Naturopath Frequently Asked Questions

What is a naturopathic doctor?
Naturopathic doctors are provincially-regulated primary care providers. With extensive education, including a pre-med degree and four years of training at an accredited naturopathic college, NDs integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies, including Clinical Nutrition, Botanical Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy and Hydrotherapy. As an ND, Dr. Behzad believes that the path to optimal health involves balancing the mind and body to support the body’s natural ability to heal itself.  Dr. Behzad is trained as a primary care provider and can treat the same conditions as a family doctor, including acute concerns and chronic health conditions.  He is an expert at early detection, prevention and treatment of chronic disease, and provides personalized treatment plans which works with each individual patient’s lifestyle and body chemistry.

What can I expect from my first few visits with a naturopathic doctor?
During the first visit, Dr. Behzad wants to get to know you as a person, what your health goals are and how you have managed your health in the past. Expect to be at the clinic for an hour or more to give him adequate time to develop a complete picture of your health. As well as performing a physical exam based on your health complaints and looking at any current lab work you may have done, Dr. Behzad will ask about your past medical history, family history, mental, emotional and spiritual health, your diet and lifestyle, and treatments you may be receiving from other health care providers. By the end of the first visit Dr. Behzad will provide an outline of what kind of personalized treatment/s would be most beneficial for you and give some preliminary suggestions.  Using all the information gathered from the visit Dr. Behzad will do thorough research and come up with the best comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual health concerns which he will discuss and explain in depth during the second visit as well as start any in clinic treatment such as Acupuncture.  Follow up visits will be spaced according to the individual treatment plan to assess the progress of the treatment and make any modifications if needed or address new concerns.

Do I need a referral to see a naturopathic doctor?
No, you do not need a referral to see an ND.

How do I pay for a visit to a naturopathic doctor?
Currently, OHIP does not cover visits to a naturopathic doctor. However, most extended healthcare plans include naturopathic medicine, so check with your provider to see the amount of your coverage.

Are naturopathic doctors regulated in Ontario?
Yes. Naturopathic doctors are regulated in Ontario under the 1925 Drugless Therapy Act and are registered (licensed) by the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDT-N).

How do I confirm a naturopathic doctor’s qualifications?
Naturopathic doctors must be registered to practice in Ontario. To verify that a naturopathic doctor is registered, call 416-866-8383 to reach the regulatory body for Ontario NDs or go online to www.bddtn.on.ca

I am taking prescription medicine is it safe for me to take Natural medicine and see a Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic Doctors are extensively trained in pharmacology and drug-herb-nutrient interactions.  All natural therapies are cross referenced for interaction with allopathic drugs and only the safest most beneficial natural medicine will be prescribed for you.  Hence it is very important that you bring in or provide a list of your current medications and supplements (including dosage)

I feel just fine, what is the benefit of me seeing a Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic doctors don’t only treat dis-ease but also help educate their patients on how to lead a healthy life and identify areas in your life that can be improved for optimized health.  Dr. Behzad strongly believes in preventative medicine and being proactive with your health and will show you how to ward of disease and continue enjoying abundant health.