How to Find a Dietitian in the UK

In short: NHS dietitians are free, usually by referral from your GP or a hospital team. For a private dietitian, the British Dietetic Association has a find a dietitian search for freelance dietitians, and you can search Therapist Circle. Dietitian is a protected title, so check the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register. Nutritionist is not protected in the same way.

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Please read. This is general information from us, not medical, clinical or professional advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, we don’t recommend or guarantee any practitioner, and we’re not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, please use the crisis box at the bottom of this page. Services and rules change, so check the official websites linked here.

Your routes

NHS. The BDA explains that consultations with dietitians working in the NHS are free. Your GP practice, a hospital consultant or another health professional can refer you. If you are already under a hospital or specialist team, ask them.
Private. Registered dietitians also see clients privately and charge fees. Some health insurance covers appointments with a dietitian, so check your policy first.

Where to look for a private dietitian

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has a find a dietitian search for freelance dietitians.
Search Therapist Circle for dietitians. Therapist Circle is new and still growing, so there may be few or none listed near you yet, and we don’t recommend or rank anyone. If there are none, please use the BDA search above.

Check they are on the HCPC register

Dietitian (and dietician) is a title protected by law. Anyone using it must be on the HCPC register. Search by name or registration number. The entry shows whether the person is currently registered and any conditions on their practice. Check that the name, number and profession match. An HCPC dietitian number starts with DT.

Dietitian or nutritionist? Nutritionist is not a protected title, so training varies. Some nutritionists are on the voluntary register kept by the Association for Nutrition. Our guide explains dietitian or nutritionist: the difference in the UK.

What to ask before you book

What is your HCPC registration number?
What experience do you have with my condition or need?
Will you write to my GP if I want you to?
What do appointments cost, and how many might I need?

If you are worried about an eating disorder, speak to your GP first. More in questions to ask a private occupational therapist, physiotherapist, dietitian or speech and language therapist.

Are you a dietitian?

Dietitians on the HCPC register can list their practice with us free, with no subscription or commission. See list your dietitian practice free.

Common Questions

Can I see a dietitian on the NHS?

Yes. NHS dietitians are free. Your GP practice, a hospital consultant or another health professional can refer you.

How do I find a private dietitian?

The British Dietetic Association has a find a dietitian search where you can look for freelance dietitians. You can also search Therapist Circle, where dietitians on the HCPC register can list free.

How do I check a dietitian is registered?

Search the HCPC register by name or registration number. Dietitian is a protected title, so anyone using it must be on the register.

Does Therapist Circle list dietitians?

Dietitians on the HCPC register can join and be listed free. Therapist Circle is new, so there may be few or none near you yet. The British Dietetic Association also has its own find a dietitian search.

Last reviewed 28 October 2026. General information only, drawn from the BDA, HCPC and NHS-related information already in our dietitian guides, with the BDA and HCPC pages re-read, read on 28 October 2026. We are independent: not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHS, the HCPC or any professional body. Not medical advice and not a crisis service.

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