​​​​Mental Health Dietetic Service
A healthy diet is linked to good mental wellbeing. Dietary support is important in treating mental illnesses and can help manage symptoms.
The Mental Health Dietetic Service is part of the Adult Mental Health Service and includes a specialist Mental Health Dietician who works to improve mental and physical health.
What we do
We work with adults who have a mental health condition that affects their nutritional intake such as:
- anxiety
- bipolar disorder
- dementia
- depression
- drug or alcohol problems
- personality disorders
- schizophrenia
- autism
We offer 1-to-1 advice, support, and resources for service users, carers, staff, and healthcare professionals.
We collaborate with healthcare teams to help you eat well and develop a positive relationship with food.
We work alongside the Nutrition and Dietetics Service​ who treat adults and also have a specialist​ Paediatric Dietician.
What we can’t do
We can’t:
- diagnose mental illness
- conduct mental health risk assessments
- assess safety and functioning in the home
- assess physical activity capacity
- assess swallowing difficulties
In these instances, we will refer to the appropriate healthcare professionals such as Psychiatrists, Social workers, or Occupational Therapists, to ensure the best outcomes for the people who use our services.
How to access the Adult Mental Health Dietetic service
We accept referrals from:
- medical staff
- nurses
- Allied Health Professionals
- care co-ordinators
Email all referrals to MHDR@health.gov.je.
To discuss a referral, call +44 (0) 1534 444930.
We do not accept eating disorder referrals, refer these to the Eating Disorder Pathway Team or the Mental Health Assessment Team MentalHealthAssessmentTeam@health.gov.je​
Our clinics
Our clinic appointments are held at the Enid Quenault Health and Wellbeing Centre or the La Chasse Clinic. You may be seen 1-1 or in a group setting.
What to expect at your appointment
Initial consultations take 30 to 45 minutes and involve a full nutritional assessment with recommendations from the specialist Mental Health Dietician.
After your initial assessment, we will confirm whether you need further appointments or treatment. How often we see you and for how long depends on your condition.
Treatment
We provide holistic nutritional care which considers mental health issues such as:
- medication effects and physical health risks
- motivational, social, and financial challenges
- risks of malnutrition and food insecurity
- concurrent addictions and substance use
- disability, or cognitive impairment​
- mental health declines and when to inform the appropriate professionals
- recovery-focused and trauma-informed approaches
- personalised nutrition advice and practical strategies
We use tools such as:
- behaviour change
- motivational interviewing
- mindfulness
Inpatient services
We work on the wards at the Clinique Pinel at St Saviour’s Hospital where we provide dietary advice and nutritional education as part of the multi-disciplinary team.
Referral for inpatient dietetic assessment is completed by medical teams including nurses and Allied Health Professionals.
Useful resources
From the British Dietetic Association (BDA):
From other organisations:
gov.je