Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy (KMT)

  • KMT is a medically informed nutrition approach that uses a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet to shift the body’s primary fuel source from glucose (sugar) to ketones. Ketones are an alternative energy source produced from fat and can influence metabolism, inflammation, and brain energy utilization.

  • Therapeutic ketogenic nutrition is a medically informed approach used to support specific health conditions. Unlike a general “keto diet,” it is carefully structured, individualized, and monitored over time. It considers medical history, medications, supplements, labs, symptoms, and long-term sustainability—rather than focusing on short-term dietary changes or weight loss

  • KMT is most established in the treatment of epilepsy and seizure disorders, where it has been used clinically for decades. More recent research, along with growing clinical experience, has also demonstrated benefits in other conditions that involve altered metabolism, brain energy utilization, or insulin signaling.

    KMT is commonly used across neurologic, metabolic/endocrine, and mental health conditions. Because application is highly individualized, we outline the conditions most commonly supported through our work on our Who We Help Overview page.

  • KMT is not appropriate for everyone. While it can be a safe and effective therapy when used correctly, it requires consideration of an individual’s medical history, current health status, medications, and clinical goals. Individuals considering or beginning ketogenic therapy should inform and involve their healthcare provider as part of this process.

    Certain medical conditions or metabolic disorders may require modified approaches or make KMT inappropriate. For this reason, KMT should not be started without appropriate screening and guidance. When clinically indicated, therapy is implemented gradually, monitored over time, and adjusted as needed to support safety, tolerance, and long-term success.

  • The timeline for seeing results with KMT varies based on the individual, the condition being addressed, and how the therapy is implemented. Some people notice changes within the first few weeks, while for others it may take several months to see meaningful or sustained benefits. AKT recommends a minimum 4-month trial to evaluate whether ketogenic metabolic therapy is improving symptoms.

    Response depends on factors such as metabolic health, adherence, and tolerance. KMT is not intended as a quick fix. It is a structured therapy that often requires gradual implementation, ongoing fine-tuning, and patience to determine how an individual responds.

  • We use several forms of KMT depending on the individual’s condition, goals, medical history, and tolerance. There is no single “best” ketogenic diet for everyone.

    Approaches may include more classical ketogenic diets, modified ketogenic diets, Modified Atkins–style approaches, low glycemic index and/or other structured ketogenic frameworks. The specific approach, macronutrient targets, and level of restriction are selected and adjusted based on clinical response, labs, and long-term sustainability.

    Rather than prescribing a preset diet, AKT focuses on identifying the level and type of ketosis that is most appropriate for each individual and modifying the approach over time as needs change.

What to Expect Working With AKT

  • The complimentary introductory call is a brief conversation for individuals who have already decided that a ketogenic approach is right for them and want guidance on the best way to work with AKT.

    During the call, we’ll review your goals, discuss any key considerations, explain how our programs are structured, and recommend the best plan moving forward. No nutrition plan is created during this call.

  • The first session is a comprehensive intake and clinical review designed to understand your full health picture. Prior to the session, you’ll complete detailed intake forms so your expert clinician can review your medical history, medications and supplements, lab data (if available), and goals.

    During the session, we review this information together and begin to formulate your individualized nutrition plan. This includes education on how KMT applies to your situation, clear expectations, and practical next steps so you know exactly how to begin.

    The focus is on creating a safe, informed starting point—launching your plan thoughtfully while allowing room for ongoing adjustments as your body responds.

  • Meeting frequency depends on the program selected and your individual needs. AKT offers several coaching packages with structured session schedules to provide consistent support and ongoing adjustment.

    All packages include access to dietitian-led question and answer sessions, as well as direct messaging through our health portal between scheduled visits. The package that best fits your unique situation will be discussed during your complimentary discovery call.

  • Session length varies by package, but most one-on-one sessions are approximately 30-45 minutes. This allows time for clinical review, education, and individualized adjustments. Specific session details are reviewed when scheduling and during your complimentary discovery call.

