Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a medical doctor?
What kind of education and training does a Naturopathic doctor receive?
Do Naturopathic doctors prescribe medication?
If I take prescription medications, can I still see a Naturopathic doctor?
Do I need a referral to come and see you?
Do Naturopathic doctors work with conventional medical doctors?
What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a homeopath?
Fees and Insurance Coverage
Naturopathic medicine is covered by most employee health benefits insurance packages, but is not currently covered by OHIP. Sun Life, Great West Life and Manulife all offer packages with coverage for naturopathic medical care, so we recommend that you check with your employer or insurance provider to determine your level of coverage.
Fee Schedule:
1 hour appointment - $175
½ hour appointment - $87.50
Please note: 13% HST will be added to all fees
Laboratory tests are available and may be used, if necessary, to further investigate your health concerns.
Gift certificates are also available. Give someone the gift of health. Call us and select any dollar amount to be put toward an appointment or program.
What’s the difference between a Naturopathic doctor (ND) and a Medical doctor (MD)?
Naturopathic doctors and medical doctors are similarly trained; however, the philosophy that governs their approach to disease and treatments differs significantly. Naturopathic medicine aims to treat the root cause of illness. Conventional medical doctors generally focus on treating, or suppressing, the outward appearance or symptoms of illness. While symptom management is sometimes necessary, it does not remove the original cause of illness and does not lead to a true cure like naturopathic medicine does.
The World Health Organization’s definition of health more closely reflects a naturopathic view: “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” While medical doctors may successfully treat the symptoms of your health concern, naturopathic doctors treat the reason you’re experiencing those symptoms in the first place.
What kind of education and training does a Naturopathic doctor receive?
To obtain a naturopathic medical credential (ND) that qualifies the recipient to write licensing examinations students must have the following:
Prerequisites including a minimum of three years of pre-medical sciences at University. Prerequisite courses: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, organic chemistry, introductory psychology and humanities.
Successfully complete a 4-year-full time program in an accredited school of naturopathic medicine that includes more than 4,500 hours of classroom training and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Pass NPLEX board exams that are written after the 2nd year and 4th year of study. NPLEX is the standard examination used by all licensing jurisdictions for Naturopathic doctors in North America.
Meet the Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits as required by the provincial regulatory boards on an ongoing basis.
Areas of Training
Naturopathic Doctors undergo training similar to medical doctors in addition to training in the naturopathic disciplines. The four areas of training in the four year, full-time naturopathic medicine curriculum are:
Life Sciences - This area of study includes anatomy, physiology, histology, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology and pathology.
Clinical Disciplines - Diagnostic medicine areas of study are physical and clinical diagnosis, differential and laboratory diagnosis, radiology, naturopathic assessment and orthopaedics.Naturopathic Disciplines - There are six major disciplines that define the areas of naturopathic practice. Each discipline is a distinct area of practice including diagnosis as well as therapeutic skills and techniques. They include: clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, hydrotherapy, naturopathic manipulation and lifestyle counselling.
Clinical Experience - All students must complete 1,500 hours of clinical requirements and demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of Naturopathic Medicine prior to graduation.
Do Naturopathic doctors prescribe medication?
We prescribe natural medicines including herbal medicines, nutritional supplements and homeopathic medicines. If prescription medications are required, we work in partnership with your medical doctor who can prescribe drugs. The added benefit is that we are specially trained to understand the interactions between drugs and natural therapies.
If I take prescription medications, can I still see a Naturopathic doctor?
Yes. Because natural medicines can be so effective, it is important that you understand how they may interact with other prescription medications you are taking. Naturopathic doctors are specially trained in understanding these interactions and prescribe complimentary natural treatments appropriately.
Do I need a referral to come to see you?
No. Naturopathic doctors are primary health care providers. Feel free to contact our office and book an appointment as soon as a health concern arises.
Do Naturopathic doctors work with conventional medical doctors?
Yes. In fact, we encourage collaboration with conventional medical doctors. We are also trained to refer patients to other health care practitioners, where appropriate. Health is a complex issue and therefore warrants different approaches in some situations.
What is the difference between a Naturopathic doctor and a Homeopath?
Naturopathic doctors are licensed primary care physicians that are trained to treat patients using clinical nutrition, physical medicine, acupuncture, botanical medicine, lifestyle counselling and homeopathy. Homeopaths, on the other hand, are trained to practice in one discipline – homeopathy. In addition, homeopathy is not a regulated or licensed health profession in Ontario. Naturopathic medicine is regulated and licensed in Ontario.