Naturopathic Doctors
Find the top naturopathic doctors near you specializing in holistic care for chronic conditions, hormonal balance, and preventive health. Compare naturopaths’ approaches, insurance acceptance, and patient feedback to find your ideal match.
- First visit length
- 60–90 minutes
- Session cost (example)
- $375 (initial, 90 min); $210 (follow-up, 45 min) at the one Manhattan practice that publishes fees (October 2026)
- Practitioner credential
- ND (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine)
- Insurance coverage
- Limited; varies by state and plan
5 clinics · 9 in total
NY Center For Integrative Health
New York, NYNY Center for Integrative Health is a state-of-the-science holistic medical center integrating Functional Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, and Acupuncture. Services include comprehensive testing and diagnostics along with cutting-edge treatment such as intravenous (IV) therapy, nutrition/nutraceuticals, acupuncture, mind-body medicine, genomic/microbiome assessments and much more. Our clinical team will help you get well and stay well in a sustainable way that honors who you are and what you need.
Centre Downe Health LLC – Laconia
Laconia, NHCentre Downe Health is a naturopathic health clinic that harnesses the body’s natural healing potential through naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, physical medicine, nutrition, and other natural therapies. Delivered in a peaceful sanctuary in central New Hampshire, Centre Downe Health helps patients achieve health goals by addressing women's health concerns, pediatric conditions, pain and muscle issues, colds and flu, and overall vitality. Dr. Brian Paterson, ND, LAc, specializes in acupuncture, physical medicine, nutrition, and unique bodywork techniques to relieve pain and release muscles effectively. Dr. Kathryn Cranford, ND, NHCM, focuses on women's health, pediatrics, and general family practice, drawing from her background in naturopathic midwifery. Together, Centre Downe Health provides personalized care in family practice, emphasizing natural therapies for enhanced well-being.
Dr. Naika Apeakorang, Nd, Lac.
Brooklyn, NYDr. Naika provides specialized holistic health services aimed at promoting overall wellness and addressing specific health concerns. The practice focuses on individualized care, utilizing a combination of naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling to promote healing and well-being. Services include pain management, stress relief, and support for chronic conditions. Dr. Naika is dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal health through natural and holistic methods.
Naturopathic Healing Spaces, LLC – Plymouth
Plymouth, NHNaturopathic Healing Spaces provides holistic naturopathic medical care that integrates mind, body, and spirit to restore patients to optimum wellness. Delivered through comprehensive wellness visits and personalized treatment plans, the practice addresses a range of health concerns from pediatrics to geriatrics, emphasizing natural therapies for prevention and empowerment toward healthy bodies, minds, and spirits. Dr. Caitlin Cummings leads Naturopathic Healing Spaces, utilizing herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, counseling, and physical medicine to treat conditions such as sleep disorders, stress, digestive disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal pain, allergies, and depression. The practice offers activator adjustments, therapeutic laser treatments, and personal growth sessions to support patients in achieving balanced, vibrant health. Naturopathic Healing Spaces also maintains a wellness boutique for patient-ordered supplements, herbal, and homeopathic remedies, enhancing at-home support for ongoing wellness.
Serenity Natural Health
New York, NYSerenity Natural Health provides a range of holistic health services aimed at promoting overall wellness and addressing specific health concerns. The practice combines traditional natural medicine techniques with modern therapeutic approaches to offer effective treatments for pain management, stress relief, and chronic conditions. Services include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutritional counseling. Serenity Natural Health is committed to providing personalized care in a nurturing and supportive environment, helping patients achieve balance and harmony in their lives through natural and integrative methods.
In-Depth Guide
Your Guide to Naturopathic Doctors
Quick summary, treatment expectations, and practical details to help you choose care confidently.
Naturopathic medicine is a system of care that treats the *root causes* of illness — not just symptoms — using clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle counseling, and advanced functional testing. NDs complete a four-year naturopathic medical degree and are licensed or registered in 23 US states plus DC and Puerto Rico, but not in New York (we found no New Jersey license either). First visits typically run 60–90 minutes. NDs see their approach as best suited to chronic conditions — digestive disorders, autoimmune disease, hormonal imbalances, anxiety — where, in their view, conventional medicine often reaches its limits. Not all practitioners calling themselves "naturopath" are equally trained — see the credential guide below.
