Questions & Answers

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) complete a four-year minimum post-graduate training at a CNME accredited naturopathic medical school. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic doctor also studies clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, counseling, and more.

NDs complete both basic science and clinical NPLEX board exams prior to receiving licensure. In addition, NDs can also specialize and complete additional board certifications in oncology (FABNO), Endocrinology, Pediatrics and Generative Medicine.

When working with a naturopathic doctor, a comprehensive initial intake focusing on a patient’s complete health history will be performed. Office visits will typically involve physical exam, diagnostic assessment, and orders for lab tests and/or imaging. Treatment is developed based on an individual’s health needs and goals, dietary habits, emotional stress, exercise, and exposure to environmental hazards, as well as test results.

The advantage is that the focus of naturopathic care is on listening to the patient, identifying and addressing the underlying cause(s) of disease that result in effective and long-lasting outcomes for patients and their loved ones. Naturopathic medicine calls attention to the promotion of health, prevention of disease, patient education and individual responsibility. Research has definitively found naturopathic medicine to be an efficacious and cost-effective approach to preventing and treating chronic disease. (add footnote for citation Kennedy DA, Hart J, Seely D. Cost Effectiveness of Natural Health Products: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2009;6(3):297-304. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem167.)

Absolutely. Naturopathic doctors are committed to the health and well-being of their patients and are strong advocates of a team based approach to healthcare. If a patient authorizes their physicians to correspond, your ND will gladly keep your other doctor(s) informed of their recommendations and treatments to ensure everyone is on the same page. Naturopathic doctors will also refer to other practitioners (MDs, PTs, etc) as they see fit for a patient’s needs.

Yes. Naturopathic doctors have been licensed in the state of NH since 1996. In order to be a licensed doctor they have to have completed their medical training at an accredited naturopathic school, and passed their national board exam. In order to maintain a license, a ND must be up to date on required continuing education. In the United States, currently 17 states license naturopathic doctors but that number is growing as more and more patients seek out the expertise of NDs.

Unfortunately there are people who do not undergo the rigorous clinical training of licensed NDs, yet use the designation “ND” or “naturopath”. Please click here to learn how to determine if a ND is licensed. NHAND only represents and allows membership to licensed naturopathic doctors.

All NDs who graduate from an accredited naturopathic medical school have had extensive training in pharmaceutical drugs used in primary care medicine, however depending on where they practice in North America, the use of these medications changes.

In NH, a naturopathic doctor has the capability to safely prescribed certain pharmaceutical drugs listed on a formulary, if deemed medically appropriate. However, the philosophy of naturopathic medicine generally supports the use of more natural therapies prior to utilizing drugs, though this can change based on the situation.

A list of naturopathic doctors, who are members of NHAND, is available through this site, click here. Each listing includes their training, location, and links to their personal/clinic websites.

If you would like more information on the doctors in your area, please feel free to contact NHAND.

If you are interested in seeing a searching for naturopathic doctors throughout the United States, click here; and in Canada, click here.

Yes. Due to tireless work from NHAND in 2012, insurance coverage of naturopathic medicine is now possible in NH. However, coverage of naturopathic care depends on the insurance company and particular plan. To determine if your insurance company covers naturopathic care, contact your insurance provider directly. Not all NDs who practice choose to work in the insurance network, so make sure discuss that with your ND.