Frequently Asked Questions
What will my appointment/s look like?
Your first appointment will be approximately an hour and a half. Within this time, we will review your health history, your goals of treatment, any relevant labs and complete a physical exam if needed. At this time, we will collaborate to create a protocol that is both sustainable and effective. This protocol may consist of one or more of the following: nutrition and dietary changes, lifestyle recommendations (sleep, stress, environmental), botanical medicines, weekly or bi-weekly acupuncture, supplementation and/or hydrotherapy.
Your second appointment will be about 4-6 weeks following your initial and it can range from 15 - 45 minutes. At this appointment, we check in and monitor progress and will make any changes necessary.
From here, follows up usually vary depending upon concern. My ultimate goal is to “graduate you” from my practice; once you have the tools to understand your body and you know how to implement them, we no longer need to see each other. As life happens, I always leave my door open to you for any upcoming health concerns and/or relapses of current concerns. I encourage annual or seasonal check-ins to prioritize preventative healthcare.
When will I feel better?
A very popular question and often times the most difficult to answer! Generally speaking, there are a few principles that inform this question.
First, the amount of time you have been feeling unwell generally equates to the amount of time to heal. For example, if you have acute cold or flu, we would expect that you would recover within days to a week. If you have a chronic illness, it will take longer. I will always let you know for how long the treatment plan we create together will be in place. An elder of the medicine once said, consider how many years that you have been well and plan for at least that many months until you feel better (i.e. if you’ve been unwell for 7 years, plan for at least 7 months.) Naturopathic medicine can be slow medicine for some but it is absolutely worth the wait.
Second, your body sets the pace. We can move as quickly or as slowly towards health as your body will allow.
Third and ultimately, you might be the better person to answer this question as your responsibility and active role in your health largely influence how you will ultimately heal.
Do I need a referral to come see you?
No, naturopathic care is self-referral.
Will insurance cover my appointment?
Likely but you will want to contact your provider to be certain. They will ask if your naturopathic doctor is registered or licensed and, if you are seeing me or any of my colleagues on this list, the answer is yes.
What about supplements?
Supplements may be needed either short-term or long-term to facilitate health. Bear in mind that, if we call upon supplements, I strive to find a balance between local businesses, efficacy, cost and sustainability.
Patients are usually curious if their supplements will be covered by their insurance provider. Often times, the answer is no however I encourage you to contact your provider and ask.
What is your cancellation policy?
My cancellation policy is as follows:
If you cancel within 48 hours of your appointment, you will be charged 50% of the appointment fee.
If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, you will be charged 100% of the appointment fee.
Credit card information will be collected at the time of booking however your card will not be charged without notifying you beforehand.
I understand that life does happen and I can be flexible however please do note that your appointment time has been reserved for you and you only. If you cancel without notice, it is difficult for me to fill that spot and, as a self-employed ND, I am out that income.
Can I see both a medical doctor and a naturopathic doctor?
Yes, absolutely! I believe that patients achieve their greatest health when they have a team of healthcare practitioners. With your permission, I am always happy to collaborate with your other practitioners.
What are your fees?
ADULT up to 90 min. — $242
PEDIATRIC up to 60 min 60 min. — $153
(Pediatric is defined as 12 years and under)
FOLLOW UPS
15 min. — $65
30 min. — $90
45 min. — $115
60 min. — $153
PHONE CALLS & EMAILS
$21 / 5 min.
ACUPUNCTURE
30 min. — $84
45 min. — $110
60 min. — $147
What are your expectations of me as a patient?
I will never expect perfection in your ability to follow through with protocols. I live my life by the principle of 80/20 and I encourage you to do so as well. However, I do expect you to be curious, willing and honest.