A nutritionist costs $100 to $200 for the first consultation. Follow-up sessions cost $70 to $100 per hour. Hiring a nutritionist is worth it to get customized meal plans that help improve your health by changing your diet. Appointments are typically 1 to 2 times weekly.

• A basic nutritionist offers general health advice only.
• A registered dietitian qualifies for insurance coverage, treats more serious medical conditions, and costs slightly more.

A nutritionist is a consultant who helps people adopt healthier eating habits by creating specific diets to meet their personal fitness goals. Some nutritionists are also available for assisting with grocery shopping, meal prepping, kitchen reorganization, and cooking lessons.

Highly specialized nutritionists with official certification as a registered dietitian are better for diagnosing chronic illnesses and treating them with supplements and custom dietary plans.

Seeing a nutritionist is especially helpful when you're struggling to create a new and healthier diet. Most people seek advice from dietitians to maintain a healthy weight or make lasting changes to their diet after the diagnosis of a chronic medical condition.

Other reasons to see a nutritionist include:

• Learning how to eat when you've got diabetes
• Managing hormonal imbalances
• Starting to overcome eating disorders
• Planning meals around food allergies
• Training for competitive sports
• Managing digestive problems

Expect to show information about your medical history, your medications, and any food allergies at your first nutritionist appointment. The specialist will also ask questions to determine your general lifestyle, eating habits, and your health goals.

After they perform a complete assessment, then the nutritionist will discuss their ideas for a new meal plan and options for additional support you may need in this process.

A nutritionist or dietitian cannot prescribe medications in most states. In some places, only a dietitian can prescribe highly concentrated vitamins and supplements. Nutritionists typically only recommend meal plans.

If you need pharmaceutical-grade medications, then you must get official prescriptions from a licensed medical doctor, psychologist, pharmacist, or psychiatrist.

Insurance plans that do cover a nutritionist's costs include Cigna, Tricare, Moda, Blue Cross Blue Shield. United Health Care, and Medicare Part B. Most insurance companies only cover the services of a registered dietitian with official degrees.

Medicaid covers nutritionist services in some states, and other health insurance plans with preventive health coverage may offer coverage as well.

Find a nutritionist near you by asking your doctor for referrals or checking if any certified nutritionists work at the local gym or community activity center.

When looking for a nutritionist always:

• Ask about a nutritionist's proof of any college education or other course completions. A general "nutritionist" can be well-educated or uncertified.
• Request a list of references from their past clients.
• Read their reviews on Thervo and Google.
• Compare 3 quotes from different nutritionists.
• Beware of hiring a nutritionist who pushes you to buy any specific brand of health supplements or products alone. Some people are affiliate marketers disguised as nutritionists without real credentials.

Ask for a dietitian's proof of:

• Certification from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
• Registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credentials
• Degree in dietetics and clinical- or public-health nutrition
• Completed internship of at least 6 months
• Passing the national board CDR exam

Check a Certified Nutrition Specialist's or Clinical Nutritionist's proof of:

• Master of science degree or doctorate in nutrition and health studies
• Supervised internship
• Published nutrition case study reports

Ask a potential nutritionist about these key points to see if they'll suit your needs:

• What's your minimum fee?
• Do you offer a free mini-consultation to see if we'll be a good fit?
• Are you certified as a dietitian, a nutritionist, or a nutrition coach?
• How do you charge?
• Can I get discounts for long-term plans?
• Do I have signs of a vitamin deficiency, and can you confirm it with lab tests?
• Are you available to take me grocery shopping or teach me to cook?
• Do you offer meal prep service plans?
• Will you recommend health supplements for me, and how do they help?
• Do you have degrees in nutrition for diabetics, general health, athletes, or as part of a personal training program?
• What sort of psychology training do you have to help with eating disorders?
• Which diet type do you recommend for me and why?
• Are there foods I need to avoid, and if so, why?
• How could my medications be affecting my cravings and eating habits?
• Does your advice include behavioral strategies or more calorie counting?
• Will any types of health insurance help cover your fees?
• Can you write meal plans for me?
• What can you suggest to help me maintain a healthy body weight?
• Do you have an online support group to give me long-term advice?
• How do you track the effects of these dietary changes over time?