Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and schedule your initial consultation or 15-minute discovery call.
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MNT is a collaborative process where we explore your relationship with food, your body, and your health goals together. At Plato Unida Nutrition, MNT is weight‑neutral and trauma‑informed, honoring your lived experience and cultural identity
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When you book an initial appointment, the time you select is a request, not a final confirmation. I personally review each new client request to make sure I have all the information needed to begin care safely and ethically.
Before your appointment can be officially approved, I may need to:
send you required intake and consent forms
review your insurance information (if applicable)
request a signed referral from your provider
The referral step can take time. Some providers respond within a few days, while others may take several weeks or even months. I will keep you updated throughout the process and let you know if anything is needed from you.
Your appointment will be fully confirmed once all required documents are received. Thank you for your patience — this process helps ensure your care begins smoothly and with the support of your full care team.
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A referral helps ensure your care is safe, coordinated, and supported by your full healthcare team. Because nutrition therapy can be part of your medical treatment plan, I often need a signed referral from your provider before we begin. This allows me to:
understand any medical conditions that may impact your care
ensure your provider approves and supports nutrition therapy
coordinate care in a way that honors your whole health picture
meet insurance or legal requirements when applicable
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Sometimes, yes. While I handle the initial referral request, you are welcome to follow up with your provider’s office if things are taking longer than expected. Many clinics respond more quickly when the request comes directly from the patient.
Here are a few gentle ways you can help move things forward:
Call your provider’s office and let them know you’re waiting on a referral for nutrition therapy
Ask to speak with the nurse or medical assistant, as they often handle forms
Confirm they received my referral request and ask when it may be completed
Let them know your appointment can’t be confirmed until the referral is signed
If you need it, I can resend the referral or provide you with a copy to share directly with your provider.
Please know: delays are common and not your fault. Some offices respond within days, while others take weeks or longer. I’ll keep you updated throughout the process so you always know where things stand.
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If your provider declines to sign the referral or is significantly delayed, we have a few options:
You can reach out to your provider directly to ask for clarification or request reconsideration.
I can resend the referral or provide additional context if the provider needs more information.
You may choose to ask another provider on your care team (such as a primary care physician, specialist, or nurse practitioner) to review and sign the referral instead.
If your provider does not support nutrition therapy, we can discuss whether another pathway is available based on your goals and needs.
Some providers take weeks or months to respond, and some decline due to clinic policies — not because of anything you did. I’ll support you through the process and help you explore next steps if barriers come up.
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You can still begin the intake process even if you don’t currently have a PCP. A referral is often required for medical nutrition therapy, but it does not have to come from a primary care doctor. Many clients receive referrals from:
a nurse practitioner
a physician assistant
an OB‑GYN
an endocrinologist
a gastroenterologist
a psychiatrist or mental health prescriber
a specialist involved in their care
If you don’t have a provider at all, we can talk through your options. You may choose to establish care with a clinic, community health center, or telehealth provider who can review your needs and provide the referral. I’m here to support you through the process and help you find a pathway that feels accessible and doable.
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At this time, Plato Unida Nutrition is a private‑pay practice. I provide superbills that you can submit to your insurance for possible out‑of‑network reimbursement. Many clients receive partial reimbursement, but it varies by plan.
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Your initial session is a spacious, 75 to 90-minute conversation where we explore your story, your goals, and what support feels most helpful. There’s no judgment, no weigh‑ins, and no pressure — just a grounding space to begin your healing.
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This is very individualized. Some clients may need bi-weekly sessions (twice per week). Most clients start with sessions every 1–2 weeks to build momentum and support. Over time, we may shift to monthly or maintenance sessions based on your needs and capacity.
Ultimately, you and I will collaborate and discuss how often follow-ups should happen.
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Yes — all sessions are offered via secure telehealth, making care accessible no matter where you are in Tennessee.
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My approach is weight‑neutral, culturally honoring, and trauma‑informed. We focus on nourishment, body trust, and sustainable habits — not restriction, shame, or rigid rules.
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I use an Equity Tier model so clients can choose the rate that aligns with their financial reality. No proof or explanation is required. Each tier helps keep care accessible for our whole community.
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Each tier is an invitation to choose the rate that reflects your current financial reality with honesty and self‑compassion. You never need to justify your choice — you are trusted to know what is sustainable for you, and every selection helps keep this care accessible for our whole community.
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That’s exactly why the Equity and Solidarity tiers exist. You are trusted to choose the rate that reflects your current financial reality.
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Equity is the lowest sustainable rate for my practice.
Solidarity is reserved for clients experiencing significant or extreme financial hardship. Both tiers help keep care accessible.
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Yes — I offer 3‑session, 6‑session, and monthly support packages for clients who want ongoing, structured care. Packages can be paid at any tier.
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Packages include light resource sharing only between sessions. Coaching, check‑ins, or ongoing messaging support are not included.
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I ask for 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations or missed sessions may be charged the full session fee per policy.
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Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed entirely may be forfeited if part of a package and may be subject to the no-show fee if part of an individual session.
Packages are non‑refundable and must be used within 6 months.
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Yes. Life changes — your tier can change with it. Just let me know before your next billing cycle or session.
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I do not offer prescriptive meal plans. Instead, we co‑create flexible, culturally honoring nourishment practices that support your autonomy and lived experience.
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The Monthly Support Package offers two follow‑ups per month. If you need additional care, we can discuss what feels supportive and sustainable.
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If you’re looking for compassionate, culturally grounded, weight‑neutral support — yes. If you’re unsure, a free consultation call can help us explore whether this space feels right for you.
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You are in a judgment-free zone. At Plato Unida, I believe in informed consent. As a Registered Dietitian with I understand how these medications interact with your hormones and blood sugar. My role is to help you navigate the world of healthcare by providing you the knowledge you need to make a decision that feels right for you. This could look like how to safely administer the medication while ensuring your body stays nourished and your relationship with food stays rooted in joy.
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Because GLP-1s can significantly lower your appetite, it becomes more important to make every bite count. We use my specialized clinical framework to ensure:
We prioritize nutrition to protect your muscle mass
We prioritize getting a balanced intake to ensure you are meeting your daily needs for nutrients and vitamins.
We also help management of side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.