Frequently Asked Questions
What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a traditional form of healthcare that combines modern medical knowledge with evidence-informed natural therapies. Naturopathic doctors aim to identify and address the underlying factors contributing to illness while providing the support the body needs to heal itself. Treatment plans may include nutrition, lifestyle counselling, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, and prescription medications when appropriate.
Learn more here.
Learn more here.
Is naturopathic medicine right for me?
This is the number one question I receive, so here's a longer answer.
Naturopathic medicine may be a good fit for you if you're looking for a healthcare provider who will spend time understanding your story, investigate possible contributors to your symptoms, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan using a variety of tools.
Many of my patients come to me because:
That said, naturopathic medicine isn't the right fit for everyone. If you're looking for a quick prescription or don't feel ready to make changes, working with your medical doctor may be a better fit. This medicine can work beautifully, but it requires some participation from you.
Ask yourself:
Still unsure? Ask yourself:
If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, naturopathic medicine will likely be a good fit.
You are welcome to book a discovery call if you would like to meet me and learn more about whether I may be the right fit for your situation. If you're ready to get started, please book a new patient appointment.
If your situation is urgent or you are experiencing severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical care.
Naturopathic medicine may be a good fit for you if you're looking for a healthcare provider who will spend time understanding your story, investigate possible contributors to your symptoms, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan using a variety of tools.
Many of my patients come to me because:
- They've been told their tests are "normal," but they still don't feel well and are looking for answers.
- They want to understand why they're experiencing symptoms, not just suppress them.
- They're interested in natural treatment options and would prefer to avoid medications or surgery when possible.
- They feel overwhelmed by conflicting health information and want someone to help them make sense of it.
- They want support with prevention, optimizing health, or reducing their future risk of disease.
- They are seeking more comprehensive lab testing than their doctor can offer.
- They have chronic symptoms affecting their quality of life, such as digestive issues, fatigue, hormone imbalances, anxiety, brain fog, skin conditions, or environmental sensitivities.
- They want someone who will look at their whole health picture, not just a single symptom.
That said, naturopathic medicine isn't the right fit for everyone. If you're looking for a quick prescription or don't feel ready to make changes, working with your medical doctor may be a better fit. This medicine can work beautifully, but it requires some participation from you.
Ask yourself:
- Am I open to changing how I eat?
- Am I willing to take supplements regularly if recommended?
- Am I open to changing my use of alcohol, tobacco, or other substances, if applicable?
- Am I willing to improve my sleep habits?
- Am I open to completing lab testing, understanding that some tests may not be covered?
- Am I willing to explore patterns and habits that may no longer be serving me?
- Do I have some financial flexibility or insurance coverage to attend at least 2–3 appointments?
Still unsure? Ask yourself:
- Do I want a practitioner who will spend time listening to my concerns?
- Am I curious about what might be contributing to my symptoms?
- Do I want to be an active participant in decisions about my healthcare?
If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, naturopathic medicine will likely be a good fit.
You are welcome to book a discovery call if you would like to meet me and learn more about whether I may be the right fit for your situation. If you're ready to get started, please book a new patient appointment.
If your situation is urgent or you are experiencing severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical care.
What conditions do you treat?
This is the second most common question I receive.
I treat a wide range of health problems, similar to what your medical doctor would treat (ex. high blood pressure, skin rashes, IBS, asthma, PCOS, etc).
I'm also experienced treating a range of complex health conditions like mast cell activation syndrome, mold illness, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, functional digestive disorders, chronic/recurrent infections, endometriosis, and post-traumatic stress.
My focus is less on which diagnosis you’ve received and more on re-establishing balance within the underlying systems in the body. In my experience, when we identify and treat the underlying dysfunction, many diagnostic labels simply fall away.
If you have questions about my experience treating a particular condition, please book a discovery call to learn more.
I treat a wide range of health problems, similar to what your medical doctor would treat (ex. high blood pressure, skin rashes, IBS, asthma, PCOS, etc).
I'm also experienced treating a range of complex health conditions like mast cell activation syndrome, mold illness, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, functional digestive disorders, chronic/recurrent infections, endometriosis, and post-traumatic stress.
My focus is less on which diagnosis you’ve received and more on re-establishing balance within the underlying systems in the body. In my experience, when we identify and treat the underlying dysfunction, many diagnostic labels simply fall away.
If you have questions about my experience treating a particular condition, please book a discovery call to learn more.
What does it cost?
