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Naturopathic doctor near me: how to find a licensed ND

To find a good naturopathic doctor near you, first check whether your state licenses NDs, then confirm the person's license with your state board and their degree from an accredited 4-year naturopathic medical school. NDs are licensed or regulated in 23 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In other states, the title "naturopath" isn't tied to a license, so you have to check training yourself. Either way, ask about prices and the plan before your first visit.

Updated · Facts checked against the sources listed below

How to find a licensed ND

  1. Check your state. Search your state's licensing board for naturopathic physicians. If there is a board, your state licenses or regulates NDs.
  2. Make a short list. Ask your primary care doctor, your insurer's directory (some plans list NDs) or a booking service for names.
  3. Verify the license on the state board's site: the name, the status and any discipline.
  4. Check the degree. It should come from a naturopathic medical school accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education.
  5. Call with questions before you book (below).

If your state doesn't license naturopathic doctors

In states without a license, NCCIH notes that traditional naturopaths may train through non-accredited programs, and Cleveland Clinic says a "naturopath" can be anyone from an ND to an unlicensed layperson. Cleveland Clinic suggests checking three things:

  • The school's accreditation.
  • Board exam results.
  • An active ND license from another state.

You can also look for an MD or DO who practices integrative medicine. See how to find an integrative medicine doctor.

Questions to ask before you book

NCCIH suggests asking any complementary health practitioner about cost and logistics up front:

  • What do the first visit and follow-up visits cost?
  • Do you have a sliding scale based on income?
  • How many visits will I likely need?
  • Are there other costs, such as tests, equipment or supplements?
  • Do you accept my health plan, and who files the claims?

Also ask what experience they have with your concern, and how they work with your other doctors.

Red flags

  • No license you can verify, in a state that licenses NDs.
  • Advice to stop a prescribed medicine without talking to the clinician who prescribed it.
  • Pressure to buy large supplement packages before a plan is clear.
  • No interest in working alongside your other doctors.

Call 911 or go to an emergency room, not a naturopath or chiropractor, for chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking), severe bleeding, or sudden severe pain.

How Gabriel helps

Gabriel finds and books root-cause and holistic practitioners, including naturopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, functional medicine doctors and massage therapists, and files superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. See what a naturopathic doctor is and what a visit costs.

Common questions

How do I find a licensed naturopathic doctor near me?

Check whether your state has a naturopathic licensing board, then verify the ND's license there and confirm their degree is from an accredited 4-year naturopathic school.

Which states license naturopathic doctors?

Cleveland Clinic says NDs are licensed or regulated in 23 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Your state's licensing board is the place to confirm.

What if my state doesn't license naturopaths?

Check the person's school accreditation, board exam results and any active license from another state. An integrative MD or DO is another option.

Can I see a naturopathic doctor online?

Some NDs offer virtual visits. What they can do depends on the licensing rules of the state you're in, so ask before you book.

Does insurance cover a naturopathic doctor?

It depends on your plan and state, and Original Medicare doesn't pay for ND visits. See does insurance cover a naturopathic doctor.

Sources

  1. Naturopathy Cleveland Clinic
  2. Naturopathy National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH
  3. Paying for Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH

This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a visit with a licensed clinician. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.