Naturopaths in Santa Barbara, CA

To find a naturopath near you, input your city, town, suburb, zip code, or a provider's name in the search bar at the top of the page. From there, you can filter by specialty, treatment technique, and gender to find a naturopath who matches your needs.

When you visit a naturopath's profile, you can get a better idea if they're the right fit for you. Consider things like session cost, treatment modalities, and their location or telehealth options. If someone seems like a good match, you can email them or call the number on their profile. When speaking with a naturopath, pay attention to whether or not you feel comfortable in the conversation and how knowledgeable they are about your specific concerns. It may also be helpful to ask more about their general approach to naturopathy and the training behind their credentials.

Naturopaths are healthcare practitioners who focus on using natural and holistic approaches to support the body’s ability to heal itself. They often employ treatments like herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle changes, and other natural therapies instead of conventional medicines. Naturopathy is rooted in the belief that wellness comes from balancing the body, mind, and spirit, aiming to treat the whole person rather than just addressing symptoms.

You might consider seeing a naturopath if traditional medical treatments haven’t been effective for you, or if you’re seeking a more integrative, holistic approach to health that includes natural remedies. Some people also turn to naturopathy to complement conventional treatments, and some patients may choose to work with a naturopath alongside their primary care doctor for a broader range of care.

Naturopaths who have undergone accredited training and passed an exam can become licensed to practice under the title "Naturopathic Doctor" (ND or NMD). Most NDs are trained in the specialty of primary care, but some elect to specialize in a certain area, such as endocrinology, pediatrics, psychiatry, or oncology. To become licensed as an ND, naturopaths must graduate from an accredited 4-year naturopathic medical program and pass a board examination known as the NPLEX. Currently, only 23 states and Washington DC recognize ND licensure, and practice standards vary significantly across these states. Further, three states—Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee—prohibit naturopaths from practicing.

In contrast, a "traditional naturopath" is an unregulated title that does not require formal education or licensure. Traditional naturopaths may follow similar holistic principles as NDs, focusing on natural remedies and wellness, but their training and qualifications can vary widely since no formal standards govern their practice or licensure.

The practice of naturopathic doctors (NDs) is regulated at the state level, including their ability to prescribe medication. In most states, NDs are not permitted to prescribe any controlled substances; however, some states permit NDs to prescribe less regulated forms of medications. That said, many NDs employ a philosophy in which traditional medications are not used or used very sparingly, making prescribing practices more infrequent among NDs when compared to traditional medical doctors (MDs). Instead, many NDs may "prescribe" lifestyle changes, such as diet modification, exercise routines, or stress management/ relaxation techniques, to clients as a first line intervention.

Appointments with Naturopaths can vary significantly in cost depending on the session type, length, and location. However, many naturopaths charge between $150-$300 per session. Since naturopathic services are not typically covered by insurance, most clients pay for naturopath sessions out of pocket.

In most cases, naturopath consultations and services are not covered by insurance. However, clients should check with their individual insurance provider to confirm whether any services may be covered. In some cases, naturopaths may hold additional licenses that are reimbursable for insurance coverage; for instance, some naturopaths may hold a degree in counseling, mental health therapy, or dietetics and integrate elements of their naturopathic practice, such as taking a holistic or spiritual approach, into counseling sessions with clients. In such cases, these sessions may be eligible for insurance coverage as part of one's mental health and nutritional service benefit coverage.