Helping Professionals Interview Series: Erica Branz, MS, RDN, LDN, CEDS Dietitian in St. Louis - Part 2!
We often have parents reach out about their kids who are picky eaters or even avoid certain foods. At Compassionate Counseling St. Louis, we know that nutrition is a big part of our physical and mental health.
Creating a treatment plan unique to your child, practicing Feedback Informed Treatment and staying connected with other resources for your family are important pieces of our approach at Compassionate Counseling St. Louis.
We stay connected with many different St. Louis helping professionals and today we want to connect you with Erica Branz, MS, RDN, LDN, CEDS - St. Louis Registered Dietician.
Erica Branz, MS, RDN, LDN, CEDS
Erica Branz, MS, RDN, LDN, CEDS is an Registered Dietitian in St. Louis providing experience and expertise to families all over Missouri and Illinois with the team she has built at Branz Nutrition Counseling.
We originally interviewed Erica in November 2023 about her approach to nutritional counseling and the team at Branz Nutrition Counseling (BNC) - you can read all about it right here.
Mental health and physical health are connected, and we value being able to connect our clients with Erica and her team.
What interested you in becoming a dietitian?
My own recovery from disordered eating was truly life-changing, thanks to the support of a dietitian. That experience inspired me to pursue this work—to be that source of support and empowerment for others.
What are signs that parents might see in their kids that indicate working with a dietitian could be helpful?
If a child is showing anxiety around food, picky or restrictive eating, digestive discomfort, changes in growth, or fluctuating energy levels—those are all signs it might be helpful to connect with a dietitian. We also support athletes and kids with chronic conditions like diabetes or PCOS.
What happens during a first appointment with you?
In a patient's first appointment, we like to take the time to get to know more about our patients overall, not just the problem that brought them into our office.
We want to meet them during their recovery as no two patients have identical needs.
We review new patient paperwork emphasizing their nutrition assessment, giving us a more extensive background on the problem.
How long do clients usually work with you?
It depends on their needs! Some may only need a few sessions, while others—especially those navigating eating disorders—may benefit from ongoing support over many months. We always tailor our approach to the individual.
What do you wish people knew about getting treatment for eating disorders?
Most people feel as if they are not sick enough to obtain help. If what you are currently doing is not working, don’t wait until things get worse to seek help.
We accept Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and UHC, and most sessions can be covered at 100%, with no cost to the patient, pending their nutrition counseling benefits.
Do you work with clients virtually in addition to in-person? If so, do you work with people outside of Missouri?
Yes! We offer both in-person and virtual sessions. Our dietitians are licensed in both Missouri and Illinois and can see clients virtually throughout those states.
If you weren’t a dietitian, what would you do instead?
I think I’d pursue interior design or real estate—I love creating welcoming spaces and helping people feel at home.
When you aren’t working, what kinds of things do you enjoy?
Spending time with my husband and our four kids keeps life full and fun! I love family adventurers, dance parties in the kitchen, and trying new restaurants. I’m also a big fan of a good book and a glass of wine.
How can people learn more and contact you?
Branz Nutrition Counseling Team of Eating Disorder and Medical Nutrition Therapy Dietitians in the St. Louis Area, Missouri, and Illinois
For those interested in booking an appointment with a member of our the BNC team, the easiest way is to do so online, by email, or phone. You can find their contact information on their website right here!
You can find more about Erica and Branz Nutrition Counseling at:
Curious to learn more? Wondering if your child could benefit from anxiety therapy or if working with a registered dietician would be helpful? Contact Compassionate Counseling St. Louis to set up a free 15-minute phone consult. We’ll talk about what’s going on and best next steps - and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll connect you with other wonderful St. Louis-based resources, like Erica!
Curious to learn more about anxiety and anxiety-driven anger? Reach out to us at hello@compassionatecounselingstl.com. As child anxiety experts, we love working with kids, teens, college students and parents to help manage their anxiety, stress, and anger. Compassionate Counseling St. Louis is located in Clayton, MO and works with families by offering both in-person counseling and online therapy throughout Creve Couer, Ballwin, Town and Country, Brentwood, and Ladue. We also provide online therapy Missouri -wide to teens and college students. You can set up your first free consult on this website, on our consultation page.