Question 1

Could you tell me more about naturopathic medicine?

Accepted Answer

Naturopathic medicine treats the root cause(s) of your health concerns by getting to know you as a whole person, not just your symptoms. Naturopaths spend a full 60 minutes with each patient during the initial consultation and work diligently to create a personalized treatment plan that is realistic and effective.

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are highly trained health professionals who can provide counselling, lab testing, nutritional consultations, herbal medicine, IV therapy, and acupuncture. From the patient's perspective, there is a clear advantage to having all of these skill-sets reside within a single practitioner.

Question 2

Are you a 'real' doctor?

Accepted Answer

Quick answer: Yes

The Government of Alberta formally recognizes naturopaths as Doctors. This is due to the level of education required to become a licensed naturopath in Alberta; typically 8 years of University/College.

We are a regulated profession with a high degree of accountability to the public and are subject to the same regulations as pharmacists, chiropractors, and dentists.

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are not medical doctors (MDs). Our philosophies and our approaches to treating patients vary considerably. NDs do not prescribe pharmaceuticals, nor do we perform surgery. We focus on proactive health and offer natural solutions for your health concerns.

Question 3

Is naturopathic care free?

Accepted Answer

Quick answer: No

Naturopathic care is not tax-funded and is considered private health care. Most extended benefit plans cover $300-$500 per year for consultations and lab tests/supplements are often covered under company Health Spending Accounts (HSA).

Otherwise, many patients pay for naturopathic services because they see the tremendous value that is gained from regularly seeing a naturopath.

Question 4

Do you have a physical clinic location?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: YesCome see me at Essence Wellness Clinic in Willow Park or Mahogany where I provide all services including IV therapy, lab testing, and naturopathic consultations. Hours of availability can change, so please check this website and my Google listing for the most up-to-date information.

Question 5

Are naturopathic doctors qualified to treat mental health?

Accepted Answer

Quick answer: Yes
Licensed Naturopathic Doctors are well trained in a variety of established counselling techniques and we are permitted to provide counseling under our scope-of-practice. Further, our length of education supersedes many of the professions people commonly associate with mental health.
NDs realize that physical and mental health are both intimately connected. This is why I believe NDs are the best and most well-round practitioners available to help people through their struggles.
If I am out of my professional depth (severe mental health issues), it is my responsibility to refer and co-manage the case with another health care provider.

Question 6

What does it mean to be an "evidence-based" naturopath?"

Accepted Answer

It means that I do not make outrageous claims nor I do not use un-validated diagnostic gadgets. It means that I only prescribe supplements that have unbiased, high-quality research trials to back up their effectiveness.

Evidence-based naturopathic medicine is something that I am extremely proud to provide to my patients. It is not the easy road, but it is the responsible way to care for others.

Question 7

Is there anything you DON'T treat?

Accepted Answer

Quick answer: Yes

While everyone is welcome at my practice regardless of diagnosis / age / gender / race / beliefs, I believe it is best for the following patients to seek the help of someone who specializes in their particular demographic and case-type:

-Pediatrics under 5 years of age (I tend to not treat)
-Cancer (I tend to not treat)
-Lyme disease (I tend to not treat)
-AIDS/HIV (I tend to not treat)

Question 8

What are some examples of lab tests that you run?

Accepted Answer

Listed below are some of the most common tests I run:
-Health Check-Ups and General Wellness tests - serum (blood)
-Hormonal tests (Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, Cortisol) - serum (blood)/salivary
-Digestion, Inflammation, Microbiome, and Food Sensitivity tests - serum (blood)/stool
-Thyroid tests - serum (blood)
-Vitamin D tests - Serum (blood)
-Metabolism and Nutritional Evaluation - Serum (blood), urinary
Price range is typically from around $229 to $499. Some tests cost more, some less.

Question 9

Why do you take courses in pharmaceuticals if you can't prescribe drugs?

Accepted Answer

Our society is medicated.

The overwhelming majority of my patients are taking several prescribed drugs at once. It is my responsibility to know the side effects and the nutrient depletions that these pharmaceuticals cause so that I can best support my patients.

Pharmacy education is also required for various certifications under my license such as IV therapy and  naturopathic injections.

NATUROPATH YYC

DR. RILEY ANDERSON, ND

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)