Find a Dietitian

Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist: What is the difference?

Registered dietitians are knowledgeable about nutrition and the impact it has on health and wellness. ‘Registered Dietitian’ (RD) is a protected title regulated by the College of Dietitians of Ontario. All dietitians complete an accredited university degree, supervised practical training and a licensing exam.

A 'nutritionist' can have varying qualifications and expertise, depending on their educational backgrounds and training. A nutritionist is not a provincially regulated health professional.

When should I see a dietitian?

Dietitians use the science of nutrition to help people meet their health goals. You may want to see a dietitian if you need help:

• Managing or preventing a chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease
• Managing digestive disorders like celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Eating healthy and achieving your weight goals
• Living well with a special diets like pureed foods, food intolerances, or food sensitivities
• Managing eating disorders and disordered eating
• Managing nutrition at different life stages like pregnancy, early childhood, or older age

Where to find a dietitian?

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

These Sunnybrook clinics have dietitians that are available for free for current patients:

• Academic Family Health Team
• ALS Clinic
• Multicare Kidney Clinic
• Odette Cancer Centre

Ask your healthcare team how you can talk with a dietitian.

Sunnybrook Diabetes Education Centre (SUNDEC)

If you have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or are at risk of diabetes, you can refer yourself to SUNDEC by completing the self-referral form at sunnybrook.ca/diabetes or by calling 416-480-4805.

Dietitians in the Community

The cost of some dietitian services may be covered by provincial health insurance (OHIP). Ask your healthcare team if a dietitian is available to talk with you.

Here are other ways to find a dietitian:

Health 811

• Dial 811 to get connected to a dietitian or visit Health811.ontario.ca to use the online live chat option and receive a callback from a dietitian
• To find a dietitian in your area, click on “Find a service” and search “dietitian”

Community Health Centres (CHC)

• CHCs provide free or low cost health care and social services (like food programs, settlement services, and community programs) to people living in their area
• If you do not have provincial health insurance (OHIP), you may still be able to receive care for free
• CHCs accept patients based on catchment area and/or for specific populations. To find a CHC go to ontario.ca and search “community health centres”

CHCs located within the Sunnybrook area:

Flemingdon Health Centre (10 Gateway Blvd)

• Dietitian services available for clients of the health centre. OHIP not required to become a client.
• Tel: 416-429-4991 Website: fhc-chc.com

Vibrant Healthcare Alliance (2398 Yonge St)

• Doctor referrals are not necessary.
• Tel: 416-486-8666 Website: vibtranthealthcare.ca

CHCs that focus on care for specific populations:

Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services (3079 Danforth Ave)

• Serves immigrants and refugees.. Dietitian services available for clients of the health centre with various food literacy programs offered.
• Tel: 416-693-8677 Website: accessalliance.ca

Anishnawbe Health Toronto (425 Cherry St)

• Serves the First Nations, Inuit or Metis Peoples (status or non-status and their families). Cultural-based diabetes prevention program with a team of dietitians open to the public.
• Tel: 416-360-0486 Website: aht.ca

TAIBU Community Health Centre (27 Tapscott Rd, Unit 1 at Malvern Mall)

• Serves the Black-identifying community. Dietitian services available to members of the health centre.
• Tel: 416-644-3536 Website: taibuchc.com

Private Practice Dietitians

Dietitian services can be accessed for a fee to provide counseling to people with different nutritional needs. Private health insurance may cover some or all of these fees. Many private practice dietitians provide specialized care in a certain area (like heart health, digestion, weight management) or in another language.

One easy way to find a dietitian is to visit dietitians.ca and click on “Find a Dietitian” on the top right of the page. You can search by postal code, city, and/or health condition.

Your family doctor may be able to refer you to a dietitian covered by OHIP.

Additional Resources

Canada’s Food Guide

Find tips for healthy eating, recipe ideas, learn to read nutrition labels, food safety information and education, and more!

Diabetes of Canada

Information about diabetes and nutrition management

Unlock Food

Has information on hundreds of topics with information about nutrition, food and healthy eating, as well as recipes, videos, and online tools.

Cookspiration

A meal planning tool created by Dietitians of Canada. Find dietitian approved recipes to fit everyone’s taste.

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