How to Choose the Best Eating Disorder Dietitian

As an eating disorder dietitian, I’m frequently asked to help people find other eating disorder dietitians in their area when they’re unable to see me locally in Centerport, Long Island or virtually. Sometimes I have a referral for them, but other times I’m making my best assumptions based on the dietitian’s website or social media presence. I’m sharing some tips for choosing the best eating disorder dietitian in your area. A lot of these tips are similar for therapists, trainers, psychiatrists, and physicians as well! And, of course, the best dietitian for one person might not be the right fit for someone else, so it’s okay if you find someone who doesn’t fit the tips below.

What are some good key words for an eating disorder dietitian to have on their website/social media presence?

You’ll want this dietitian to mention the following things:
– First, they should mention that they even treat eating disorders. Your best bet will be if eating disorder treatment is listed as their number one specialty (unless you also have a condition such as diabetes that you are looking to manage as well). If you’re looking for eating disorder treatment for your child, ask if the dietitian works with and has experience with children and adolescents.
– Some key phrases you’ll want to see on their website include: “non-diet approach”, “Health at Every Size”, “intuitive eating”, and “fat positive”.

What are some red flags that tells you that a dietitian probably isn’t the best fit for treating your eating disorder?

You’ll want to be cautions if the dietitian mentions any of the following things on their website/social media:
– “Non-diet approach to weight loss” or “intuitive eating for weight loss”, “flexible dieting”, “obesity treatment”, “weight management”, “permanent weight loss”, “healthy weight loss”,  labeling foods “good” or “bad”, or promoting any kind of fad diet.
– You’ll probably want to run the other way if you see a dietitian who advertises that they are an eating disorder expert and also post before and after weight loss pictures of their clients on their website and social media or who run weight loss or dieting challenges.

What are some good things to ask a dietitian about whether or not they’ll be a good fit for treating your eating disorder?

If someone has passed the above tests or doesn’t have an online presence, feel free to give them a call and ask them a few questions.

– What kind of training do you have in working with folks with eating disorders?
– How long have you been working with clients with eating disorders?
– What are your thoughts on diets and weight loss?
– What is your treatment approach?
– Do you work with children/adolescents/LGBTQ+/diabetes/IBS/etc? (Ask specific questions as it pertains to your individual circumstances.)
– Will you collaborate with my current treatment team or help me assemble one?

Where can I search for an eating disorder dietitian online?

Some ways to find a dietitian in general (these are not all eating disorder specific- do your research above!) include:

– EDRD Pro
– National Eating Disorder Association
– Health at Every Size Provider Listing
– International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians
– Intuitive Eating Counselor Directory
– Health Profs
– Dietitian Central
-Your Insurance Company’s Website to find someone in-network with your insurance

Are you in the Centerport, Long Island area and in search of an experienced eating disorder registered dietitian nutritionist? Send Christina an email to learn more about 1:1 nutrition therapy sessions! Serving clients virtually in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.