What’s the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor, herbalist, natural therapist, homeopath, a doctor of natural medicine and a health counselor?
The short answer is education and regulation. Naturopathic Doctors are the only practitioners who are licensed professionals. NDs are required to have a minimum of 3 years of pre-medical studies at university followed by four years of full time Naturopathic medical school. They are members of their provincial regulatory body and can use the designation ND. The terms herbalist, natural therapist, homeopath, doctor of natural medicine and health counselor are not protected by the law and people with different levels of training can all use these titles and are not subject to regulatory processes. When you see an ND, you are choosing quality health care.
