This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you enroll through my link, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
If you are hoping to get help from a nutritionist, but don’t have access to insurance, it can be hard to determine how much it will cost. How much does a nutritionist cost without insurance?
A one-hour initial consultation with a registered nutritionist typically costs $100-$200 for patients that aren’t covered by health insurance. Follow-up visits typically cost $50-$150 depending on how long the consultation takes and where it takes place.
Now that we know the average cost of a consultation with a nutritionist, we are going to dive into the prices of nutritionist consultations, when to see a nutritionist, how to hire a nutritionist, and what to expect during a consultation.
Nutritionist Prices without Insurance
A nutritionist typically costs $70-$150 dollars depending on a variety of factors. The main factor that affects the price of a nutritionist is the location. We have made a table below displaying the costs of a nutritionist without insurance in each state.
| State | Cost of Nutritionist Visit Without Insurance |
| Alabama | $73 – $108 |
| Alaska | $99 – $147 |
| Arizona | $82 – $123 |
| Arkansas | $72 – $107 |
| California | $90 – $135 |
| Colorado | $80 – $118 |
| Connecticut | $87 – $130 |
| Delaware | $85 – $126 |
| District of Columbia | $84 – $125 |
| Florida | $80 – $119 |
| Georgia | $75 – $112 |
| Hawaii | $76 – $113 |
| Idaho | $74 – $110 |
| Illinois | $84 – $124 |
| Indiana | $76 – $113 |
| Iowa | $69 – $103 |
| Kansas | $72 – $107 |
| Kentucky | $73 – $109 |
| Louisiana | $82 – $121 |
| Maine | $74 – $110 |
| Maryland | $87 – $129 |
| Massachusetts | $89 – $133 |
| Michigan | $82 – $122 |
| Minnesota | $93 – $138 |
| Mississippi | $74 – $110 |
| Missouri | $73 – $109 |
| Montana | $76 – $113 |
| Nebraska | $74 – $111 |
| Nevada | $79 – $117 |
| New Hamshire | $79 – $117 |
| New Jersey | $96 – $142 |
| New Mexico | $73 – $108 |
| New York | $90 – $134 |
| North Carolina | $72 – $107 |
| North Dakota | $80 – $119 |
| Ohio | $75 – $122 |
| Oklahoma | $80 – $119 |
| Oregon | $82 – $122 |
| Pennsylvania | $85 – $126 |
| Rhode Island | $90 – $134 |
| South Carolina | $77 – $114 |
| South Dakota | $72 – $107 |
| Tennessee | $72 – $108 |
| Texas | $78 – $116 |
| Utah | $81 – $121 |
| Vermont | $80 – $119 |
| Virginia | $78 – $116 |
| Washington | $87 – $129 |
| West Virginia | $78 – $116 |
| Wisconsin | $82 – $122 |
| Wyoming | $80 – $119 |
Within the table, the cost for a nutritionist varies because the price also varies on the licensing and certification of the nutritionist you visit and the appointment type. Nutritionists make at-home and clinic appointments. At-home appointments typically cost more than clinic appointments.
Do Free Clinics Have Nutritionists?
Free clinics typically do not have nutritionists. There is a possibility that they have a dietitian to help people with specific needs like diabetes, but you can’t simply walk into a free clinic expecting a nutritionist to be there.
After doing a little more research on this topic, we found that the National Association of Rural Health Clinics identified that medical nutrition therapy might be provided by a registered dietitian if it’s considered an incident.
Petty Harper said, “Diabetes Self-Management Training and Medical Nutrition Therapy Diabetes self-management training or medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietician or nutritional professional at an RHC may be considered the incident to a visit with an RHC practitioner provided all applicable conditions are met. DSMT and MNT are not billable visits in an RHC, although the cost may be allowable on the cost report. RHCs cannot bill a visit for services furnished by registered dieticians or nutritional professionals. However, RHCs are permitted to become certified providers of DSMT services and report the cost of such services on their cost report for inclusion in the computation of their AIR.”
Many practices provide different types of nutrition counseling for their patients, however, it is typically a service purely for the benefit of their patients and is not billable in a rural health clinic.
