me out on this one: dietitians are finally catching up to the health coaches and other online influencers who are less qualified to be dishing out nutrition advice. I know so many amazing and compassionate dietitians who use social media to advertise their nutrition services. Their posts, videos, and captions might give you insight into whether they can help with your specific needs. Just remember to verify that they have the RDN credentials!

Do I need to work with a dietitian?

You might be thinking, “Can’t I just do this on my own?”

As much as we might feel familiar with healthy eating guidelines, this doesn’t mean we know how to implement them for ourselves. What’s more, it’s easy to take diet changes to extremes. If you have experience with that, you might need a helping hand for eating in a way that is nourishing, realistic, or sustainable. I’ve often heard, “I know what I need to do; I just need to do it.”

And that’s true…but only to a certain extend. If knowledge and will-power was enough, you probably wouldn’t be reading this article as you look for a dietitian! It’s not a moral failure to admit you need help. Think about this: would you shame someone for working with a therapist to manage their depression or anxiety? Or going to a dentist to get their teeth cleaned? I sure hope not!

Health professionals have advanced training and real-world experience. But they’re also new eyes on you, your habits, and your beliefs. Dietitians might help you see patterns that didn’t stand out or help you take a fresh approach to achieve the goals that are most important to you.

The Bottom Line

Finding the right dietitian can be a game-changer in achieving your health and wellness goals. While cost and insurance can be barriers, remember that investing in your health is one of the most valuable decisions you can make. If you’re struggling with nutrition, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. 

It’s brave to prioritize your own health and wellness – go you! Take the first step towards a healthier you by finding a registered dietitian who can support and guide you on your wellness journey.