There are two main costs to consider: appointment fees and optional lab testing.
Appointment fees vary depending on visit length, with initial visits being longer and follow-ups shorter. Most extended health plans cover naturopathic appointments. Some plans also cover lab tests ordered by naturopathic doctors.
Current rates are listed here.
Lab testing is optional and only recommended when helpful for your situation. If testing is suggested, I’ll review the cost in advance and you can always choose whether to proceed.
Most patients will need an initial visit and 1–2 follow-ups to get started.
All naturopathic services and lab testing are generally tax-deductible in BC as medical expenses.
Appointment fees vary depending on visit length, with initial visits being longer and follow-ups shorter. Most extended health plans cover naturopathic appointments. Some plans also cover lab tests ordered by naturopathic doctors.
Current rates are listed here.
Lab testing is optional and only recommended when helpful for your situation. If testing is suggested, I’ll review the cost in advance and you can always choose whether to proceed.
Most patients will need an initial visit and 1–2 follow-ups to get started.
All naturopathic services and lab testing are generally tax-deductible in BC as medical expenses.
Can you be my primary care doctor / family doctor?
I can act as your primary naturopathic doctor, meaning I can be the main practitioner overseeing your naturopathic care, ordering appropriate lab testing, prescribing certain medications within my scope in BC, and coordinating a comprehensive, root-cause approach to your health. Something to note is that services and lab testing provided by naturopathic doctors is privately funded and is therefore not covered under the Medical Services Plan of BC.
In British Columbia, naturopathic doctors are not a replacement for a family physician within the public healthcare system, so I cannot function as your only medical provider for things like emergency care, hospital care, specialist referrals and diagnostic imaging. In practice, this means I cannot order a CT, X-ray, or MRI or refer you to a specialist. I am not equipped to conduct in-office gynecological exams.
Many patients choose to work with me as either their primary practitioner for naturopathic and integrative care, or alongside a family doctor, depending on their needs.
If you’re unsure what model is best for you, I can help you figure that out during your first visit.
In British Columbia, naturopathic doctors are not a replacement for a family physician within the public healthcare system, so I cannot function as your only medical provider for things like emergency care, hospital care, specialist referrals and diagnostic imaging. In practice, this means I cannot order a CT, X-ray, or MRI or refer you to a specialist. I am not equipped to conduct in-office gynecological exams.
Many patients choose to work with me as either their primary practitioner for naturopathic and integrative care, or alongside a family doctor, depending on their needs.
If you’re unsure what model is best for you, I can help you figure that out during your first visit.
Do you offer direct billing?
Yes, we offer direct billing to most insurance providers.
Some plans will require patients to submit on their own.
We always provide receipts for you to submit and can sometimes submit these on your behalf.
Some plans will require patients to submit on their own.
We always provide receipts for you to submit and can sometimes submit these on your behalf.
Does my insurance provider cover your services?
I can't answer this for you. It's up to you to find out if you have coverage.
If you have an extended health insurance plan, you can find out in advance if it covers naturopathic appointments and/or lab testing. You can review your plan brochure or phone your insurer directly to find out the details of your coverage
I've got more info on this topic here.
If you have an extended health insurance plan, you can find out in advance if it covers naturopathic appointments and/or lab testing. You can review your plan brochure or phone your insurer directly to find out the details of your coverage
I've got more info on this topic here.
What insurance companies do you bill?
I've listed the insurers I can bill directly here.
What does an initial visit cost?
All current rates are listed here.
The initial visit fee varies depending on patient age. There is a pediatric fee for those age 0-14.
A 15-minute discovery call is $20 but this fee is applied to your new patient appointment if you choose to work with me.
The initial visit fee varies depending on patient age. There is a pediatric fee for those age 0-14.
A 15-minute discovery call is $20 but this fee is applied to your new patient appointment if you choose to work with me.
Do you work with children / infants?
Yes, I work with children and infants but primarily for adjunct naturopathic support rather than as primary care.
Common problems I support in kids/infants:
I don't typically do routine well baby checks and I do not administer childhood vaccines in my office.
Common problems I support in kids/infants:
- digestive issues
- rashes
- behaviour problems
- anxiety and depression
- growth and developmental delays
- sleep problems
- allergies
- frequent/chronic illness
- fatigue
- pain
- acute infections (strep throat, tonsillitis, etc)
- food sensitivities
I don't typically do routine well baby checks and I do not administer childhood vaccines in my office.
