How to Verify a Naturopathic or Integrative Practitioner Credential

This page explains how to check a credential. It does not list or recommend any practitioner or clinic, and it cannot tell you whether a particular treatment works. Verifying a credential never replaces medical care: for new, severe or worsening symptoms, see a medical doctor first, and in a US emergency call 911.

Step 1: Write down what the practitioner says

Note the exact title, such as "ND," "naturopath," "doctor" or "functional medicine practitioner," the school, and the place of licensing or registration. NCCIH advises finding out as much as you can about any potential practitioner, including education, training, licensing and certifications. [1] Credentials vary tremendously from state to state and from discipline to discipline. [1] "Credentials" can mean a license, a certification or education, and these are different things. [2]

Step 4: Check the school's accreditation

In the US and Canada, CNME accredits four-year, primarily campus-based doctoral programs in naturopathic medicine and also lists candidate programs, which have five years to achieve accreditation. [10] CNME does not accredit programs delivered primarily or entirely online. [11] An association article reproduced on a regulators' federation site says online graduates are not eligible for licensure in jurisdictions that license NDs. [12] School lists change, so use CNME's current page rather than an old one.

Step 5: Ask about scope and about the specific service

A license says what the practitioner may do under local law, not what every clinic offers. State laws vary widely in the services allowed. [2] If a practitioner offers prescribing, IV treatments or injections, ask which law or board permits it where you live, and check with the regulator. See what naturopaths may and may not do.

Step 6: Look at discipline and know how to complain

Some regulators publish discipline information; Oregon's Board lists disciplinary actions and a complaint process. [6] Ontario's College has a page on unauthorised practitioners and says anyone using a protected title without belonging to the College is engaged in unauthorised practice. [8] For complaints and adverse events, see reporting complaints and adverse events.

What verification cannot tell you

Regulations, licenses or certificates do not guarantee safe, effective treatment from any provider, conventional or complementary. [13] Being licensed or certified is not always a guarantee of being qualified. [2] Also ask about costs and your insurance, because NCCIH says not to assume your health insurance will cover the services. [1] Ask whether the practitioner will work with your regular doctor, and tell all your providers about everything you use. [1]

For more questions to ask, see choosing a qualified practitioner and questions to ask a naturopath or integrative practitioner. If you searched for a practitioner "near me," see how to check before booking.