Before you book: credentials, cost and insurance
New York doesn't license naturopathic doctors, and we found no license in New Jersey either. That makes checking a practitioner's training and any other license more important, not less.
Credentials and how to verify them
- What an accredited ND has: a doctoral degree from a four-year program at a CNME-accredited naturopathic medical school. In states that license NDs, they must also pass the NPLEX board exams.
- New York: There is no ND license. Licensing bills S8714 and A10064 were in committee as of October 2026 (S8714). An ND in New York can diagnose or prescribe only through another license, such as MD, DO, NP or PA.
- New Jersey: We found no ND license, though we could not confirm this against the state statute. Licensing bills have been introduced: S2735 in 2024 and S904, which was referred to the Senate Commerce Committee in January 2026.
- How to check: Ask where the practitioner trained and whether the school is CNME-accredited. Then search their name on the NYSED license verification search or the NJ License Verification System to see whether they hold any other license.
What it costs
One Manhattan naturopathic practice publishes $375 for a 90-minute new-patient visit and $210 for a 45-minute follow-up (East Village Physical Medicine, checked October 2026). Ask for estimates of lab and supplement costs as well.
Insurance, Medicare and HSA
- Private insurance: We found no New York law requiring plans to cover naturopathic visits, and the practice above says New York plans don't cover them. Expect to pay out of pocket and ask for an itemized receipt.
- Medicare: NDs are not on Medicare's list of physicians, so Medicare doesn't pay for ND visits (42 U.S.C. 1395x).
- HSA and FSA: IRS Publication 502 doesn't name NDs. Visits and lab fees can qualify when they are for diagnosing or treating a condition. Supplements qualify only if recommended for a condition diagnosed by a physician, and whether an ND's diagnosis counts is unclear.
For more detail, read what a naturopath costs and what insurance covers, how to use an HSA for a naturopathic doctor, which states license NDs and how to find and vet a naturopathic doctor.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural healing approaches. Rather than simply treating symptoms, naturopathic medicine is built on the principle of identifying and addressing the root causes of illness — whether those causes are nutritional deficiencies, lifestyle imbalances, environmental exposures, or underlying biochemical dysfunctions.
Founded on six guiding principles, naturopathic medicine aims, as a matter of professional doctrine, to treat the whole person — body, mind, and spirit — and recognizes that the body possesses an inherent intelligence and capacity for self-healing when given the right conditions.
The Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
These are the profession's own principles, not research findings.
- First, Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere): Use the most gentle, least invasive therapies that are effective.
- The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): Support and stimulate the body's innate healing mechanisms.
- Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam): Find and address the underlying causes of disease rather than suppressing symptoms.
- Treat the Whole Person: Consider physical, mental, emotional, genetic, and environmental factors together.
- Doctor as Teacher (Docere): Educate and empower patients to take an active role in their own health.
- Prevention: Assess and address risk factors before disease takes hold.
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) graduate from accredited four-year naturopathic medical schools where they receive training in conventional biomedical sciences alongside naturopathic therapeutics. One state board report puts accredited programs at a minimum of 4,100 hours of education, including at least 1,200 hours of supervised clinical training. Licensed NDs have the legal authority — in states and provinces where licensure exists, with scope set by each jurisdiction's law — to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions, order laboratory tests, and in some jurisdictions, prescribe medications.
Key Insight: The title "naturopath" is not legally protected in all US states. Anyone can use it without formal training. Always verify that your practitioner holds an ND degree from an accredited institution — the difference in training between an accredited ND and an unlicensed "naturopath" can be thousands of clinical hours.
How Does Naturopathic Medicine Work?
Naturopathic medicine works by combining a thorough, individualized assessment with a layered, multimodal therapeutic approach. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all protocol, naturopathic doctors tailor every treatment plan to the unique biochemistry, history, and goals of each patient.