  • All AKT services are provided virtually through secure web-based video sessions, allowing us to support clients across the U.S. and around the world. Appointments are typically held via Zoom, unless otherwise arranged.

  • Monitoring is a core part of how we support safe and effective KMT. During your program, monitoring occurs through one-on-one sessions with your clinician, dietitian-led question and answer sessions, and secure communication through our secure health portal between visits. This allows for ongoing adjustments based on symptoms, tolerance, labs, and overall progress.

    After completing a core package, your clinician will help determine whether continued monitoring is the right next step. For clients who benefit from ongoing guidance, we offer both monthly and quarterly monitoring options.

    These programs provide continued support and plan adjustments, with less frequent visits than our core packages, helping maintain progress and address changes over time while supporting long-term sustainability.

  • Your nutrition plan is developed based on your medical history, condition, goals, medications, labs, lifestyle, and individual tolerance. Rather than using a preset ketogenic diet, your clinician tailors the approach to the level and type of ketosis that is most appropriate for you.

    Plans are adjusted over time as your body responds, ensuring the approach remains safe, effective, and sustainable for the long term.

  • Our question and answer (Q/A) sessions are clinician-led group sessions designed to provide ongoing support between individual appointments. These sessions offer time to ask general questions, troubleshoot common challenges, and gain practical guidance on applying ketogenic metabolic therapy in daily life.

    Because they are held in a group setting, clients also benefit from learning alongside others on a ketogenic journey and gaining insight from shared experiences. While supportive and clinically guided, Q/A sessions are not a substitute for individualized guidance from your primary clinician. Personal treatment decisions and plan adjustments are addressed during one-on-one sessions.

  • Yes. Supplement recommendations and management are part of care at AKT. Based on your medical history, lab results, diet composition, and individual needs, your clinician will recommend appropriate supplements to support nutrient adequacy, tolerance, and safety while using ketogenic metabolic therapy.

    Supplement plans are reviewed and adjusted over time as your diet, labs, and clinical response change.

Our Services & Packages

  • At this time, AKT does not offer one-time consults. Our services are structured around ongoing packages to ensure KMT is implemented safely, effectively, and with appropriate follow-up.

    Because this therapy often requires education, monitoring, and adjustments over time, ongoing support allows us to provide more meaningful guidance and better outcomes than a single session would allow. Package options and fit are discussed during the complimentary discovery call.

  • To learn more about our packages, please see below:

    All packages include personalized recommendations, twice-monthly dietitian-led Q&A sessions, and ongoing email and chat support throughout the program.

    For U.S. clients, lab work may be included depending on your location, as availability and regulations vary by state. International lab ordering is not available. Program recommendations will be discussed during your complimentary introductory call.

  • Lab work is a required component of ketogenic metabolic therapy and is used to evaluate safety, tolerance, and progress throughout care. Lab results are reviewed and incorporated into care throughout your program.

    Quest Diagnostics is our preferred laboratory partner. In some cases, other lab locations may be used depending on individual circumstances, geographic access, or clinical considerations.

    In most cases, the cost of lab work may be included in your package, depending on your location and applicable state regulations. Whether labs can be bundled into your package will be reviewed during your complimentary discovery call.

  • After completing a core package, your clinician will review your progress and help determine whether ongoing monitoring is the appropriate next step. Many clients transition into a monthly or quarterly monitoring program to continue support, refine their plan, and respond to changes over time.

    Monitoring programs provide continued guidance and plan adjustments with less frequent visits than core packages, helping support long-term safety, stability, and sustainability.

  • Yes. AKT works with both pediatric and adult clients. Our expert clinicians tailor KMT to the individual’s age, condition, medical history, and level of support needed to ensure care is appropriate, safe, and personalized.

  • Yes. AKT works with healthcare professionals in a variety of ways. We offer services for clinicians related to KMT education and training, speaking engagements, and research and clinical collaboration. To learn more, please visit our For Clinicians page. 

