How to choose the right naturopath for you in Australia

There are approximately 4600 naturopaths in Australia (Ooi et al., 2018), so how do you pick the right one for you? Read on to find out.

The first step.

A good first step is to write down detailed goals that you wish to achieve from seeing a naturopath, such as "I would like to clear up my acne on my face this year". By determining your goals, you will find it easier to find a naturopath with clinical interests or further qualifications relevant to you. E.g, a naturopath with an interest in helping people with their hormones, gut health, and skin may be able to assist someone with acne. Send an enquiry!

Speak to your family, friends, and co-workers.

People you know may have seen or are currently seeing a local naturopath. They can provide you with information such as their prices, what kinds of treatments they provide, as well as their personality.

Key words and phrases.

Search social media and the internet for key phrases such as "naturopath near me" and the reason you wish to see them, e.g., "PCOS naturopath." By searching with key words, you may be able to find a naturopath with clinical interests and additional qualifications related to your health conditions or goals.

Research.

Research a naturopath's social media pages, website, and published resources (e.g., articles, books). You can learn further about a naturopath you're interested in making an appointment with by visiting their business pages. You may also discover what health conditions they primarily focus on helping with, their credentials, and more.

In person or online?

Determine if you would prefer to see a naturopath face-to-face (in person) or online.

Some naturopaths may only offer face-to-face consults, some may only offer online consults, and some may offer both. Check which days of the week they are available with your own schedule (e.g., work).

Costs.

Some naturopaths display their consult costs, and others you will need to enquire about. Additionally, ask if they have discounts (e.g., pensioner or student discounts) that are relevant to you, as well as the average cost of their prescriptions.

Enquire within.

Have you seen some naturopaths offering discovery consultations or a free/low cost 15 minute appointment? These are available so you can discuss your health conditions or health goals with them, and how they may be able to help you. If they have contact method such as an email address or a phone number, contact them with any questions you may have. Also, check their FAQ page if they have one before contacting as your question/s may be answered there.

Final word.

At the end of the day, there may be dozens of naturopaths well suited to your health goals. Determining what factors are most important to you, such as price, distance from home, etc., can help you choose. You can also change your mind and choose another naturopath.

Our naturopath Lauretta Schembri at Bossley Park, NSW has a clinical interest in helping her clients with their mood, energy, sleep, digestion and gut health, fitness, general health, and more. She offers face-to-face and online consults, and provides a pensioner discount as well as other occasional discounts. Contact her at Hello.SNHC@gmail.com or call her at 0406446065.

References:

Ooi, S., McLean, L., & Pak, S. (2018). Naturopathy in Australia: Where are we now? Where are we heading?. Complementary Therapies In Clinical Practice, 33, 27-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.07.009