Why Specialist Support Makes Therapeutic Ketosis Achievable
Feb 21, 2026
At Metabolic Psychology, we know that therapeutic carbohydrate restriction (TCR) and ketogenic metabolic therapy can be transformative for people living with mental health conditions. We also know that making these dietary changes, and sustaining them, is one of the hardest parts of treatment. That is exactly why we have expanded our multidisciplinary team to include three specialist dietitians, all trained in TCR for mental health.
Help in the Kitchen
Most people who explore a ketogenic approach for conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, anorexia, binge eating disorder, or ADHD may encounter the same challenge: the day-to-day reality of changing how you eat can feel overwhelming. Shopping lists, meal planning, navigating social situations, managing medication interactions with dietary change, understanding what "enough fat" actually looks like on a plate; these are practical hurdles that no amount of reading can fully resolve.
This is where specialist dietetic support becomes essential. A dietitian trained in TCR understands not only the nutritional science behind ketogenic therapy, but also the unique considerations that arise when this approach is used alongside psychiatric treatment. They understand why the transition period requires careful monitoring, and how to tailor macronutrient targets to individual metabolic needs.
What Makes Our Dietitians Different
The dietitians at Metabolic Psychology are not general practitioners offering generic low carb advice. Each has undergone specific training in therapeutic carbohydrate restriction as a clinical intervention to improve metabolic health (not just weight-loss). They work as part of our integrated team alongside clinical psychology and psychiatry, meaning your dietary support is always informed by, and coordinated with, your broader treatment plan.
This level of integration matters. When a dietitian understands the psychological aspects of dietary change, and when a psychologist understands the metabolic goals a patient is working towards, the result is a treatment approach that addresses the whole person rather than fragmented parts.
What Dietetic Support at Metabolic Psychology Looks Like
Working with one of our dietitians typically begins with a comprehensive assessment of your current dietary intake, metabolic health markers, medications, and personal goals. From there, your dietitian develops an individualised plan that accounts for your preferences, lifestyle, and clinical needs.
Ongoing sessions provide a space to troubleshoot challenges, refine your approach, and make adjustments as your body and brain respond to the dietary intervention. Whether you are just beginning to explore TCR or you have been following a ketogenic protocol and feel stuck, our dietitians can help you move forward with confidence.
For those in the early stages, support might focus on practical meal planning, understanding food labels, building sustainable shopping habits, and managing the initial adaptation period. For those further along, sessions may focus on optimising ketone levels, fine tuning macronutrient ratios, addressing micronutrient status, or navigating particular life circumstances that make adherence more difficult.
You Do Not Have to Figure This Out Alone
One of the most common things we hear from new patients is that they tried a ketogenic diet on their own and found it too hard to maintain, or they were unsure whether they were doing it correctly. Without professional guidance, it is easy to fall into patterns that are either too restrictive or not therapeutic enough to produce the metabolic changes needed for mental health benefit.
Having a dedicated dietitian in your corner means you have someone who can answer your questions, hold you accountable with compassion, and adjust your plan as needed. It means the dietary component of your treatment receives the same level of professional attention as the psychological and psychiatric components.
Ready to Get the Right Support?
If you are interested in exploring how therapeutic carbohydrate restriction could support your mental health, or if you are already on this path and would benefit from expert dietary guidance, our dietitians are now accepting new referrals. You can self-refer or ask your GP, psychiatrist, or psychologist to refer you to a dietitian.
Appointments are available Australia-wide. You can book online here.
To learn more about our dietitians, visit our website or contact us directly.
Your brain deserves the same quality of nutritional care as the rest of your body!
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
