Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians. Dietitians must attend university for at least 4-6 years in the field of Dietetics, qualifying them to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. They care for people of all ages, from healthy individuals to those with complex medical conditions, and work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practice, and community health organisations.

Nutritionists do not have the same level of education or regulation as dietitians. Some nutritionists may have nutrition degrees, or completed short courses/workshops in nutrition, but the term ‘nutritionist’ is not protected so there is no guarantee of their qualifications, or experience. There are some wonderful nutritionists out there, but they are not qualified to provide individual nutrition advice for people with medical conditions.

Do dietitians provide meal plans?

Not necessarily. Working with The Nourished Mind could look like many things, from learning about the importance of different foods and nutrients, discussing your physical symptoms and talking about emotions related to eating and goal setting; to coming up with practical solutions to get on top of your eating - together. A meal plan is just one of our tools, and may or may not be used in conjunction with many other strategies, depending on your needs.

How can a dietitian help with an eating disorder?

Dietitians are uniquely placed to help people with eating disorders because of our combined skills and knowledge in human anatomy and biochemistry, food and nutritional requirements, and human eating behaviour. When dually qualified as Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinicians, dietitians can play an important role in helping people recover from an eating disorder through recommending appropriate foods and portions to ensure nutritional rehabilitation and adequate intake, with an elevated understanding of the psychological aspects of the illness. However, the best care team is made up of a suitably qualified dietitian, a psychologist and a GP. This ensures we can all keep you safe, and your physical and psychological health needs are met.

Do I need a GP referral to see a dietitian?

No, you don’t need a referral. However, if you have been referred, be sure to send us the referral information prior to the appointment to get the most out of our time. If your GP has recommended a Chronic Disease Management Plan, or Eating Disorder Management Plan, you’ll need them to complete the plan before our appointment so you can claim your Medicare rebate.

Can I get a Medicare rebate for a dietitian?

Yes. If your GP puts you on an Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) or a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP), you can claim a Medicare rebate of $61.80 per session. We can process this rebate directly for you after your appointment.

How does a virtual dietitian clinic work?

Once you’ve booked an appointment, you’ll receive an Intake Form to complete - giving us some background on how to best support you, as well as collecting your consent. On the day of your appointment, we’ll send you a secure Zoom link to join. We recommend ensuring you’ve got a comfortable and private space to take the call. Outside these times, we'll keep in touch by email.

What is a non-diet dietitian and how do they help?

A non-diet dietitian focuses on improving your physical and mental well-being without relying on restrictive rules, calorie tracking, or intentional weight loss. Instead of focusing on a number on a scale, we help you reconnect with your body’s natural hunger cues and heal your relationship with food.

Where can I find more support?