    If you are a healthcare professional with a patient you would like to refer for nutrition coaching, please email us at info@advancedketogenictherapies.com.

  • AKT is involved in clinician training in ketogenic metabolic therapy through collaboration with Beth Zupec-Kania and the Ketogenic Therapeutic Mastery courses. These programs are designed for dietitians, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals seeking to integrate KMT into clinical practice.

    These self-directed courses can be started at any time and include live, quarterly clinician-led Q&A sessions. Course offerings include:

    • Foundational Ketogenic Metabolic Therapies (20 CPE)

    • Advanced Ketogenic Metabolic Therapies Mastery Course (14 CPE)

    • Foundational + Advanced Combined Course (34 CPE)

    • Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy for Psychiatric Conditions (6.75 CPE)

    Professional mentorship:
    If you are interested in professional mentorship related to KMT, please email us at info@advancedketogenictherapies.com.

Physician Second-Opinion Consultations

  • No. Physician consultations are optional and involve additional fees separate from AKT nutrition coaching programs.

  • No. AKT physicians are working as second opinion consultants and cannot prescribe or de-prescribe medications. When appropriate, recommendations will be given for you to take to your prescriber for their consideration.

  • Yes. You are welcome to work with the AKT physician independently without enrolling in one of our coaching packages.

    However, we believe patients achieve the best outcomes when physician care is combined with ongoing support from our Registered Dietitians. Our team-based approach is designed to provide the highest level of care and help you successfully implement ketogenic metabolic therapy. We are happy to discuss the support option that best fits your needs and goals.

  • No. The AKT physician provides medical evaluation, oversight, and consultation regarding ketogenic metabolic therapy, including second-opinion consultations. Implementation of ketogenic metabolic therapy, including ongoing dietary support, is provided by our Registered Dietitians.

  • Nutrition coaching helps you implement ketogenic therapy including guidance on your meal plan, macros and ratios, and day-to-day adherence. 

    A physician consultation addresses the medical side including whether ketogenic metabolic therapy is a reasonable fit given your specific diagnoses and medications, what your care team may want to monitor, and how to pursue it safely. 

    Coaching is the "how"; the physician consultation is the medical "should I, and how do we keep it safe?"

  • Either option can be valuable, and many patients choose to use both. Nutrition coaching focuses on implementing ketogenic metabolic therapy successfully, while the physician consultation provides additional medical guidance and confidence. 

    For those who are still deciding whether ketogenic metabolic therapy is right for them, the physician consultation can also be used as a standalone service to obtain a medical perspective before moving forward.

  • It's most valuable if you have a medical condition (epilepsy or other neurological conditions, diabetes, obesity, or other metabolic/endocrine conditions), take multiple medications, have a complex medical history, or have run into side effects or difficulty with ketogenic metabolic therapy before.

Medical & Safety Considerations 

  • Yes. When appropriate and with your permission, we will coordinate with your physician or healthcare team to support safe and informed care. This may include sharing general updates, discussing lab results, or aligning nutrition therapy with existing medical treatment. We believe good coordination of care leads to improved outcomes.

  • Yes. Lab work is required before starting KMT to establish a safe baseline and assess individual tolerance. These results guide initial recommendations and support safe implementation.

    In the United States, the cost of required lab work may be included in your package, depending on your location and applicable state regulations. Certain states have restrictions that may require labs to be obtained separately.

    For clients outside the U.S., or in states where lab inclusion is not permitted, we provide a recommended list of labs to be ordered locally or through your healthcare provider. Details regarding lab access, inclusion, and any state- or country-specific considerations will be discussed during your complimentary discovery call.

  • Medications are an important part of our safety and care coordination process. Certain medications may require closer monitoring, coordination with your prescribing provider, or adjustments to how ketogenic metabolic therapy is implemented.

