Naturopathic Doctors: Licensing, Training and What to Ask
Licensed naturopathic physicians vs. traditional naturopaths, CNME accreditation, the NPLEX exam, and questions for a first visit.
"Naturopath" means different things in different places. In some states it is a licensed health profession with a protected title, years of graduate training and a board exam. In others there is no license at all, and the title says little about training. This guide explains the difference, what the credentials on a listing mean, and what to ask before a first visit. It is general information, not medical advice.
Three kinds of naturopathic practitioner
NCCIH, part of the National Institutes of Health, describes naturopathy as an approach that "aims to prevent and treat disease by addressing its root cause," using diet, physical activity, stress management and other methods (NCCIH: naturopathy). It separates practitioners into three groups:
- Licensed naturopathic physicians, who complete a four-year graduate program at a North American naturopathic medical school;
- Traditional naturopaths, who train in programs that are not accredited and cannot be licensed; and
- Other health care providers, such as physicians or chiropractors, who use some naturopathic methods in their practice.
The same page warns that "regulations, licenses, or certificates do not guarantee safe, effective treatment." A license tells you about training and accountability, not about whether a particular treatment works.
Only some states license naturopathic doctors
Licensing of naturopathic doctors is a state decision, and only a minority of states have chosen to license them. NCCIH notes that, in general, licensure "requires graduating from an accredited 4-year school of naturopathic medicine and passing a postdoctoral board examination" (NCCIH: credentialing). Where a state licenses NDs, the law usually protects the title and sets a scope of practice, which may or may not include prescribing some drugs, ordering lab tests or minor procedures. Where a state does not license them, check what your state's law allows anyone using the title to do.
The listings here follow that pattern. Most individual naturopathic doctors on this site practice in Washington, Oregon, Arizona and California, all states with an ND license. Arizona licenses naturopathic physicians under the title NMD, and nearly every listing here that shows NMD gives an Arizona address or license.
Accredited training and the board exam
The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is, in its own words, "recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit doctoral programs in naturopathic medicine." It accredits campus-based programs, typically four years long, and states that it "does not accredit programs that are delivered primarily or entirely online" (CNME).
The licensing exam is the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX), run by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). NABNE says NPLEX is "used by regulatory authorities in the US and Canada (with some exceptions) as part of the licensure or registration process," and that candidates must have completed the academic requirements at an approved naturopathic medical program (NABNE).
So when you are comparing practitioners, the two most useful questions are: did you graduate from a CNME-accredited program, and are you licensed in this state? A practitioner trained online or by correspondence is not eligible for licensure in states that license NDs.
What the letters after a name mean
ND and NMD both mean naturopathic doctor; the title used depends on the state. L.Ac. after ND means the practitioner also lists an acupuncture license; check both with the relevant boards. DNM and similar titles may come from programs outside the accredited system. All credentials here are what the provider entered in the federal NPI registry. The registry does not verify them.
Supplements, herbs and your other doctors
Naturopathic care often includes dietary changes, supplements and herbal products. Two practical points follow. First, NCCIH advises telling all your health care providers about any complementary approaches you use, so that care can be coordinated and interactions caught (NCCIH). Bring a list of everything you take to every appointment. Second, if you are buying products from the practice, ask whether you can buy them elsewhere, and what they cost.
For tax purposes, IRS Publication 502 says you generally can't count "nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, 'natural medicines,' etc." as medical expenses unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician (IRS Publication 502).
Insurance
Coverage of naturopathic visits depends on the state and the plan. Some private plans cover licensed NDs in states that license them; Medicare's acupuncture benefit does not name them among eligible practitioners. Ask the practice whether it is in network with your plan, and how lab tests would be billed, before your first visit.
Questions to ask before a first visit
- Are you licensed as a naturopathic doctor in this state, and what is your license number?
- Which school did you graduate from, and was it CNME-accredited?
- What will the first visit include, and what does it cost? Are lab tests extra?
- Do you sell the supplements you recommend? Can I buy them elsewhere?
- Will you coordinate with my primary care doctor and share notes?
- What would make you refer me to a medical doctor or specialist?
A good practitioner will answer all of these readily. Then check the license with the state board, using the license number on the listing's NPI record as a starting point where one is shown.
What this directory shows
Each naturopathic listing here comes from the federal NPI registry, where the provider chose Naturopath as their primary specialty. We show the credentials and license number they entered, how many other listings share the same street address and any other practice locations on file, and we link to the official record (NPPES NPI Registry). We do not rate practitioners or publish reviews.
General information only, current as of the date above. The information on Acupuncture Index is not medical advice and does not replace a doctor, nurse, discharge planner or other qualified professional. Do not use it to make decisions about diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Rules and programs change; check the official sources linked in this guide.