Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025The connection between nutrition and mental health has never been more recognized in healthcare. As optimizing nutrition status improves cognitive and emotional functioning, registered dietitians are increasingly becoming essential members of mental health care teams. If you're seeking mental health services, understanding how a registered dietitian can support your journey is crucial for comprehensive care.
Registered Dietitian
Remote only
Lisa van Leeuwen is a Registered Dietitian in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 4 years. They treat Bulimia Nervosa, Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), Eating Concerns.
Creating a compassionate, non-judgmental, empowering and weight inclusive/weight stigma free space is essential to me. Religious trauma informed dietitian
Registered Dietitian
8506 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27615
Ann Marie Dougherty is a Registered Dietitian in Raleigh, North Carolina. They treat Anorexia Nervosa, Eating Concerns, Binge-Eating Disorder.
I am very passionate about helping clients achieve their health and nutrition/wellness goals!
Registered Dietitian
Remote only
Melia Menendez-Aponte is a Registered Dietitian in undefined, undefined. They treat Depression, Women's Issues, Parenting Concerns.
I am a registered dietitian who strives to empower my clients to optimize their health, honoring where they are at and where they want to be.
Registered Dietitian
1201 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502
Sarah Hoing is a Registered Dietitian in Manhattan, Kansas. They treat Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa.
I am passionate about sharing my nutrition knowledge in a gentle, unbiased approach and strive to help clients feel comfortable around food.
Registered Dietitian
Remote only
Erin Decker is a Registered Dietitian in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Eating Disorder, Athletic Performance.
Are you sick of worrying about food? It's time to try something new.
Nutritionist, Registered Dietitian
8400 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas 78759
Anna Long is a Nutritionist in Austin, Texas. They treat Compulsive Exercise, Body Image, Anorexia Nervosa.
I am a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) with a passion for helping people improve their relationships with food.
A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) brings specialized expertise to mental health treatment that extends far beyond basic meal planning. Registered Dietitians Nutritionists (RDN) are trained medical professionals who provide Medical Nutrition Therapy to patients and their support system, working collaboratively with therapists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers to address the complex relationship between nutrition and mental wellness.
The field of nutritional psychology has emerged as a critical area of practice, exploring how dietary choices directly impact mood, cognitive function, and overall mental health. Mental health is a rapidly evolving area of practice for dietitians, with these professionals increasingly recognized for their ability to support both the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Mental health conditions that can benefit from nutrition services include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). More than 8.2 million Americans are afflicted with co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis, such as both a mental illness and an addiction, making the role of nutrition counseling particularly important for comprehensive treatment.
You might consider working with a registered dietitian nutritionist if you experience mood swings related to eating patterns, have difficulty concentrating that may be nutrition-related, are managing stress through food, or are taking medications that affect appetite or nutrient absorption. Additionally, if you're dealing with digestive issues alongside mental health symptoms, a dietitian can help address the gut-brain connection that significantly impacts mental wellness.
The standards for becoming a registered dietitian have evolved significantly. As of January 1, 2024, all who call themselves Registered Dietitians (RDs) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) must have a minimum of a graduate degree. This enhanced educational requirement ensures that today's dietitians possess advanced knowledge in both nutrition science and clinical practice.
To earn this certification, candidates must complete a CDR-accredited academic program, pass a rigorous examination, and fulfill continuing education requirements. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) oversees these standards, ensuring that certified dietitians maintain current knowledge and ethical practices throughout their careers.
When looking for a registered dietitian, verify their credentials through the CDR registry. RDs are food and nutrition experts who have met the Commission on Dietetic Registration's (CDR) criteria to earn the RD credential. Some dietitians may also hold additional certifications in specialized areas such as mental health nutrition, eating disorders, or behavioral health.
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