If you are interested in seeking advice from alternative medicine practitioners, you may decide to visit a naturopathy center. These centers are staffed by naturopaths and, in some cases, other healing professionals such as massage therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. Perhaps the most important aspect of choosing a naturopathy center is ensuring that the professionals who work there are properly trained for their positions and are licensed or certified to practice. In addition, you should check on the reputation of the naturopathy center, find out whether it works with any traditional medical doctors, and verify its financial policies and acceptance of medical insurance.
In some jurisdictions, naturopaths, sometimes known as naturopathic doctors, are licensed to provide some health care services. For example, in the United States, the licensing of naturopaths is a state matter, and some states, such as Oregon, have licensed naturopaths as primary care providers. If naturopaths are licensed to practice in your jurisdiction, take the time to find out whether those who work at a naturopathy center hold their licenses in good standing. You can also ask the licensing board for information about any disciplinary action against a particular naturopath.
Some naturopathy centers offer a variety of services, so you may wish to find one that offers services in the area of alternative healing that interests you. For example, if it is important to work with an acupuncturist or a specialist in traditional Chinese medicine, you may want to select a naturopathy center that has an acupuncturist and herbalist on staff or one in which the naturopath has been trained in these modalities. Visit the center’s website or give it a call to determine what kinds of practitioners work in the practice. It is also wise to review the credentials of each individual practitioner in addition to the naturopaths on staff.
The services at a naturopathy center may not be covered by health insurance or government-sponsored health care programs. If this is a concern, ask the naturopathy center in advance for a schedule of its fees. In some cases, the center may be willing to put you on a payment plan or may offer discounted services to those who have financial difficulty. In some jurisdictions, however, your insurance or health plan may cover some alternative medicine services. In such cases, you should find out if the center accepts your insurance. You should also ask whether it will bill your insurer directly or if you will have to pay up front for services and then seek reimbursement.
