Dear Alison,
I’d really like to take my daughter to a Naturopath. What do I look for when searching for a reliable Naturopathic Physician? Kristin L., WA
Naturopathic Physician and graduate of Bastyr University, Theresa Martez, ND, LMP , gives us some guidelines:
1. Where did they go to school? There are only a handful of schools that are recognized as 4 year medical schools. These are Bastyr University, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Southwest College of Natural Medicine, and University of Bridgeport. There are also some schools up in Canada. Go to www.aanmc.org for more information.
2. What are their specialties? Some Naturopaths practice general medicine, while others specialize in women’s health or homeopathy. Call the physician directly to ask them what and how they practice.
3. Are they board certified and/or part of a national association? A good place to look is the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians or AANP. www.naturopathic.org
4. If you are in an unlicensed state (only 14 states, plus Washington D.C. license Naturopathic Physicians to practice), be extremely cautious. Unfortunately, in unlicensed states, there are a growing number of illegitimate “Naturopaths” that got their limited training from a mail-order/online school.
5. To get more comfortable with a physician, ask for a free 15 minute consultation to ask questions and to make sure that they are the right doctor for you.
Your partner in health,
Alison
Comments
I L O V E my naturopath:
Dr. Kimberly Otis at The Woodinville Wellness Center
Best of all my insurance works with her which is a huge determining factor for most of us!!!
said Heather C, 63 days ago