Find a Registered Dietitian in Ottawa

A registered dietitian is not the same as a nutritionist. Dietitians are nutrition specialists who hold a Bachelor's degree in foods and nutrition from an accredited university and have completed supervised practical training. The titles “RD” in English or “Dt.P” in French are protected and regulated by the College of Dietitians of Ontario to protect the public and assure the highest professional standards. In Ontario, “nutritionist” is not a protected title. However, in public health in Ontario, the Public Health Nutritionist is a registered dietitian who also holds a Master's degree in nutrition or related area from an accredited university. Choose a registered dietitian as your expert in foods and nutrition.

Dietitians in private practice work with clients to develop nutrition and lifestyle solutions for various health concerns. Referral by a physician is not necessary; however, a fee will be charged for all services. Many insurance plans cover the cost of registered dietitian services. Contact your insurance provider to see if you are covered.

Many dietitians offer free 10-to-15-minute consultations prior to booking your first appointment. Call a dietitian today to see if their services are a good match with your goals.

Inclusion of a person or organization on this list is for information only and does not imply endorsement from Ottawa Public Health. The list is updated annually.

The registered dietitian must meet the following criteria in order to be included on this list:

• The dietitian must be currently practicing within the City of Ottawa and be a member of the College of Dietitians of Ontario
• The dietitian must be responsible for soliciting their own clients

Registered Dietitians in Community Health Centres

Dietitians in Community Health Centres work with individuals, families, and community groups to support healthy eating and promote wellness. They offer nutrition counselling and group programs on a variety of nutrition topics in partnership with other health professionals. In addition, programs that help increase access to healthy foods are available to all clients.                                                                                                                                                       

Please note that some of the nutrition services are only available by referral for clients who are registered with the community health centre and/or are living in the centre’s catchment area. Please visit the centre’s website for program information and events.

Dietitians in Family Health Teams work with other primary health care providers to support individuals and families to eat well and improve their health. They offer individual nutrition counselling and group programs for rostered patients.

Community Diabetes Education Program

The Community Diabetes Education Program of Ottawa offers free individual or group sessions to members of the community living with pre-diabetes or diabetes. Services are available for adults 18 years of age or older living with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Classes are regularly offered in French, English, Cantonese and Mandarin. Classes in Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Somali are also offered as needed.

Registered dietitians in hospitals assess, plan, and monitor nutrition interventions for patients who are sick and for patients requiring special diets due to a medical condition. A referral from a physician is required to see a dietitian in a hospital.

Eating Disorder Services

Registered dietitians work with other healthcare professionals to provide specialized treatments and services for people with eating disorders and their families.

Hopewell

Hopewell provides community education programs and referral centres for teens, adults and their families. Registered dietitian services at Hopewell are not covered by OHIP; fees may apply.

For more information, call 613-241-3428.

The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Regional Eating Disorders Program

This program offers expertise assessment and treatment services for youth under 18 years of age with moderate to severe eating disorders. A referral from a physician or paediatrician is required.

For more information, call 613-737-7600 ext. 5890.

The Regional Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders

This centre, located at The Ottawa Hospital General Campus, provides services for adults 18 to 64 years of age with severe eating disorders in the Ottawa region and Eastern Ontario. Treatment options include intensive day programs, and outpatient programs. A referral from a physician is required.

For more information, call 613-737-8042.