The main differences are regarding our training and the systems we operate within.
While MDs and NDs both receive the same standard medical training, MD programs focus more on pharmaceuticals and surgery, while ND programs focus more on natural medicine (like botanicals, nutrition, physical therapies, counselling, etc.).
The way the conventional healthcare system is set up in Ontario, MDs are usually limited to 10–15 minutes with patients to only address immediate concerns. NDs usually spend at least 30–60 minutes with patients to work on chronic conditions and their root causes. NDs are also taught to empower and listen to their patients, whereas MDs are usually taught that they know what's best for their patients.
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals receive advanced training in conversational techniques/therapies, whereas NDs receive basic training in counselling.
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and NDs are all trained to recognize, prevent, and manage mental health conditions, whereas social workers are mostly trained to be supportive. Psychotherapy is a protected act for professionals who have attained the proper education.
Psychiatrists are MDs who are also trained to prescribe pharmaceutical medications, whereas NDs are trained to prescribe natural medications.
The main differences are regarding education and regulation.
Naturopaths do not receive standardized education, which means that there are a variety of programs that are not accredited. They do not receive supervised clinical training. Due to this, they are not eligible to write standardized board exams, nor regulated to make diagnoses or be primary care providers.
NDs must complete a pre-medical Bachelor's degree or equivalent courses before being accepted into a 4-year post-graduate accredited program by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). They must complete more than 4100 hours of education, including at least 1200 hours of supervised clinical training. Then, they must complete a standardized set of board exams depending on where they practice. They are regulated as primary care providers to diagnose and treat all health concerns.
Current research and ancient wisdom agree that the best way to treat mental health (and health in general) is from an integrative, wholistic approach. NDs are the only profession who are trained to provide services that encompass the entire range of what a person needs to feel whole with their mind, body, and spirit.
Naturopathic medicine is for people who would like to treat their mental health with more than just pills and therapy. In practice, an ND's approach to mental health could look something like: correcting deficiencies and reducing inflammation through diet, prescribing botanical/orthomolecular medication to reduce symptoms and support the mind/body, modifying other lifestyle aspects like exercise, sleep, and the stress response; improving mindset/motivation to achieve goals, etc. Most people don't need advanced talk therapy to feel better — or talk therapy isn't enough on its own.
Oftentimes, NDs are sought as an addition to a person's existing healthcare team. We always encourage a collaborative approach to healthcare, which we believe is the way of the future.
Yes! All licensed NDs are fully regulated to provide primary care for patients.
Yes, although lab tests ordered through NDs are not covered by OHIP (yet). To save money for patients, we typically work with their MDs to order lab tests for them.
No we're not! Pharmaceuticals are important for a lot of health conditions, and for some people they're essential. However, NDs believe that for most people, there are a lot of effective and safer options that should be considered before pharmaceuticals — they shouldn't be the first-line treatment unless it's an emergency.
Unfortunately, NDs do not have prescribing rights in Ontario (yet). However, as part of our education, we have received pharmacology training, mostly regarding safety and interactions with natural medications. A lot of our clients are already taking at least one drug, and a big part of our job is to educate them about whether the symptoms they're experiencing could be from adverse effects of their drugs, and the pros and cons of the drugs they've been prescribed.
In Ontario, any changes to drug dosing need to be made by the prescribing physician. However, we provide support in the tapering process, and help to advocate for people who want to reduce their medications.
Unfortunately, naturopathic medicine is not covered by OHIP (yet).
Naturopathy is covered by most health insurance plans! Please take a look at your coverage. I am happy to work with you to get the most out of your coverage.
Yes! All supplements I recommend can be purchased through my online dispensary, Fullscript. They are third-party tested for quality, thoroughly researched, and offered at wholesale prices.
