Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Scroll down to learn more about my specialty services, programs/pricing/billing, and other general common questions.
Specialty Services
I think I (or my child, or my loved one) might have an eating disorder. What do I do?
Dealing with disordered eating patterns is so hard on the sufferer and on their families. It's important to build a multi-discipline treatment team including a physician, registered dietitian, therapist or psychologist, and often psychiatrist. Your dietitian can help evaluate the symptoms and patterns concerning you, make recommendations regarding treatment options and levels of care, and provide dietary guidance to support nutrition rehabilitation during and after recovery.
I'm preparing for bariatric surgery. How can a dietitian help me?
Permanently changing any part of your digestive tract is a big decision, and should always include consultation with a nutrition professional. Your dietitian can help evaluate your current knowledge, skills, and eating habits, educate you on the required diet phases before and after surgery, and support you through long-term changes to promote lifelong success of your procedure.
What is meant by the phrases "end the cycle of dieting" and "improve your relationship with food?"
Decades of research has made one thing very clear - DIETS DON'T WORK. Regaining weight after restrictive dieting is now understood to be the rule, not the exception... and we're only now starting to really appreciate the diverse metabolic, microbiotic, and socio-psychological systems that are responsible for weight regulation in the body. Instead of demonizing food and continuing the pointless "diet - lose weight - quit dieting - regain weight - diet again" cycle, let's focus on valuing the many roles food has in your life and start to view nutrition as a beloved partner in helping you reach your life goals.
Programs, Pricing and Billing
How do your services work? Do I have to commit to a certain number of sessions or buy a big, expensive package in order to work with you?
I don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatment options - they aren't responsive to the unpredictable nature of real life! While I do offer packages for certain services, I strongly prefer to allow you, the client, to decide how much support you need and how often. We'll discuss whether and when to have our next session at the end of each appointment.
Payment in full is usually due immediately upon the conclusion of each session (with some exceptions).
How much is a session?
- Initial assessments for eating disorders and general nutrition services: $185 (up to 90min)
- Each individual follow-up appointment: $115 (up to 60min, or $95 if we use <40min)
- One-time bariatric pre-operative evaluations: $115 (up to 90min)
- Packages available:
- Bariatric post-operative support, 3 months: $450 for a total of 5 (40min) sessions, held at the end of weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12
- Bariatric post-operative support, 1 year: $850 for a total of 10 (40min) sessions, held at the end of weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and months 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 12
- Eating disorder ongoing support, monthly: $425 for 4 weekly sessions (up to 60min each; initial 90min assessment required first)
Do you accept insurance?
Unfortunately, I do not currently accept insurance. However, if your insurance plan includes coverage for out-of-network dietitian services, I can provide you with a superbill you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement consideration.
I have already purchased a package with my bariatric surgeon that includes a dietitian pre-op evaluation. How is this handled?
I can communicate with your surgeon to coordinate payment so you don't have to.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Currently I accept payment in the form of credit/debit card (HSA/FSA cards included) or Paypal. You can manage your payment methods and access billing documents in your client portal.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
Yyyyyes... but I am also a certified health professional and certain standards of practice are generally expected. I do accept a limited number of clients on sliding scales depending on their life situation, although I am not always able to accommodate every request.
General Questions
I'm located in a state other than California. Can I utilize your services?
Due to the complex (and slightly bizarre) licensure status for RDs across the country, I am currently able to offer services to clients residing in the following states:
California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Indiana, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Do you offer in-person services?
I do not. My practice has been fully remote (phone or video only) for several years which allows my clients the flexibility to meet with me from anywhere.
Are you able to communicate with my physician or other health professionals?Absolutely, and I strongly prefer to! You need only complete a Release of Information (ROI) consent form and I'll contact your providers directly.
What's the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist?
In part, it depends on where you live. The "registered dietitian" (also known as a "registered dietitian nutritionist," just to make it extra confusing!!) is a nationally-recognized credential that requires completion of a standardized educational program (often with an advanced/graduate degree) and 6-12mos of supervised practical training. Generally, there are no standardized requirements for a "nutritionist" and in many states (such as California) it is not a protected title - meaning anyone can declare themselves to be a "nutritionst" regardless of their educational background.
Want to know more? REQUEST a free consultation:
Or, if you're ready to get started, SCHEDULE an appointment today!
New Clients: During your 90 minute assessment appointment, you and your dietitian will discuss your health status, lifestyle, experience, and goals, and develop an initial action plan to get you started on your way!
Bariatric Patients: During your 60-90 minute pre-op evaluation, your dietitan will learn more about you, provide you with detailed guidance for the pre- and post-op diet requirements, and submit the evaluation to your bariatric provider for insurance approval.