The Diagnostic Process
Naturopathic diagnosis is comprehensive. Your ND will take an in-depth health history covering current symptoms, past medical history, family history, medications, diet, sleep, stress, and emotional wellbeing. They may order both conventional laboratory tests and specialized functional medicine tests not routinely used in standard care — such as comprehensive stool analysis, organic acids testing, micronutrient panels, or food sensitivity testing. The clinical validity of several of these specialized tests is not established.
The Therapeutic Toolkit
| Modality | What It Is | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Nutrition | Therapeutic diet + targeted supplementation | Most conditions — foundational |
| Botanical Medicine | Evidence-based herbal remedies (tinctures, capsules, teas) | Hormonal, immune, digestive, nervous system |
| Homeopathy | Ultra-dilute remedies matching symptom picture | Chronic, constitutional conditions |
| Physical Medicine | Hydrotherapy, massage, manipulation | Musculoskeletal, circulation, lymphatic |
| Mind-Body Medicine | Breathwork, mindfulness, counseling | Stress, anxiety, psychosomatic conditions |
| Lifestyle Medicine | Sleep, exercise, environmental medicine | Prevention and all chronic disease |
The Therapeutic Order
NDs apply therapies in a structured sequence — from the most foundational and least invasive (removing obstacles to health, supporting self-healing) through to more specific interventions — ensuring the gentlest effective approach is always tried first.
Conditions Naturopathic Medicine Can Help With
NDs consider their approach particularly suited to chronic, complex, and lifestyle-related conditions. The descriptions below explain how NDs approach each condition; they are not evidence of outcomes.
Digestive and Gut Health
- Digestive Issues — IBS, GERD, bloating, constipation, and inflammatory bowel conditions are commonly treated with naturopathic protocols combining dietary intervention, gut microbiome support, and herbal medicine.
Immune and Inflammatory Conditions
- Autoimmune Conditions — NDs look for possible triggers (dietary, environmental, infectious) and use anti-inflammatory protocols for Hashimoto's, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, alongside and not in place of medical treatment.
- Skin Conditions — For eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea, NDs often look at gut health, hormonal imbalances, and food sensitivities as possible contributors.
Hormonal and Reproductive Health
- Hormonal Imbalance — From PMS and PCOS to thyroid dysfunction, NDs use testing and natural therapies aimed at hormonal balance.
- Infertility — Naturopathic care looks at nutritional deficiencies, hormonal irregularities, and lifestyle factors that affect reproductive health.
Chronic Pain and Inflammation
- Chronic Pain — Anti-inflammatory nutrition, targeted supplementation (omega-3s, curcumin, magnesium), and physical medicine are central to naturopathic pain management.
- Arthritis — NDs use approaches targeting inflammation and joint health for both osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis.
- Fibromyalgia — NDs often look for underlying contributors such as mitochondrial dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and sleep disorders.
Mental Health and Nervous System
What to Expect at Your First Naturopathic Visit
Your first appointment with a naturopathic doctor is unlike a typical conventional medical visit. It typically lasts 60–90 minutes, mostly in conversation — because the quality of your care depends on the quality of information gathered.
Before You Arrive
Most NDs will ask you to complete intake paperwork ahead of your appointment, typically including a detailed health history questionnaire, a 3-day food diary, and a list of current medications and supplements. Bring any recent lab work, imaging reports, or relevant medical records.
During the Appointment
Your ND will guide a thorough conversation covering every dimension of your health — not just your chief complaint, but your entire system: digestion, sleep, energy, stress, mood, skin, and more. A physical examination follows, and your ND may order laboratory or functional testing.
Receiving Your Treatment Plan
At the end of your first visit (or at a follow-up after test results), you will receive a prioritized, personalized treatment plan. A thoughtful ND will introduce changes in manageable steps — typically dietary guidance, supplement recommendations with specific brands and doses, lifestyle modifications, and a follow-up schedule.
Realistic Timeline
Naturopathic medicine is not a quick fix. Your ND should set clear milestones and adjust the plan based on your response.