When to see a Nutritionist
Nutritionists can be an excellent resource when it comes to improving your overall health over overcoming certain conditions. Nutritionists can create safe eating plans to help manage certain conditions and lifestyles. They can provide patients with realistic personalized diet plans while also taking into consideration a patient’s personal preferences and needs. However, when should you see a nutritionist?
Health Condition
There are a number of health conditions a person could have while considering hiring a nutritionist. Those conditions may include things like type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, or high cholesterol. An appropriate diet and lifestyle can significantly improve many health conditions.
Weight Journey
If you find yourself wanting to improve your overall weight, it would be a great idea to hire a nutritionist. When you are wanting to improve your weight, there’s a lot of conflicting information from different resources, which can make the process quite confusing. Make sure to work with a nutritionist from the start to meet your weight goals in an efficient and healthy way.
Disordered Eating Behaviors
If a patient finds themselves developing a negative relationship with food, it would be a good idea to hire a nutritionist. When a negative relationship with food is left untreated, it can often snowball and begin to take a larger effect on a person’s life over time. A nutritionist can help patients mend their relationship with food in a healthy way.
Digestion Complications
If a patient has a digestive issue that they can’t seem to get under control, a nutritionist knows a lot about the gut microbiome and can find the underlying issue. A nutritionist will look at the bigger picture and give the patient recommendations that are suited to their specific issues.
Food Allergies
If you find that certain foods bother you, a nutritionist can help you find alternatives to certain foods and provide you with a healthy elimination diet. If you aren’t quite sure which foods bother you, touch base with a nutritionist.
How to Hire a Nutritionist
Before hiring a nutritionist, you should consider contacting your primary health provider for any recommendations. You can ask your healthcare provider for nutritionists who work with people without insurance cheaply. Another great way to find the right nutritionist near you is to search the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics online expert finder and then contact the nutritionist with questions.
Here are some of the questions you should consider asking when looking to hire a nutritionist:
- What certifications do you have?
- What’s your specialty and approach?
- How much do sessions cost?
- Do you offer any group programs?
It’s important to ask these types of questions before you hire a nutritionist because the nutritionist may not be as qualified as they seem. Almost anyone has the ability to call themselves a nutritionist or a nutrition coach when all they did was get a couple of certifications in just a matter of hours or even minutes online.
Many coaches may not have your best interests at heart if they don’t have all of the right certifications. These coaches are sometimes product promoters in disguise. So make sure that the nutritionist that you work with is an R.D. or R.D.N.
What to Consider Before Hiring a Nutritionist
- Have you already tried on your own and been unsuccessful?
- Are you experiencing information overload?
- Does food feel like a controlling factor in your life?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, it may be a good idea to hire a nutritionist.
Nutritionist Specialties
Sports Nutritionist
Sports nutritionists dedicate their careers to providing many different types of athletes with dietary advice. Depending on a variety of factors like the sport they play and their goals, athletes can have very specific dietary requirements. Sports nutritionists have the ability to identify what kind of diet would be best for different kinds of athletes.
The cost of a sports nutritionist can vary depending on their level of education, experience, location, and services offered. Typically, a consultation with a sports nutritionist can range from $100 to $300 per hour. Some nutritionists may offer package deals or group sessions, which can help lower the cost per session. It’s important to do your research and compare prices and services to find a sports nutritionist that fits your needs and budget.
Childhood Nutritionist
A childhood nutritionist focuses on providing children and families with food education and advice. The nutritionist can help with things like obesity, diabetes, food allergies, and fussy eaters. Childhood nutritionists are especially good with children and they know how to communicate with them effectively.
The cost of a childhood nutritionist can vary depending on their level of education, experience, location, and services offered. Generally, a consultation with a childhood nutritionist can range from $75 to $200 per hour. Some nutritionists may offer package deals or group sessions, which can help lower the cost per session.
Research Nutritionist
Nutritionists that focus on research dedicate their time to understanding and studying exactly how food works. They are responsible for helping other nutritionists continue making better recommendations based on recent, reliable research. For example, research nutritionists might investigate which food groups cancer patients can eat to help with their treatment.
