(opens in new tab)Skip to main content

Outpatient Nutrition Services

Loading hours...

This department offers

  • Nutrition services
Woman charting food in her kitchen

Fuel your health. Thrive with personalized nutrition care.

At St. James Hospital, our Nutrition Services clinic offers expert guided support that empowers you to make sustainable food and lifestyle choices. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, looking for performance fueling strategies, or seeking preventive wellness, our team of registered dietitian nutritionists is dedicated to helping you lead a healthier, more vibrant life.

Our providers

Joe Riordan

Joe Riordan, RD

Dietetics
St. James Hospital Outpatient Nutrition Services
406-498-9108
Lillie Thorson

Lillie Thorson, RD

Dietetics
St. James Hospital Outpatient Nutrition Services
clinician with patient

What we offer

Our Nutrition Services team provides comprehensive care in these key areas:

  • One-on-one consultations with a registered dietitian nutritionist
  • Habit-based lifestyle change
  • Collaborative integration with your broader health care team
  • Programs designed for every stage of life—children, adults, and seniors
Older man stretching in the park

Conditions we help address

We provide nutrition care for a wide range of health concerns, including:

  • Prediabetes and diabetes
  • Cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention
  • Kidney disease and gastrointestinal disorders
  • Weight management support
  • Bone health, osteoporosis and nutrition for aging
  • Pediatric growth and developmental nutrition
  • Pregnancy, postpartum and women’s hormonal health
  • Sports performance and recovery nutrition
  • Disordered eating, body image support, intuitive eating
     
diabetes prevention consultation

Treatments & services we provide

Evidence-based, practical services designed to meet your unique needs:

  • Initial nutritional assessments and ongoing follow up support
  • Personalized nutrition plans based on your goals and preferences
  • Group classes for diabetes education
  • Support for bariatric surgery (pre  and post operative) and GLP 1 therapy
  • Pediatric feeding support and allergy management
  • Sports/fuel optimization, hydration strategies, supplement guidance
  • Recovery oriented nutrition for illness, surgery or complex medical conditions

What sets us apart

  • Expert credentials: Our registered dietitians hold advanced certifications and bring years of clinical and community experience.
  • Team based approach: We collaborate with physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver cohesive care.
  • Flexible access: In person visits that fit your schedule.
  • Personalization & practicality: We focus on measurable outcomes through meaningful habit change—not quick fixes.
  • Community centered care: We respect individual culture, lifestyle and food preferences to tailor sustainable strategies.
  • Technology enabled support: Use our patient portal/app to track progress, access resources and stay connected.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about our nutrition services.

A referral may increase your chances of insurance reimbursement, but it is not required. Our dietitians will communicate with your physician as needed.
Costs vary depending on time and complexity. Most first visits last approximately 60 minutes. Insurance coverage for Medical Nutrition Therapy differs by plan; we bill your insurer and recommend verifying your benefits ahead of time.
An RDN has completed an accredited dietetics program, passed a national examination, and holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The title “nutritionist” is not regulated in the same way. RDNs provide evidence based medical nutrition therapy and specialized care.
Nutrition is a journey—not a quick fix. True progress often takes sustained effort over weeks or months, with repetition of healthy habits, support and tracking. Our team will work with you to set realistic expectations and milestones.

You might be interested in

Explore how animal diets inspire healthy, colorful meals for kids, plus tips from Denver Zoo nutrition experts and playful strategies to make mealtime stress-free.

Build a balanced, guilt-free Thanksgiving plate with expert tips from a dietitian. Enjoy holiday favorites while staying mindful of your health goals.

Explore smart, simple plant-based protein swaps that support your health. Learn how to build complete proteins, boost nutrition, and enjoy easy, everyday meals without relying on meat.

Discover expert nutrition tips to increase energy, support muscle health, and stay strong with easy food swaps and hydration strategies

Dive into our list of accessible and nutrient-rich foods that promote cardiovascular health

Feeling peachy? Take a bite out of summer with these summertime peach-inspired recipes!

What is “fast food”? What eateries do you think of when you hear the phrase, “fast food”? Here are six restaurants: McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Taco Time, Subway, Noodles and Company, and Einstein Bros. Bagels.  Are they purveyors of fast food?

Dieting is a never-ending cycle for most of us. We overeat or binge, which can bring weight gain. Then we have this desire to be thin and decide to go on a diet.

​Instead of eating out for lunch, answer these 5 questions for creating a power lunch. 

You may be surprised to hear your dietitian tell you to eat more herbs and spices, but the truth is many common herbs are often overlooked as rich sources of antioxidants. Not only are you adding flavor to your food, but also giving your health a boost. 

Slide 1 of 10