What to Expect: Virtual Nutrition Counseling
The Food Therapist is a weight-inclusive, virtual nutrition counseling practice specializing in reproductive health. We meet for sessions on video chat via Healthie, a HIPAA-compliant, secure online portal. This a convenient and effective way of working with your dietitian that saves time and money. No more traveling to and from appointments. No more paying for parking, transportation or a babysitter for your little ones. We can chat on your lunch break or nap time, from the comfort of your own home, or even while you're taking a walk! Plus you can stay connected and feel supported between appointments via secure messaging.
Through this online portal, you can schedule your next appointment, keep a photo food journal, check in with your hunger and mood before and after meals, log water intake, track your goals, and upload relevant health records and lab reports from your physician to help us make nutrition recommendations specific to your unique health needs and conditions. All of this can be done on your computer or phone via the free Healthie app.
What’s Included in 1:1 Nutrition Sessions with The Food Therapist
Follow-up sessions (45 min) (may be purchased per session or as a 5-pack)
Free Healthie app - our online portal for video consultations, scheduling appointments, text messaging, goal check-ins and photo food journaling
A recap of your goals from each session
Handouts on food & nutrition topics related to our sessions as needed
Messaging between sessions for support, guidance and accountability
Personalized supplement recommendations
Communication with other healthcare providers as needed for a team-based approach to your care
Optional add-on: customizable weekly meal plans ($19/mo, cancel anytime)
NEW! Fully Supported Fertility Package
The best of both worlds - personalized nutrition counseling plus access to all of the content in our Fertility Foundations nutrition course. You can watch or listen to the course modules in between sessions to get more nutrition education and reinforcement of topics discussed in session while making the most of one-on-one time with Rachelle, addressing barriers and figuring out what works and feels right for you to support your fertility. (The course modules are approximately 20 minutes long, making it easier to fit into a busy schedule!)
Includes an initial consultation and nutrition assessment and 5 follow-up sessions with Rachelle, one month of a customizable meal planner, and one year of access to the Fertility Foundations nutrition course.
What Can I Expect during Sessions?
In our initial consultation, we'll spend over an hour together so I can get to know you. We'll explore your medical history, weight and dieting history if applicable, eating patterns, food preferences, allergies, sensitivities and/or restrictions, and your lifestyle. Then we'll create sustainable, actionable steps together to help you achieve your health and wellness goals, which may include collaborative meal and/or snack planning. I will provide nutrition education as needed/when appropriate and recommendations tailored for you. All appointments are conveniently held via secure video chat, or over the phone if preferred. After our initial consultation, we'll spend 45 minutes together during follow-up sessions to check in, discuss successes and challenges since our last visit, and add or adjust goals as needed to continue working towards your larger health and wellness goals.
How often do we meet?
We generally meet at least every other week when we start working together. Clients can work with Rachelle on a short-term or long-term basis, but we do recommend a minimum of 3 months for most folks. At the end of each session we discuss when it would be best to schedule a follow-up session based on individual needs and progress. Packages of follow-up sessions are available at a discounted rate.
Payment Options
We accept credit cards and HSA/FSA cards for payment. Additionally, if you have out-of-network insurance coverage, you may be able to get reimbursed for the nutrition counseling services you receive. We can provide you with a Superbill after our sessions that you can submit to your insurance to seek reimbursement.
For rates, please click on the hyperlinks above. You can purchase an initial consultation and book the appointment directly. If you have additional questions before booking, please email hello@rachellemallik.com or schedule a complimentary intro call to discuss.
If you are in need of financial assistance for fertility treatment, consider applying for a grant with the Chicago Coalition for Family Building. Rachelle’s company The Food Therapist is a proud partner of CCFB and she donates nutrition counseling services to IVF cycle grant recipients.
Can you work with clients outside of Chicago?
Absolutely. Telehealth offers the flexibility to work with clients outside of the Chicagoland area; however state licensure and telehealth regulations for dietitians vary. Rachelle is a Registered Dietitian, which is a national certification, and she is licensed in Illinois, Missouri and as a telehealth provider in Florida. If you are located in another state and are interested in working together, please contact us as regulations vary by state and do change over time.