Frequently Asked Questions
“Finding the right answers begins with the right questions.” Frank Sonnenberg
General Questions
What is integrative nutrition counseling?
Integrative nutrition counseling is a customized approach to nutrition and lifestyle that aims to promote optimal health and overall well-being for each individual. It focuses on the root cause and takes into account the whole person to help prevent and combat chronic and metabolic illnesses.
How do I get started?
First, review all the FAQs provided to learn more about working with me. Then book your free 15-minute discovery session to see if I’m a good fit for you and from there we can schedule your initial consultation.
Can I meet with you in person for my sessions?
At this time all sessions are conducted virtually using a HIPAA-secure telehealth platform that provides a convenient and safe way to connect, so you can feel comfortable and confident during our sessions.
What states do you see clients in?
Due to varying state laws and regulations, nutritional counseling can be offered to individuals in all states EXCEPT:
Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming
What ages do you work with?
Anyone 18 and over is invited to work with me.
Sessions & Packages
What is a Discovery Session?
During this free session, we will discuss what’s going on with your health to better understand your wellness goals. This is also a perfect time to ask any additional questions you may have about nutritional counseling and my process. I want to ensure this is a good fit for both of us so that you can be as successful as possible!
What is an Initial Consultation?
This session is an in-depth assessment of your nutritional health. During our initial consultation, you will have my undivided attention as you share your unique health history, concerns, and personal goals. This will include a comprehensive nutritional assessment of your food preferences, intolerances or allergies, daily food intake, personal diet history, and relationship with food. Additionally, we will review any current lab work and/or notes from your physician. This will help me gain a deeper understanding of your individual needs and preferences, enabling me to begin creating the foundation of a personalized plan tailored specifically to your needs and goals.
How do I prepare for my initial consultation?
Once you schedule your initial consultation, you will be set up on our HIPAA-secure client portal where you can access and complete the following forms:
- Consent Forms
- Billing & Financial Agreement
- Intake formsTo ensure we are fully prepared for our time together, all of these items must be completed 48 business hours before your scheduled session. You are also encouraged to upload or request copies of your recent labs for review.
Do I need follow-up sessions?
Follow-up sessions are essential to your ultimate success! Developing new eating and lifestyle habits requires time, motivation, and coaching to create lifelong change. During follow-up sessions, our focus will be on reassessing your lifestyle and nutrition choices, celebrating your successes, and equipping you with the necessary tools to tackle any obstacles that may arise. Together, we will refine your plan and goals through personalized education on nutrition and lifestyle. We can make modifications to the plan as necessary and help you stay on track.
How often will I need a follow-up session?
Diet and lifestyle changes require time and often involve a lot of questions, along with the need for support. Typically, nutritional counseling works best and has the greatest success when the client commits to twice-a-month sessions for a minimum of 5 months.
Do I have to purchase a package?
Purchasing a package is not necessary as single follow-up sessions are offered that you can schedule as needed. However, because the best success comes from regular follow-ups over time, there are different packages available to choose from that provide extra savings on both sessions and supplements as a benefit to my clients.
Supplements and Testing
Do you offer laboratory testing?
Yes, nutritionally-focused laboratory testing is available at an additional upfront cost, and availability may vary by state of residence. Nutrigenomic testing can also be added at any time during your care. Clients often have 'normal' conventional lab results, yet they still feel 'off'. Using functional lab ranges and tests to see how the body is utilizing (or reacting to) nutrients, hormones, and other compounds helps direct the course of your wellness plan and can keep us from wasting time (and money) on guesswork.
How do I keep my other healthcare providers aware of the work we are doing together?
With your signed consent, communication can be sent about your personalized plan to your other healthcare providers inviting collaboration to ensure you receive comprehensive care.
Do you recommend supplements?
Although I believe in a food-first approach, most of the time nutritional supplements are part of your plan. It can be challenging to get all the nutrients you need through diet alone, especially when trying to establish healthy eating patterns. Even with a healthy diet, you may still require additional supplements to help you feel your best and help support any chronic conditions you may have.
How much will my supplements cost?
Since each plan is individualized, the exact cost is not predetermined. Discounts are offered on all professional-grade supplements to anyone who orders through my online dispensary with additional discounts for clients that purchase packages. This provides a lower cost than what you are likely to find if you were to search for these products on your own.
Where do I order my supplements?
Supplements are shipped directly to you through my online dispensary supported by Fullscript. To access online ordering go to: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jshawgo or use the link at the bottom of the page.
Billing & Payments
Do you take insurance?
My practice does not currently accept insurance. Upon request, you will be provided with invoices that can be submitted to your insurance company. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance carrier to determine reimbursement eligibility. My practice will not file claims on your behalf, nor will we be able to assist with any claim resolutions or disputes. ICD10 codes and CPT codes will not be provided. The same policy applies if you use a HSA/FSA account for payment.
What is the deposit for booking an initial consultation?
A $100 deposit will be collected when booking your initial consultation with the remaining $80 to be collected at the time of your consultation. This secures your appointment and accounts for the time spent preparing for your first appointment.
What forms of payment do you accept?
All major credit cards, debit cards, HSA/FSA, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted forms of payment. Please check with your HSA/FSA provider to confirm coverage of nutritional consultations and follow-up sessions.
Can I schedule and pay for a session for a family member?
Yes, you can schedule sessions and pay on behalf of a family member. This is set up through the client portal and available on all sessions and packages.
Do you offer refunds?
Refunds are not provided for sessions, packages, or deposits.
Now taking new clients
Get started by booking your free Discovery session today!
The Process
Review FAQ and Policies
Learn about what to expect when working with me.
Discovery Session
Let’s chat to determine if I’m the right nutritionist for you.
Initial Consultation
An in-depth assessment of your nutritional health.
Follow Up Sessions
Ongoing support and monitoring to set you up for success.