Nutrition
Registered dietitians and nutritionists delivering evidence-based dietary counseling at transparent prices
Nutrition is the specialty focused on registered dietitians and nutritionists delivering evidence-based dietary counseling at transparent prices. OpenDoc keeps the common visit types visible so patients can compare the care path before they book. Transparent pricing on this page currently ranges from $75 to $300 across 14 common visit types. Medical nutrition therapy can reduce A1C levels by 1-2% in diabetic patients and lower cardiovascular risk factors as effectively as some medications. OpenDoc connects patients directly to registered dietitians and clinical nutritionists for personalized nutrition counseling starting at $75 per session, with comprehensive assessments that address the root causes of metabolic, digestive, and weight-related conditions.
Common services and transparent pricing
Pricing estimates are modeled from the current OpenDoc specialty taxonomy, visit archetypes, and transparent cash-pay assumptions. Posted provider pricing should be treated as the source of truth whenever it is available. Pricing last reviewed April 8, 2026.
- Comprehensive nutrition assessment — $150–$275: Comprehensive nutrition assessment is a common nutrition entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Follow-up nutrition counseling — $75–$150: Follow-up nutrition counseling is a common nutrition entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Personalized meal planning session — $100–$200: Personalized meal planning session is a common nutrition entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Medical nutrition therapy (diabetes management) — $125–$250: Medical nutrition therapy (diabetes management) is a common nutrition entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Medical nutrition therapy (renal diet) — $125–$250: Medical nutrition therapy (renal diet) is a common nutrition entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Sports nutrition consultation — $100–$200: Sports nutrition consultation is a common nutrition entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Weight management program (initial) — $150–$300: Weight management program (initial) is a common nutrition entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Weight management follow-up — $75–$150: Weight management follow-up is a common nutrition entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Food sensitivity consultation — $125–$225: Food sensitivity consultation is a common nutrition entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Elimination diet planning and guidance — $100–$200: Elimination diet planning and guidance is a common nutrition entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Prenatal nutrition counseling — $100–$200: Prenatal nutrition counseling is a common nutrition entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Pediatric nutrition assessment — $125–$225: Pediatric nutrition assessment is a common nutrition entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nutritionist cost without insurance?
An initial comprehensive nutrition assessment costs $150 to $275 for a 60-minute session. Follow-up visits typically range from $75 to $150 for 30-minute sessions. Many patients see meaningful dietary improvement in 3-6 sessions, making the total investment comparable to a single specialist office visit.
What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
A Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN) has completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree, supervised clinical practice, and passed a national credentialing exam. The term 'nutritionist' varies by state — in some states it is unregulated. On OpenDoc, all listed nutrition providers display their specific credentials so you can verify their qualifications before booking.
Do I need a referral to see a dietitian?
No referral is needed on OpenDoc. You can search directly for a registered dietitian for any nutrition concern. However, if you have a complex medical condition such as kidney disease or diabetes, sharing recent lab results helps the dietitian create a more targeted and effective plan.
Can a dietitian help me lose weight?
Yes. Registered dietitians create evidence-based, personalized weight management plans that address your metabolism, food preferences, lifestyle, and medical history. Research shows that patients who work with a dietitian are significantly more likely to achieve and maintain weight loss compared to self-directed dieting alone.
What is medical nutrition therapy?
Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is a therapeutic approach to treating medical conditions through individually tailored nutrition plans. It is the primary treatment intervention for conditions like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart disease. MNT sessions involve assessment, diagnosis, counseling, and ongoing monitoring by a credentialed dietitian.
How many nutrition sessions will I need?
Most patients benefit from an initial comprehensive assessment followed by 3-5 follow-up sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart. For complex conditions like diabetes management or eating disorders, ongoing sessions every 4-6 weeks may be recommended. Your dietitian will propose a session plan during your initial visit.
Can a nutritionist help with IBS and digestive issues?
Yes. Dietitians trained in gastrointestinal nutrition can guide you through structured approaches like the Low FODMAP diet, elimination diets, and gut-healing protocols. Research shows that dietary management is effective for 50-80% of IBS patients, often reducing or eliminating the need for medications.
Is sports nutrition only for elite athletes?
No. Sports nutrition services benefit anyone who is physically active, from recreational runners to gym-goers to competitive athletes. A sports dietitian optimizes your fueling strategy, recovery nutrition, hydration, and supplement use to match your training demands and performance goals.