The cost of a research nutritionist can vary depending on several factors such as their level of experience, education, geographic location, and the specific scope of the research project. Typically, research nutritionists charge by the hour or by the project, and their rates can range from $250 or more per hour. However, it is important to note that these rates are highly variable and can differ based on the specific circumstances of the research project. It’s best to consult with individual research nutritionists to get a more accurate estimate of their fees.
Gut Health Nutritionist
These kinds of nutritionists have the ability to help patients with debilitating digestive conditions. They can help patients that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, acid reflux, etc. Because gut issues can be incredibly frustrating, gut health nutritionists are in a position to help patients regain their confidence and quality of life.
Typically, gut health nutritionists charge by the hour or by the session, and their rates can range from $75 to $200 or more per hour or session.
Public Health Nutritionist
Public health nutritionists take a group approach rather than focusing on individual health concerns. They aim to provide nutritional support to large populations. Their main focus is typically disease prevention and food education. These types of nutritionists usually work in hospitals or different government settings.
Typically, public health nutritionists charge by the hour or by the project, and their rates can range from $50 to $250 or more per hour.
What to Expect from a Nutritionist Visit
At your first appointment, you can expect the nutritionist to ask you quite a few questions concerning your overall health and medical history. They will ask you what your dietary concerns are and then they will have the ability to further counsel you on what you may need to remain healthy and reach your health goals.
Assessment
Your dietitian will assess your dietary goals and issue by asking you plenty of questions and providing you with a survey to determine your current lifestyle, goals, and overall health. They will also need to take some measurements including your weight, height, and other metrics that are necessary for a nutrition prescription.
You will have the chance to talk to your nutritionist about what you enjoy eating, how often you eat, the medications you take, and more. You may also have to take part in certain lab tests or food sensitivity tests to help your nutritionist better understand what’s best for you.
Counseling
Now that your nutritionist has all the information they need about your lifestyle, goals, and overall health, they will consider everything you discussed and provide tailored counseling around your diet. They may provide a nutrition prescription with specific macronutrient and micronutrient amounts.
They may even recommend group counseling as part of your treatment plan, as that has helped a lot of patients. By the end of your first visit, you will have established clear goals along with clear action to help you make good progress.
Subsequent Visits
Now that your nutritionist has gotten to know you and your nutritional goals, you may consider seeing your nutritionist regularly. Your nutritionist will check in with you and the progress that you have made so far. They will provide you with additional resources to help you address certain health challenges.
How to Get Help with Paying for a Nutritionist
While seeing a nutritionist can be very beneficial, it can also be expensive. Many insurance plans do not cover nutritionist services, and the cost of seeing a nutritionist can be a barrier for many people. However, there are several ways to get help with paying for a nutritionist even without insurance.
- Look for low-cost clinics or community health centers: Many low-cost clinics or community health centers offer nutrition services at a reduced cost or for free. These clinics often have a team of healthcare professionals, including nutritionists, who work together to provide comprehensive patient care. You can search for a clinic near you on the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) website.
- Check with your employer: Some employers offer wellness programs that include nutrition services. Check with your employer’s human resources department to see if they offer any programs that could help you pay for a nutritionist. If they don’t, you could suggest adding this benefit to their wellness program.
- Look for sliding scale options: Some private practice nutritionists may offer sliding scale fees based on your income. This means that they will adjust their fees based on what you can afford to pay. Ask potential nutritionists if they offer this option.
- Use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA): If you have an HSA or FSA through your employer, you can use these accounts to pay for a nutritionist’s services. These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses.
No Insurance?
When it comes to your healthcare, most people think that their only options are to pay for expensive Health Insurance or try out your luck being uninsured.
The great news is that you have a third option; You can join a Health Share plan that is affordable and meets your needs! Health Sharing programs are one of the most effective and affordable alternatives to Health Insurance.
If you don’t know what a Health Share is, you can start here to learn how it works and why it’s a great alternative to health insurance. If you are looking for affordable healthcare, I highly recommend checking out my article about the Best Health Share Plans.
Leave a Reply