Finding a Registered Dietitian for Kids and Teens
For families looking for feeding and nutrition support for their kids and teens, nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian (RD) is a great place to start. RDs are credentialed and licensed to offer medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for various health diagnoses, including overweight, obesity and feeding challenges.
In this article:
Why should you work with an RD?
RDs are food and nutrition experts who may also have additional specialty certifications, including pediatrics, weight management, diabetes and more. RDs are required to do the following:
- Complete a graduate-level nutrition and dietetics program from a U.S. accredited university or college
- Complete 1,000 hours of supervised practice
- Pass the national registered dietitian examination
- Complete 75 continuing professional education credits every 5 years
What is medical nutrition therapy (MNT)?
MNT is evidence-based, individualized nutrition therapy that helps to treat or prevent medical diseases and health conditions, which can only be provided by a registered and licensed dietitian.
How is an RD different from a nutritionist?
In Georgia, a nutritionist is a non-licensed nutrition professional. Similar to an RD, a nutritionist can provide generalized guidance for wellness. However, a nutritionist cannot provide individualized nutrition guidance or MNT. Nutritionists are also unable to bill insurance, and may require private pay.
Insurance coverage for nutrition counseling for kids and teens
Georgia Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids covers one initial nutrition visit with a registered dietitian and 12 follow-up visits per year for any medical condition. Most private insurance companies cover nutrition counseling as part of preventative care and other nutrition-related medical diagnoses.
