What can I expect at my first visit?

When you first arrive, we will take a few minutes reviewing your new client paperwork which will be emailed to you prior to your appointment and will collect your copayment or payment for the visit (if paying privately or using an out-of-network insurance).

From there it’s about us getting to know each other! We’ll discuss what you are looking for help with and your dietitian will ask further questions around your concerns, eating patterns, and health history. After this review, we will discuss what our work may be like if you decide to pursue further visits. The session should be as relaxed as possible and be about getting comfortable. We appreciate that it may feel hard to share a lot with someone that you just met and we strive to foster a nonjudgmental space that will set the tone for our relationship and “Team You” mentality we hope will grow in our work together. At the end of the visit we can schedule additional appointments, or you may take some time to think about your needs and reach back out if needed.

Will insurance cover my visit?

We are in network with BCBS, Harvard Pilgrim, and Tufts Insurance. We are happy to submit claims on your behalf to your insurance company that we are in-network. For out of network claims, we assess this on an individual basis and will be able to provide you with all the necessary information to seek reimbursement on your own. 

Please review our INSURANCE CHECK LIST so that you may call your insurance and learn about the benefits on your plan.  We do our best to support our clients in learning more about their insurance plan, but ultimately it is important for clients to verify benefits prior to the first appointment. The focus of our work and energy is best served supporting our clients’ health and well-being, not keeping up to date with the ever-changing insurance plans on the market.

What is the best way to get in touch with you?

We recommend email for our primary source of communication. We know that playing phone tag is frustrating and we want to make connecting with us a stress-free process! We have found that often it can be easier to schedule appointments and field questions via email, rather than trying to catch someone on the phone at the right time. We are happy to connect live but recommend emailing us first to set up a mutual time that works for a confidential call. We also do our best to keep an up-to-date website to answer your initial questions prior to reaching out for scheduling.

How do I find you?

For in person appointments, we are in suite 134C in the lovely 1 Richmond Square, Providence. There is plenty of free parking around the building and just across the street. When you arrive, please come through the main entrance, and send a text or email to your provider letting them know you have arrived and they will come meet you. If you arrive early there is a wonderful café in the main lobby if you’d like to grab some refreshments prior to your appointment.

For virtual (telehealth appointments), please refer to your appointment reminder message sent via email from our system Kalix for the link. Please email your provider with any questions or concerns.

Why do you recommend parent coaching for family and pediatric nutrition concerns?

There is robust research to support that parent modeling and feeding approach will have the greatest impact on children’s health, well-being, and relationship with food and body. Although we love to have kiddos in our office, we are thoughtful about what is discussed in front of children and follow the 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines to avoid exposure of children to discussions of weight body size, and dieting.

For children under 13 years of age, we typically recommend ongoing parent coaching for our work together. Of course, we aim to model flexibility and are open to learn more about your family and concerns at an initial visit and may have children under age 13 join for visits on a case-by-case basis. If your child is diagnosed with an eating disorder or struggles with picky eating and is under 13 years old we may recommend your child attend the first visit and ongoing visits depending on treatment approach.  During the scheduling process we will learn more about your needs and will advise you at that time if you should anticipate bringing your child to the initial visit. Please contact us if you have any additional questions.

Why a size & weight inclusive approach and how do I know if I’m ready?

At From the Heart Nutrition, we follow a non-diet, size inclusive approach to wellbeing. We understand that the desire to lose weight is a common reason for potential clients to reach out to a dietitian. However, for so many amazing people the pursuit of weight loss can lead to restrictive eating, eating disorders, weight cycling, negative body image, anxiety and depression, and increased stress around food, which ultimately leads to poorer health outcomes. 

We do not believe that wanting weight loss is bad; we believe that diet culture is a billion dollar industry that oppresses our clients and perpetuates false ideas of health and wellbeing. Our priority is to meet clients where they are, and work from a compassionate and informed counseling model to help create a more collaborative, peaceful relationship with food and body. We value nutritional self-care and health enhancement in the way that is meaningful to our clients. Expect to experience a PARTNERSHIP with your RD in your nutrition therapy journey. 

So, how do you know if you are ready? 

Reflect on your own  experiences with your body and diets, do you feel tired of feeling like  you’re not “trying hard enough”? Do you want to clear some of the mental  space filled up with diet rules and get to know what really feels good  for you? Do you want to feel more confident in how to nourish yourself and care for your body in a way that is authentic to you? These are all good places to start, and we are ready to meet you where you are!