    We will review your full medication list during the intake process to support safety, appropriate timing, and ongoing monitoring within the scope of nutrition coaching. When appropriate and with your permission, we may coordinate with your healthcare provider to help ensure KMT is integrated safely alongside your current treatment plan.

  • AKT does not prescribe or adjust medications. However, we closely monitor nutrition-related changes that may affect medication needs and communicate relevant observations when appropriate.

    With your permission, we can coordinate with your prescribing provider by sharing trends related to labs, symptoms, and dietary response that may inform medical decision-making. Any medication changes are always made by your physician or licensed prescriber.

  • Yes. KMT can be appropriate for individuals with complex medical histories, and this is an area where AKT has particular expertise. Our clinicians have years of experience applying KMT in medically complex cases, including clients with multiple diagnoses and prior treatment challenges.

    Care begins with a comprehensive clinical review of medical history, medications, and lab work, allowing therapy to be carefully structured and closely monitored. When appropriate, we coordinate with your healthcare team to support safety, continuity of care, and thoughtful long-term management.

  • Some individuals experience temporary side effects when starting KMT as the body adapts to using fat and ketones as a primary fuel source. These may include fatigue, headache, gastrointestinal changes, lightheadedness, or changes in energy levels.

    Not everyone experiences side effects, and when they do occur, they are typically short-lived. With proper hydration, electrolyte management, gradual implementation, and individualized adjustments, symptoms can often be minimized. Ongoing monitoring and support help ensure a safe and comfortable transition.

Billing & Practical Details

  • AKT does not accept insurance at this time. Our services are offered as self-pay programs.

    Depending on your insurance coverage, services may be eligible for reimbursement through Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), though coverage varies and should be confirmed with your provider. 

    We also provide superbills for possible reimbursement, regardless of the payment option selected. Payment plan options are available to help make services more accessible. Billing and payment questions can be reviewed during your complimentary discovery call.

  • We accept credit and debit cards, as well as HSA and FSA funds for payment when eligible. For clients who prefer payment plans, we offer financing options through Klarna and Affirm for eligible packages. Coverage and eligibility may vary and should be confirmed with your provider.

  • Yes, in many cases HSA or FSA funds may be used for AKT services. Eligibility depends on your specific plan, so we recommend confirming coverage directly with your HSA/FSA provider. If needed, we can provide documentation to support reimbursement.

  • Yes. AKT offers payment plan options through Klarna and Affirm for eligible services. Details about available payment plans and eligibility can be discussed during your complimentary discovery call.

  • Appointments must be canceled or rescheduled in advance to avoid being counted as a missed session. Missed sessions or late cancellations result in the loss of that appointment credit, as sessions are reserved and paid for whether attended or not.

    Specific timing requirements and policies are outlined at the time of scheduling. If you need to make a change, we ask that you notify us as early as possible and no less than 24 hours before your appointment.

  • Yes. AKT works with clients outside the United States and regularly supports individuals in multiple countries. All services are provided virtually, allowing us to work with clients internationally. 

  • AKT does not offer refunds. However, if adjustments are needed, we may modify program structure when appropriate to best support your care.

Getting Started

  • You are likely a good candidate for working with AKT if you are ready to make meaningful dietary and lifestyle changes and are committed to implementing KMT with structure, guidance, and follow-through.

    Our clients are typically individuals or caregivers who:

    • Have decided to pursue a ketogenic approach

    • Are willing to track, adjust, and engage with the process

    • Value individualized guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all plan

    • Understand that this is a therapeutic process, not a quick fix

    The complimentary discovery call is used to discuss your goals and determine the level of support and program structure that best fits your situation. Detailed planning and individualized recommendations are developed after enrollment through formal intake and clinician-guided assessment.

  • You can book an introductory call directly through our website using the scheduling link here. Simply select a time that works for you, and we’ll take it from there.

  • Start times vary based on clinician availability and the completion of required intake steps. After your complimentary discovery call, we’ll outline next steps, including paperwork and lab work. Once these are completed, most clients are able to begin working with AKT within a short timeframe.