Mahalia Freed ND

Q: What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a homeopathic doctor?

A: There are three main areas of difference. Licensure and regulation, training, and scope of treatments. Firstly, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are regulated and licensed primary health care providers. NDs are trained and licensed to diagnose patients, and perform restricted procedures such as Pap smears for cervical health screening. In terms of education, NDs are the equivalent of a family physician or GP in the realm of complementary and alternative medicine. Naturopathic Doctors receive at least three years pre-medical training at university, including biology, chemistry, and psychology, then four years at an accredited naturopathic medical school. Naturopathic medical training – and thus scope of treatment – includes homeopathy as well as nutrition, herbal medicine, counselling, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and physical medicine.

Q: Can Naturopathic Doctors treat _____?

A: The simple answer to whether we can treat any given condition is “yes”. In fact, rather than treating a condition, we treat people. After we determine the root cause of the condition, we combine our many healing methods to improve health and supply the resources for the body to repair itself. The conditions that the people we treat commonly suffer from include allergies, asthma, skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema, women’s health issues like fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, infertility, menopause, and PMS, digestive tract issues like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s, and ulcerative colitis, cardiovascular conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure and much more. If you are unsure, feel free to contact us by phone or e-mail we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Q: Are naturopathic visits covered by insurance?

A: While NDs are not covered by OHIP, most extended health care plans include naturopathic coverage.

Q: What is the training process to become a registered naturopathic doctor in Ontario?

A: NDs obtain comprehensive and rigorous training in an educational structure similar to that of medical doctors. NDs require three years of pre-med postsecondary education, plus four years of full-time study at an approved college of naturopathic medicine.
The four-year program incorporates over 4,500 hours of classroom training in basic medical science courses, clinical sciences, and naturopathic therapies, as well as 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience. Graduates from an accredited naturopathic college receive the designation Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND). Following the completion of their program, NDs must successfully complete the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) in order to qualify for licensing in Ontario. NPLEX is the standard examination used by all regulated provinces and states across North America.
NDs are also required to earn continuing education credits on an ongoing basis to maintain their registration and good standing with the regulatory body.

Q: Do you treat kids?

A: Yes, kids respond really well to naturopathic treatments, and since prevention is central to naturopathic philosophy, it is ideal to be able to start kids off on a healthy path from early on.

Q: Do you have a discount for students/seniors/uninsured/underemployed people?

A: Financial arrangements may be made with Dr. Freed on an individual basis.

Do you have more questions? Contact us.