Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Benefits of Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic Doctors offer a variety of treatment options. An ND has extensive training in each of the treatment modalities and will usually combine the 2 or 3 modalities that will be most effective for your condition. A Naturopathic Doctor’s mission is to effectively address the cause of the problem rather than cover up symptoms. For example, if the leaves of your plant were turning brown, you wouldn’t fix them by painting them green! You would go to the root of the problem and water the plant. It makes sense to approach your health in the same way!

What Can I Expect When I Visit A Naturopathic Doctor?

The goal of the Naturopathic Doctor is to understand the patient and all the factors that impact his/her health. An initial visit may last 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the doctor. The ND will take an in-depth patient history providing ample time to fully explore your condition. In addition, the information from a physical exam and lab tests may assist in making an assessment and diagnosis.

A personal treatment plan will then be created to help facilitate your healing process.

Are Follow-Up Visits Necessary?

It is essential that contact be maintained between the doctor and the patient to ensure that healing is maximized. As each situation is individual, the frequency of follow-up visits will change depending on the type of condition and treatment modalities chosen. An acute condition may require visits to be more frequent that a chronic condition.

How are Naturopathic Doctors trained?

A licensed Naturopathic Doctor must receive 4 years of post-graduate training in an approved naturopathic medical college. Pre-admission requirements are equivalent to those of conventional medical schools. Training includes basic medical and clinical sciences, naturopathic philosophy and therapeutics. Graduating students receive a doctoral degree (ND), Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (Toronto), The National College of Naturopathic Medicine (Portland), Bastyr College (Seattle) and Southwest Naturopathic College (Arizona) are accredited educational institutions. One is legally recognized as an ND only when he or she has passed the required licensing exams approved by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners.

Be aware that there are people in Alberta representing Naturopathic Doctors who do not have the appropriate education and belong to a regulating body.  Dr. Tocher and Dr. Richmond are properly trained and belong to both the Alberta Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.  They are recognized by insurance companies for coverage.

What is the cost to see a Naturopathic Doctor?

The Alberta Association of Naturopathic Practitioners has a suggested rate of $125 per hour. Individual doctors may vary their rates according to initial visit fees and follow up fees. Call the doctor’s office to speak to our receptionist about our fee schedule.

Does the government health insurance cover Naturopathic Medicine?

At the present time, Alberta Health does not compensate for visits to a Naturopathic Doctor. Most extended health insurance plans will cover visit fees up to $300 or $500 per year. Call your insurance company and find out if you are covered to see a Naturopathic Doctor today!

Is Naturopathic Medicine safe?

Naturopathic Medicine as a primary health care profession is unusually safe, as indicated by malpractice data, insurance statistics and favourable safety records. Natural does not mean harmless, so skill and knowledge are required as with any diagnosis and treatment of health conditions.