Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take insurance?

We do not accept insurance at this time.

What is a naturopathic doctor?

A naturopathic doctor (ND) is a healthcare professional trained in naturopathic medicine, focusing on natural therapies to support the body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopathic doctors emphasize holistic care, treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—rather than just addressing symptoms. NDs aim to address the root cause of illness rather than treating the symptoms. They integrate modern medical practices with traditional natural treatments, such as herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling.

What are the educational and training requirements for becoming a naturopathic doctor?

Before applying to naturopathic medical school, aspiring naturopathic doctors must complete an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree, often with a focus on pre-medical studies, biology, or a related field, and complete the necessary prerequisite courses.

Naturopathic medical students then must complete a four-year, graduate-level program at an accredited naturopathic medical school. Naturopathic medical schools are similar to conventional medical schools but with additional training in natural and alternative therapies. The curriculum includes basic sciences like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, as well as clinical sciences, including pharmacology, physical exams, and diagnostic techniques.
In addition to classroom education, NDs undergo extensive clinical training. This includes many hours of supervised patient care in naturopathic clinics where they learn to diagnose and treat various health conditions using natural and integrative approaches.
After completing medical school, naturopathic doctors must pass two board examinations (NPLEX 1 and NPLEX 2) to become licensed to practice. Licensing requirements vary by region, but they generally include continuing education to maintain and update their knowledge and skills.

How is a naturopathic doctor different than a regular doctor?

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) and conventional medical doctors (MDs) have distinct approaches to healthcare. NDs focus on treating the root cause of illness using natural therapies such as herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling, while emphasizing the body's ability to heal itself. NDs are able to spend more time with their patients, considering factors like diet and emotional well-being. In contrast, MDs typically utilize pharmaceutical drugs and surgery to alleviate symptoms. NDs emphasize preventive care through dietary, supplemental, and lifestyle modifications.

How is a naturopathic doctor different than a naturopath?

Naturopaths typically undergo informal or online training programs focused on general wellness, herbal remedies, and holistic therapies, but they lack a standardized medical education. In contrast, naturopathic doctors complete extensive scientific and clinical training, graduating from a four-year, accredited naturopathic medical school with a doctoral degree. Their education includes rigorous coursework in subjects like anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical diagnosis, along with hands-on clinical experience. NDs must also pass national board exams to become licensed healthcare providers, allowing them to diagnose and treat medical conditions in licensed regions and, in some regions, prescribe medications and perform minor surgeries.