Meeting You Where You Are: Exploring Virtual and In-Person Dietitian Services

Written by Sarah Firebaugh, RDN

There’s something powerful about having choices… especially when it comes to how you care for your body, your relationship with food, and your overall well-being.

At As You Are Nutrition, we recognize that life looks different for everyone. Some days feel full and scheduled to the minute; others may be shaped by health challenges, caregiving responsibilities, or the desire for quiet support without the pressure of leaving home. That’s why we offer both virtual and in-person nutrition counseling, so we can meet you exactly where you are - literally and emotionally.

While our office is located in downtown Napa, we’re proud to serve clients across Northern California and the Bay Area through the flexibility of an online dietitian covered by your insurance.

Our office space for in-person visits is located at 1443 Main St Suite 130-B, Napa, CA 94559

Virtual Nutrition Counseling: Support From Your Space

Virtual nutrition counseling brings the care to you – whether you’re seated at your kitchen table, on your lunch break at work, or resting in your favorite chair with a cup of tea nearby.  If you are recovering from an eating disorder you can even have a therapeutic virtual meal or snack with your dietitian. This flexibility can be especially meaningful for those with full schedules, transportation limitations, or reduced mobility. It can also be a lifeline for individuals navigating chronic conditions, pain, or recovery, when getting to an office feels like too much.

We’ve also built in practical tools to make virtual care just as effective as in-person sessions. These include screen sharing to review resources together, shared Google documents for collaborative meal planning, gentle food tracking apps, and secure data sharing for tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for diabetes care. These supports help us stay connected, organized, and responsive to your needs.

Our telehealth platform, SimplePractice, is secure, simple, and easy to use. You can join sessions from any smart device—like your phone—or from a computer or laptop, making it easy to connect from wherever you feel most comfortable.

Using this HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, we’ve found that virtual sessions often create space for family members or caregivers to join from different locations, making collaborative care more accessible. Whether you’re a parent trying to support your child’s nutrition, a caregiver helping an older adult navigate dietary changes, or someone who simply feels more comfortable in your own environment, telehealth helps make nutrition care more inclusive, responsive, and supportive.

In-Person Visits: Grounded Connection

For those who feel most supported through face-to-face connection, in-person visits offer a warm and comforting space to slow down and focus. Our downtown Napa office is cozy and inviting, with sunny yellow and orange tones, playful food art on the walls, and a layout designed to make you feel seen and supported. Whether you process best without digital distractions, or you simply enjoy the sense of presence and shared space, we’re here to welcome you into a setting that feels safe, intentional, and genuine.

In-person sessions can also be helpful for those who prefer tactile tools, visual resources, or more direct guidance around body cues and behaviors. Some clients begin with in-person appointments to build that initial connection, then transition to virtual sessions for convenience. Others return in person from time to time as a way to re-center and refresh their care.

We’ve had clients drive to see us from Anguin, Santa Rosa, Vallejo, Sonoma, Vacaville, and even Woodland! And for those who live farther away across Northern California, or who simply need more flexibility, our online dietitians and telehealth services make it easy to continue care from the comfort of your own home. There is no right or wrong way to engage in care, what matters most is finding the approach that feels accessible, supportive, and sustainable for you.

A peak at our beautiful office space… comfy and cozy for in-person sessions!

Do You Need My Weight to Create a Nutrition Care Plan?

Not at all! We don’t need to take your weight in order to create a personalized care plan. When needed, we collaborate with your primary care team to access any vitals or labs that help us tailor nutrition recommendations. Most of the time, though, we rely on non-scale measures of success—things like energy, digestion, strength, mood, and overall quality of life. If weight history or changes over time are clinically relevant, we take that into account as just one piece of the bigger picture.

Can Eating Disorder Recovery Be Supported Through Virtual Care?

Yes, absolutely - we can support eating disorder recovery virtually. There are so many effective tools available for online care. For example, we may use secure meal logging apps, and in some cases, numberless scales or blood pressure cuffs that send vitals directly to a secure portal. These tools aren’t always necessary, but when they are helpful, we’ll recommend them. Most importantly, we focus on building a supportive, collaborative relationship with you, making sure treatment feels safe, accessible, and aligned with your recovery goals.

Is Virtual Nutrition Counseling Covered By My Insurance?

Most insurance plans now cover virtual nutrition counseling just like in-person visits, and at As You Are Nutrition, over 90% of our virtual clients pay $0 out of pocket. Coverage for nutrition counseling can vary depending on your plan, so we work closely with clients to verify benefits and maximize insurance whenever possible. We also guide you through any necessary documentation or referrals to make the process smoother. Even if your plan has limited coverage, telehealth can still offer a convenient and accessible way to prioritize your nutrition and wellness goals. We also accept HSA and FSA funds for added flexibility in payment options.  Learn more about what companies we are in-network with here.

Flexibility That Follows You

Life ebbs and flows, and your care should be able to flow with it. You might start virtual and switch to in-person, or begin in the office and later find that video calls better fit your routine. Our hybrid approach allows for this movement, giving you permission to pivot when you need to.

We work with clients who fit in appointments during nap time, lunch breaks, or between medical treatments. Others carve out in-person time as a monthly reset: a space to reflect, ask questions, and be heard without the pull of everything else. Your needs can evolve, and we’ll be here alongside you as they do.

Your Journey, Your Comfort

No matter how you choose to meet with us, virtually or in person, you’ll receive the same intentional care, gentle guidance, and space to explore your relationship with food at your own pace. We’re not here to tell you what to eat or judge your choices. We’re here to listen, support, and help you build a sustainable relationship with food, your body, and yourself.

We believe in care that adapts to you. That respects your time and energy. That offers options, not obstacles. And that supports your healing and growth - just as you are.

Ready to take the next step? You can book your session and choose the option that feels right for your life right now. We’ll be here when you’re ready.