Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What makes your approach different?
We don’t focus on chasing symptoms—we identify and correct the underlying reasons your body is out of balance. Our process includes advanced diagnostic testing, expert analysis, and customized Restoration Programs designed specifically for your physiology and needs. Once your body is restored, we continue to support long-term prevention because true wellness is not a short-term fix—it’s a lifelong partnership. Our goal is lasting transformation, not temporary relief.
How long will it take to feel better?
Every person is different, and results depend on the severity and duration of your symptoms, your history, and your level of engagement. Many patients begin noticing changes within a few weeks, while others require several months to unwind deeper patterns. We are not a quick-fix clinic—we build real, lasting health. The body needs consistency, the right support, and a clear plan to thrive, and that’s exactly what we provide.
What is the difference between a Medical Doctor (MD) and a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)?
Both MDs and NDs are trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. The difference is that a Medical Doctor typically focuses on diagnosing and treating symptoms using pharmaceutical drugs and sometimes surgery. A Naturopathic Doctor treats the whole person, looking for the underlying causes of symptoms, and uses a variety of natural therapies to restore balance and vitality.
What is a Naturopathic Doctor’s training?
A Naturopathic Doctor (ND) completes 8 years of training: a 4-year bachelor’s degree followed by a 4-year graduate-level medical school. NDs are trained in conventional medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology, clinical and physical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, cardiology, gastroenterology, gynecology, and pediatrics.
In addition, NDs complete training in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, and counseling. Graduates must pass rigorous science and clinical board exams to be licensed by the state as primary care doctors.
Working Together
How do we communicate between visits?
Communication happens through our secure patient app, Practice Better. It includes a messaging feature that allows you to ask questions, share updates, upload results, send information, and receive guidance between sessions. Everything stays organized in one place so nothing gets missed.
Do you treat men?
Yes. We treat men regularly and they experience excellent results. In our practice, women tend to seek us out first, and men often join after seeing their partner’s transformation. Regardless of how they arrive, men receive the same attention, individualized care, and results-driven support.
Do you work with teens or children?
Yes. We work with teen patients and are experienced in helping with mood changes, energy issues, sleep challenges, hormone shifts, focus concerns, and more. Communication with parents is easy and streamlined through the Practice Better app, ensuring everyone stays involved and informed. We will occasionally work with younger children if the family is fully committed to participating in a program.
Do you work with vegan or plant-based clients?
Occasionally. We are not opposed to vegan or plant-based eating, but we find that achieving strong clinical results typically takes longer without high-quality animal proteins. In most cases, patients experience faster, more significant improvements when including meat, seafood, fish, or poultry. If someone is committed to a plant-based lifestyle, we do our best to support them while being honest about what is required to reach their goals.
Medications & Weight Loss
Do you work with patients who are taking prescription medications?
Yes. Many of our patients are on prescription medications. We do not replace your medical team—we work alongside them. Our role is to help your body function at its highest potential while respecting and complementing any existing medical treatment. Our approach enhances results and supports your long-term health.
Can I work with you if I am already taking a GLP-1 weight-loss medication (such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro)?
Absolutely. Many patients come to us while on GLP-1 medications. Some want help managing side effects, others want metabolic support while taking the drug, and many want to transition off in a way that protects their metabolism and helps them maintain their progress. We focus on restoring balance and rebuilding health from the inside out. Your MD will be the one who transitions you off the medication.
Do you prescribe GLP-1 medications?
No, we do not prescribe GLP-1 medications or weight-loss pharmaceuticals. However, we offer highly effective natural and metabolic programs that address the root causes of weight gain. When the body is properly supported—digestively, hormonally, metabolically, and neurologically—weight often normalizes without needing medication.
Payments & Logistics
Do you take insurance?
No. We are a cash-based practice. Even if we were covered in-network as NDs in California, we would not take insurance because it limits our ability to provide the personalized, in-depth care that produces results.
How can I pay for services?
We prefer checks, ACH bank transfers, Zelle, and Venmo. We also accept Visa and Mastercard. Our programs are designed to offer a 3% discount when paid via check, bank transfer, or other cash-equivalent methods.
Do you accept insurance for labs?
Insurance is relevant when we are ordering standard bloodwork. You may use your HSA or FSA for our programs. We are happy to write you a letter if needed. Manay patients find it more cost-effective to pay cash for labs, as we have negotiated prices far below typical insurance charges for the same testing.
Lab Testing & Supplements
Can you order labs?
Yes. We routinely order a comprehensive blood panel at the start of your program and typically repeat labs 2-3 times per year during the maintenance phase. If something needs closer monitoring, labs may be run more frequently.
Do you work with specialty labs?
Yes, when needed. However, after years in practice, we have found that many issues resolve through foundational improvement, making high-cost specialty testing unnecessary. If a specialty test will impact the outcome or you simply prefer to run additional panels, we are happy to do so.
Do I need to buy supplements from you?
We strongly recommend it. The supplement industry is not regulated, and products purchased online—especially at lower prices—are often expired, counterfeit, or from unapproved sellers.
We purchase directly from professional manufacturers and only recommend products with proven results. To ensure you receive what we prescribe—and achieve the outcomes we expect—we encourage purchasing through our office or online professional store.
What happens if I need a supplement refill?
We have both in-office and online dispensaries. We ask for a one week notice so we can ensure stock and prevent gaps in your program.
Program Expectations & Prevention
Do you provide long-term guidance once I finish my Restoration Program?
Yes. Restoration is only the beginning. Once your body is functioning well again, prevention becomes the most powerful form of health insurance. We offer ongoing support to maintain your progress, keep small issues from becoming larger problems, and help you stay strong, energetic, and resilient for life. This comes in the form of HealthSpan Programs. We see ourselves not just as practitioners, but as collaborators who walk alongside you for the long term.
What happens if I miss an appointment?
To ensure availability for all patients, we have a two business day cancellation policy. Initial consultations require prepayment. Missed appointments are deducted from your program, although exceptions can be made for special circumstances.
Conditions & Limitations
Is my body too broken to be fixed?
In almost all cases, no. Unless something is permanently damaged or anatomically missing (for example, cartilage worn away at a joint), the body can recover once the right conditions are restored. If you’re unsure whether we can help, we recommend scheduling a discovery call. New wellness interventions are invented all the time, so if you are in question, please ask us!
Do you treat cancer?
No. In the United States, natural medicine cannot treat cancer.
We can, however:
- Support recovery after treatment
- Help rebuild strength, energy, and function
If you need integrative support during treatment, we are happy to refer you.
Do you treat Lyme disease?
No. We do not specialize in Lyme treatment, but we can refer you to excellent providers who do.
Do you do heavy metal detoxification?
Your system will naturally detoxify during your Restoration Program, but we do not perform chelation therapy.
If you require medically supervised chelation, we are not the right fit.