What is a nutrition counselling agreement?
A nutrition counselling agreement gives a dietitian or nutritionist and their client a shared starting point. It records the client's goals and the sessions, meal plans and messaging the package includes. The client agrees to share an honest health history and not to change prescribed treatment without their doctor.
The agreement sets out the limits of the advice: no promised weight or test results, no diagnosis beyond the practitioner's scope, and a clear step to pause and refer if warning signs appear. You set the fee and how it's paid, an optional extra-session fee, the rescheduling notice and the refund rule if the client stops early. A parent or guardian can sign for a child.
- Best for
- Dietitians, nutritionists and nutrition coaches starting a program
- Signed by
- The practitioner and the client (or a parent or guardian)
- Refund options
- Pro rata refund, transfer only, or pay-per-session
- Length
- 2 pages, initialled on every page
When to use a nutrition counselling agreement
- A 12-week package with an initial consultation and follow-ups
- Online nutrition coaching by video call
- Sports nutrition support for an athlete
- Family nutrition sessions for a child, signed by a parent
- Working alongside a doctor's plan for cholesterol or blood sugar
What you fill in
17 blanks, then the name and email of each person who signs: practitioner, client.
1 The parties
- Date*
- Practitioner or practice*
- Credentials and registration (optional)
- Practitioner phone or email*
- Client*
- If a parent or guardian signs, the child's name (optional)
2 The program
- Client's goals*
- Program or package*
- Where sessions take place* in person at the Practitioner's practice · by video call · in person or by video call, as agreed for each session · by phone or video call
- Package must be used by (optional)
3 Fees and cancellations
- Currency*
- Program or package fee*
- How the fee is paid* in full before the initial consultation · in 3 equal monthly instalments, the first before the initial consultation · in equal parts at each session, spread across the sessions in the program
- Fee for an additional session (optional)
- Notice to reschedule without losing the session (hours)*
- Refunds if the client stops early* unused sessions are refunded pro rata, less the cost of the initial consultation and any meal plan already prepared · unused sessions can be transferred to another program but are not refunded, except as the law requires · the client pays only for sessions held, as fees are charged per session
- Governing law*
4 Who signs
- Practitioner signature and date, job title, initials on every page · The dietitian, nutritionist or practice providing the program.
- Client signature and date, initials on every page · The client, or a parent or guardian signing for a child.
What the nutrition counselling agreement covers
- Goals and program
- Health history
- Working with the Client's doctors
- Limits of the advice
- Fees and payment
- Cancellations and ending early
- Confidentiality and general
Using the nutrition counselling agreement, step by step
1 Add your details
Enter your practice, the credentials you hold and your contact details. Add a child's name if a parent signs.
2 Describe goals and program
Write the client's goals and edit the default package. Choose where sessions take place and an optional use-by date.
3 Set fees and the refund rule
Enter the fee and how it's paid, any extra-session fee, the rescheduling notice and what happens if the client stops early.
4 Send for signature
Add the client's email and send. Both parties initial each page and sign on the last.
Tips before you send it
- Titles such as "dietitian" are protected in many places. Show only the credentials you hold.
- Get the client's written consent before you contact their doctor, and keep it with the agreement.
- If you see signs of disordered eating, the agreement lets you pause and refer. Use that step.
- Store the completed health questionnaire separately and securely. It is sensitive health information.
Sign it online in minutes
- Fill in the blanks. Names, dates and amounts go straight into the agreement — the preview shows exactly where.
- Name who signs. Tick “This is me” for your own part. FileIt builds the PDF with every signature, date and initials box on the right line, and you can check or move anything before sending.
- Send it. Each signer gets a secure link and signs from any device — no account needed. The signed PDF, with an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion, is filed in your vault and emailed to everyone.
Nutrition counselling agreement: frequently asked questions
Does the agreement promise results?
No. It says results depend on the client's health and circumstances and that no particular weight, test result or outcome is promised.
Can I use it for online clients?
Yes. Choose video or phone sessions. The confidentiality clause covers using a reasonably secure video service and the client taking the call somewhere private.
What if the client stops halfway through?
You choose the rule: a pro rata refund of unused sessions less the initial work, transfer to another program without refund (except as the law requires), or pay per session so nothing is prepaid.
Is an e-signed counselling agreement valid?
Generally yes for a services agreement like this, under laws such as the US ESIGN Act and UETA, eIDAS and UK law. FileIt keeps an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion.