Taking Care of Ourselves & Each Other

Health & Well-Being

Stanford
Vaden Health Services

Food and Eating

5 Reasons to See a Dietitian

How do I schedule an appointment?

Your Important Questions

  • What can I and can’t I get from a Vaden nutrition appointment?

    • We can’t order lab tests or make referrals to specialists. If you’re looking for a diagnosis of a nutritional deficiency, a food allergy/intolerance, or a digestive issue, we’d recommend scheduling a consultation with medical services.

  • Who do I see for a meal plan exemption? for food allergies? to get a letter for OAE?

    • Meeting with a nutritionist doesn’t provide diagnosis, specialist referrals, or lab tests, but only a description of what you are experiencing. Your best option is to obtain a letter from Medical Services confirming a medical diagnosis (e.g. of a food allergy). With that documentation you can submit it to OAE. From there, you can contact the RD&E Dietitians (nutritionist@stanford.edu) to discuss next steps such as access to the Purple Pantry, etc.

  • What is a nutrition visit like? Do I need to bring anything?

    • Nutrition visits are collaborative and empowering spaces to learn and practice self-care. First sessions (45-60 minutes) are opportunities for us to learn more about you, your goals, context, preferences, questions, etc. Follow-up sessions (30-60 minutes) can be used for accountability, goal setting, further education, or problem-solving. For your first visit, you’ll be sent a nutrition questionnaire prior to your first visit. If you’d like, you can bring in an optional 2-3 day food record. Having goals can be helpful, but if you’re unsure, we can figure it out together.

  • Eligibility: How much does a nutrition visit cost? Who can see a dietitian?

    • Nutrition visits are covered by the health fee and are available to all students, undergraduate and graduate. We do not see post-docs.

      Virtual sessions are available, unless you are planning to be seen in a state that is marked red on this map.

  • Is there a limit to how many visits I can schedule?

    • There is no visit limit. Students use visits in different ways. Some may schedule a one time consultation. Others may choose to meet every other week, monthly, or quarterly.

Nutrition Counseling & Campus Resources

Our goal is to help you thrive as a student, help you take care of yourself with a health-centered approach to eating, or answer your questions about general nutrition.

Book a solo session

Join a Group

We’ve offered groups on topics ranging from vegetarianism, fueling workouts, general healthy eating, food planning, etc. Click here if you’d like to join a current group or the waiting list. Have an idea? Submit one on our form.

Book an outreach

We provide customized workshops and presentations for campus groups and organizations.

What’s in it for me? | Benefits

  • Address health concerns: eating concerns/disorders (link to Eating Disorders & Concerns), diabetes, anemia, elevated lipids, high blood pressure, digestive problems, food allergies
  • Personalized nutrition: sports nutrition, vegetarian/vegan nutrition, improving nutritional balance, becoming a competent eater, and weight management
  • Community referrals

Your Team

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available for confidential assessment, care management, brief therapy, groups, medication management, and referrals, for a range of nutritional, body image and disordered eating concerns.

  • Medical Services at Vaden provides help with nutritional disorders, disordered eating, and their complications.

  • We will help determine if you should be evaluated by eating disorder specialists from Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. This team provides onsite medical and nutritional use for students who require intensive, ongoing medical care and monitoring. A referral from Vaden Health Center and Cardinal Care or private insurance is required for specialty consultations.