How to Choose a Qualified Naturopathic Doctor
Credential Comparison
| Credential | Training | Can Diagnose? | Can Order Labs? | Prescribe Rx? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (accredited) | 4-year naturopathic medical school, 4,100+ hours | Yes (licensed states) | Yes | Yes (some states) |
| "Naturopath" (unlicensed) | Varies widely; may be only an online certificate | No | No | No |
| Holistic Health Coach | Short certification; length varies | No | No | No |
| Functional Medicine MD/DO | Medical degree + FM post-grad training | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Look for Accredited Training
A fully qualified naturopathic doctor (ND) graduates from an accredited naturopathic medical college — a four-year, graduate-level program. In North America, accredited programs include Bastyr University, National University of Natural Medicine, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Verify State Licensure
Naturopathic doctors are licensed or registered in 23 US states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and in some Canadian provinces. New York does not license them, and we found no New Jersey license. In licensed states, NDs must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX). In unlicensed states, titles and scope of practice vary considerably — ask about credentials carefully.
Questions to Ask
- Where did you complete your naturopathic medical degree?
- Are you licensed in this state?
- Do you have experience treating my specific condition?
- What testing do you typically order for cases like mine?
- How do you coordinate care with my conventional doctor?
Find a licensed naturopathic doctor near you: Browse our naturopathic medicine directory to connect with qualified NDs in your area.
Related Specialties
- Functional Nutrition — Therapeutic nutrition is a cornerstone of naturopathic practice.
- Women's Health — Hormonal health, fertility, pregnancy support, and menopause management are among the most common reasons patients seek naturopathic care.
- Mental Health and Wellness — Nutritional psychiatry, adaptogenic herbs, and lifestyle medicine offer meaningful support for anxiety and mood disorders.
- Pediatric Natural Health — NDs with pediatric training provide safe, gentle natural care for children's health.
- Sports Medicine and Recovery — Nutritional optimization and natural recovery strategies make naturopathic medicine highly relevant for athletes.
- Pain Management — Anti-inflammatory protocols, targeted supplementation, and physical medicine give NDs a robust toolkit for pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) holds a four-year naturopathic medical degree from an accredited institution, can order labs, diagnose conditions, and in some states prescribe medications. A holistic health coach typically holds a shorter certification and is not licensed to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Both roles have value, but for clinical health conditions, you should work with a licensed ND.
Not exactly. Its practitioners describe naturopathic medicine as integrative medicine — it incorporates evidence-based natural therapies alongside, and sometimes in place of, conventional treatments depending on what is most appropriate for the patient. NDs are trained in both conventional biomedical science and natural therapeutics.
In states that license NDs, some patients use them as their main clinician, though scope varies by state, and New York doesn't license them (we found no New Jersey license either). However, for acute medical emergencies, surgical conditions, and situations where pharmaceutical intervention is clearly indicated, conventional medicine remains essential. Many patients choose to see both an ND and a conventional doctor.
Coverage varies by state and plan. In states where NDs are licensed, some plans may cover naturopathic visits, and Medicaid coverage depends on the state. Washington's Apple Health (Medicaid) program lets licensed naturopathic physicians enroll and bill for certain services (HCA billing guide). Vermont's Medicaid program covers naturopathic physician services under a state plan amendment that federal regulators approved in May 2026 (CMS approval letter). We did not confirm the rules in other states, such as Oregon, so check your state's current Medicaid provider guide. Medicare doesn't pay for ND visits. Many patients pay out of pocket.
Both approaches are root-cause oriented and use advanced testing. The key differences: naturopathic medicine is a profession licensed in some states (not New York, and we found no New Jersey license) with a formal four-year degree, while functional medicine is a methodology practiced by clinicians from various conventional backgrounds (MDs, DOs, NPs) who have completed additional post-graduate training. Some NDs practice what would be described as functional medicine.
When practiced by a qualified, licensed ND, naturopathic treatments are generally safe. However, "natural" does not automatically mean harmless — herbal medicines can interact with pharmaceutical drugs, and nutritional supplements have contraindications. This is why working with a properly trained ND who takes a full medication history is essential.
Naturopathic care is designed to complement, not replace, conventional medicine. In our view, a good ND will proactively coordinate with your other providers, keep documentation aligned, and know when to refer. For conditions requiring pharmaceutical intervention, a licensed ND in some states can prescribe — or will refer to an MD while managing the naturopathic components of your care.