When looking for professional nutrition support, you may wonder whether to see a Dietitian or a Certified Practicing Nutritionist (CPN). While both are registered allied health professionals, their focus, approach, and areas of expertise differ.
Dietitians and Certified Practicing Nutritionists (CPNs) are university degree qualified, registered allied health professionals. This is different from the general title ‘nutritionist,’ which is not regulated in Australia. For a list of recognised allied health professions, visit AHPA.
At Thrive Wellness, our CPN specialises in evidence-based clinical nutrition for mental health, with a focus on gut health, metabolic balance, mental well-being, and therapeutic nutrition strategies.
If you’re considering nutrition support, here’s how to determine whether a Dietitian or a CPN is the right fit for you.
What’s the Difference Between a Dietitian and a CPN?
Dietitians (APD – Accredited Practicing Dietitian)
A Dietitian is trained in Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and often works in hospitals, medical clinics, aged care, and community health settings. They focus on managing diagnosed medical conditions such as:
✔ Diabetes
✔ Kidney disease
✔ Gastrointestinal disorders (IBD, coeliac disease)
✔ Malnutrition & tube feeding (enteral nutrition)
✔ Food allergies & intolerances
Dietitians provide evidence-based dietary guidance and often work alongside medical professionals to manage disease-related nutrition therapy.
If you require hospital-based nutrition therapy or Medicare-funded support for a diagnosed condition, a Dietitian may be the right choice.
Certified Practicing Nutritionists (CPNs) – What We Offer at Thrive Wellnes
Our CPN provides mental health-focused clinical nutrition services, supporting gut health, metabolism, immunity, mental well-being, and chronic conditions.
CPNs at Thrive Wellness provide:
✔ Mental health nutrition (depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD)
✔ Gut health support (dysbiosis, IBS, microbiome imbalances)
✔ Hormonal & metabolic health (PCOS, fatigue, weight concerns)
✔ Nutrigenomics & functional testing (genetics, microbiome, neurotransmitters)
✔ Personalised dietary recommendations to provide therapeutic support through food
✔ Therapeutic supplement support (targeted nutrient therapy under TG1 exemption)
Unlike Dietitians, CPNs integrate functional nutrition approaches and advanced testing to develop personalised, root-cause-driven nutrition plans.
If you’re looking for a tailored, science-backed approach that goes beyond general dietary advice, a CPN at Thrive Wellness may be the right fit for you.
Can You See Both a Dietitian and a Certified Practicing Nutritionist?
Yes! Dietitians and CPNs have different areas of expertise, and they work well together as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- A Dietitian can help manage a diagnosed medical condition using Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), ensuring nutritional adequacy and dietary interventions aligned with clinical guidelines.
- A Certified Practicing Nutritionist can offer functional nutrition support, exploring underlying imbalances in gut health, metabolism, and mental well-being, as well as personalised nutrigenomics and supplementation.
- Both can develop individualised dietary plans, but CPNs focus on therapeutic dietary strategies tailored to gut health, mental well-being, and metabolic balance.
For comprehensive nutrition care, some individuals benefit from consulting both a Dietitian and a CPN, depending on their needs and health goals.
How to Choose the Right Nutrition Professional for You
Choose a Dietitian if you:
✔ Need Medical Nutrition Therapy for a diagnosed disease
✔ Require hospital-based nutrition support
✔ Want a Medicare rebate for dietetic services
Choose a Certified Practicing Nutritionist at Thrive Wellness if you:
✔ Want personalised, evidence-based support for gut, mental, and metabolic health
✔ Are interested in nutrigenomics, microbiome testing, or functional nutrition
✔ Need targeted therapeutic supplementation alongside dietary changes
✔ Want therapeutic dietary recommendations tailored to address the root causes of your health concerns
✔ Want tailored nutrition interventions to improve your functional capacity, daily living and overall well-being.
Can I get rebates for CPN services?
✔ Private health insurance rebates may be available (coverage varies by provider)
✔ NDIS funding is available for eligible clients requiring nutrition support
If you’re an NDIS participant or have private health cover, it’s worth checking your eligibility for nutrition services.
Ready to Take Control of Your Health?
If you’re looking for clinical nutrition support that’s personalised and root-cause focused, our Certified Practicing Nutritionist at Thrive Wellness is here to help.
Contact us today to book a consultation and start your journey toward better health!
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