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Finding a *Love Connection* with Your Provider

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Finding a provider who you trust and authentically vibe with can be tough! Not to mention additional hurdles like insurance coverage, financial logistics, location, and availability. In connecting with my own therapist and questions I love answering for clients, I’ve compiled this brief guide to help you find a great fit.

First things first, create a list of your hard boundaries.

  • Location: What’s the furthest you’re willing to travel? Would you prefer virtual/telehealth? If you’re in the mental health field, would you prefer a therapist outside of your community?

  • Financials: Are you hoping to use insurance (and if so, does your insurance have mental health benefits)? Many self-pay options range from $80-200 (ish - this varies greatly) per session - do you know your budget? If money is tight, do you feel comfortable asking for a reduced fee or sliding scale spot?

  • Availability: When are you free? This question is especially important if your schedule is only open when not all providers are available, like evenings and weekends.

  • Comfort: Do you have a preference on your provider’s gender, sexual orientation, race, or other identity? Are there components of the visit that you’d like to know ahead of time (like gender neutral bathrooms, size inclusive seating, etc.)?

  • Specialty: Not all providers treat or support the same things! See if you can get as specific as possible on what you’re struggling with and what kind of support you need. Special side note: beware of providers who list they help with ALL the things - nobody can be an expert in everything!


Next, get clear on your goals.

What are the things you’d like to accomplish or work toward with this provider? If a timeline is important, what’s it look like?

It might also help to fill in the blanks for this sentence to help you get clear on what you’re looking for: I am looking for a ________________ (eg: virtual dietitian) who specializes in ________________ (eg: Health At Every Size, eating disorders, and trans affirming care) to support me with ________________ (eg: binge eating disorder and body image). The following things are also important to me: (list of hard boundaries from our first section).


How to find this unicorn provider.

*I’m likely missing some others, but these are the most common ones I’m aware of!


Lastly, questions to consider asking the provider before committing to work together.

  • What are your values as a person/provider?

  • Can you tell me a little about your style in how we might work together?

  • (If using insurance) How does my insurance work for sessions?

  • How do you feel about collaborating with other members of my care team?

  • Can you give me an example of what a typical session might look like?

  • If you don’t have any openings right now, do you have a waitlist I can be placed on?


All in all, finding a provider who you really connect with can be tough. It might mean you have a few “test” sessions with someone and ultimately decided to part ways and find someone else (you could also ask the provider for suggestions - they likely know of someone who might be a better fit!). Ultimately, your work with the provider will be the most helpful and supportive if you’re working with someone you really enjoy. Take your time (if possible) in finding a good fit, and don’t be afraid to ask some hard questions along the way! Best wishes to you in your search ❤️

Is there anything else I missed that you would include? Did you find this helpful? Please reach out if you have questions or would like to add something!

Send me an email or find me on social media to stay in touch. Want to learn more about what it’s like to work with a dietitian who specializes in eating disorders? Schedule your free discovery call to chat about nutrition therapy!