Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a naturopathic doctor a “real” doctor?

  Depends what you consider to be a “real” doctor. We are NOT medical doctors (MDs). MDs and NDs have different medical training and models of care (however both professions require university educations prior to pursuing their medical studies).

  Naturopaths are medically-trained, licensed and regulated healthcare practitioners in Ontario who may use the protected title of “Naturopathic Doctor”. NDs provide patients with solutions in conjunction with, or as an alternative to the conventional pharmaceutical approach.

  We use thorough clinical intakes, physical examinations and diagnostic testing to find out the root cause to your health concerns. Naturopathic doctors must attend 8 years of post-secondary education and are required to pass rigorous examinations in order to be licensed to practice in Ontario.

• What is Osteopathic Manual Therapy treatment like?

  Your appointment is a manual therapy session – meaning – your body will be moved passively (the practitioner will move it without your help) or actively (the practitioner will ask you to move). You may be placed in several different body positions – standing, sitting or lying down. As well, many approaches will be used within those two realms – to effect exactly what you need for change.

  Many people find an osteopathic manual therapy session relaxing. They also find they feel much better leaving compared to when they arrived.

• If I see a naturopath, can I still my medical doctor

  Yes. We encourage open communication and continued relationships with all other healthcare professionals, including your medical doctor.

  We know that there are situations that are appropriate to use naturopathic medicine on its own, and others where conventional medical approaches are required.  We are trained to refer when necessary.

• How do I know if a naturopathic doctor suitable for me?

  If you are open to taking an active and empowered role in your health, a ND will be an integral benefit to your circle of care.

  Whether you would like additional help managing a chronic disease or symptom, or would like to learn more and optimize your health, we can work with you to improve your overall health.

• Do I have to pay for my visits? Does OHIP cover anything?

  OHIP doesn’t cover any aspect of naturopathic or osteopathic manual therapy patient treatment. However, most extended benefit plans do cover the appointment fees and some routine and specialized testing (similar to coverage for dentist and chiropractors).

  Payment is required for each appointment. We are able to do direct billing for certain providers. Receipts are always provided for submission to your insurance company.

• What’s the difference between a naturopath and homeopath

  A homeopath is a practitioner that solely uses homeopathy as their main modality of treatment and are not considered “doctors” in the province of Ontario.

  Naturopaths are trained to use homeopathy as a tool for treatment, but the use in practice depends on the naturopathic doctor.

  There is a difference in the level of medical education between the two practitioners is significant, with naturopathic doctors having a much higher degree of education in medicine.

• Am I expected to change my entire lifestyle after seeing a naturopath?

  How much change is required depends on your unique situation and severity of health concern. Severe chronic illness may require more robust changes where while some conditions may require some simple basic changes.

  However, it is our mission to provide a treatment plan that works with your life circumstances at a realistic pace in order to achieve sustained results.

• How are naturopathic doctors trained in Ontario?

  Naturopathic doctors obtain comprehensive and rigorous training in an educational structure similar to that of medical doctors. Naturopathic doctors require a minimum of three years of pre-med postsecondary education, plus four years of full time study at an approved college of naturopathic medicine. The four-year naturopathic medical program incorporates over 4,500 hours of classroom training in basic medical science courses, clinical sciences and naturopathic therapies, as well as 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience.

   

  Graduates from an accredited naturopathic college receive the designation Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND). Following the completion of their program, Naturopathic doctors must successfully complete the Entry-to-Practice exams in order to qualify for licensing in Ontario. Naturopathic doctors practising in Ontario are regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. Registration with a regulatory body ensures we have the knowledge, skills and judgment necessary to care for our patients safely and effectively. Naturopathic doctors are also required to earn continuing education credits on an ongoing basis to maintain their registration and good standing with the regulatory body.

• What do I do before my first appointment? What do I bring?

  Before your first appointment we ask that you fill out the intake associated with your booking confirmation. If you cannot fill your form out online or prefer paper – please arrive at the clinic 15 minutes before your appointment to do this. Bloodwork you’ve recently had done, test results, and any other important health information that you believe will help us get a better understanding of your health can be uploaded to your patient portal before your initial appointment so that your Naturopath has access to all your information and can get provide care. 

   

• How Can I Refer Family and Friends?

  We love that we were able to help you feel your best. We would be honoured to do that for your loved ones as well. Have them visit our website and fill out an appointment request. We will get them in as soon as we can.