Finding a Naturopathic Doctor
How does an individual find a naturopathic doctor that meets his/her health needs? This article proposes a systematic approach that should result in a match that meets everyone’s needs.
Step 1: Can you afford naturopathic medicine?
Prior to investing your time researching the best naturopathic doctors available in your region, you should assess your ability to pay for an initial intake, typically ranging from $125 - $200, and a minimum of one follow-up visit. Each follow-up visit typically costs $100 -$180. Please note that these costs are for budgeting purposes only. A naturopathic doctor may charge a fee outside of these ranges.
Unfortunately, most public health care programs do not cover these costs. On the bright side, some private health insurance plans include some coverage. You should review the applicable coverage of your policy prior to starting a search. In particular, some insurance policies include users’ fees (i.e. only cover 70% of the costs) and annual maximums (i.e. no more than $500/year).
In addition to the consultation/service fees, you should also budget some funds for supplements and/or additional diagnostic tests.
If you cannot afford these services and you still wish to pursue the services of a naturopathic doctor, be upfront and honest about your ability to pay when making your first appointment.
Step 2: List your needs
Answering the following questions will help you to identify specific needs that you have.
Do you have a specific disease that requires attention? List them.
Are you attempting to improve your overall health?
How flexible is your schedule? Do you need evening or weekend hours?
Are you willing to drive long distances? Do you have an automobile?
Will language be a barrier? Do you need a ND that can converse in a language other than English or French?
Step 3: Only Consider Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (ND)
The provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba regulate naturopathic medicine. To be a licensed ND in these provinces, an individual must complete the following requirements:
Successful completion of the provinces board exams
Successful completion of a 4-year naturopathic medicine program from an accredited institution
The current list of accredited institutions includes:
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto, Ontario)
The National College of Naturopathic Medicine (Portland, Oregon)
Bastyr University (Seattle, Washington)
The University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine (Bridgeport, Connecticut)
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences (Scottsdale, Arizona)
The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) has granted candidacy for accreditation to the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM), New Westminster, British Columbia
Canadians living outside of these 4 provinces must be especially careful when selecting a naturopathic doctor. To be considered a licensed ND in these jurisdictions, a person must obtain and maintain his/her license in a regulated province/state and has successfully complete a four-year, full-time program at an accredited school of naturopathic medicine (see above).
In these provinces, it is possible to call oneself a “naturopath” and not have these qualifications.
Step 4: Create a short list of Licensed Naturopathic Doctors in Your Area
Use online internet tools to create this initial list. Online directories like this site facilitate this task.
Step 5: Evaluate this list against your needs
Many Naturopathic Doctors maintain websites that describe their qualifications, specialties, and health care philosophy. Alternatively, you can use websites like this site to accumulate information about each of the potential candidates. Compare this information against your stated needs (step 2) to shorten the list to 3-4 candidates
Step 6: Talk to Friends & Relatives
Have your friends and relatives heard of or visited any of your remaining candidates? Would they recommend that you consider other NDs? Use their valuable insights to add or eliminate candidates as appropriate.
Step 7: Final Evaluation
Many naturopathic doctors are willing to schedule a 15 minute “get to know each other” session at no charge. If any of your remaining short list candidates are in this category, take them up on their offer. Please note that you should not expect to receive any treatments during this visit. Treat the meeting in a professional manner, just like a job interview.
Step 8: Make the First Appointment
Eventually you must make the first official step with someone. If after two or three visits, you feel that you have made a mistake, discuss it with the ND. If you cannot resolve those feelings, then start over again with step 1.