Toronto Naturopathic Doctors
Trusted by over ten thousand patients since 2002.We are Toronto Naturopaths with a Strong Focus on Hormone Health...
Founded in 2002, White Lotus Clinic is one of the longest established naturopathic clinics in the GTA and is under the direction of Toronto naturopath and author, Dr Fiona McCulloch.
Our areas of focus:- Women's Health Concerns
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Thyroid
- Fertility
- Menopause & Perimenopause
- hormonal conditions
Our experienced naturopathic doctors are highly trained in prescribing natural bio-identical hormones (BHRT), natural desiccated thyroid (ERFA thyroid) and cyclic progesterone therapy.
Science-based Naturopathic Medicine in Ontario
Our team of caring Naturopathic Doctors are licensed in Ontario and offer a science-based approach to natural health care..
We look for root causes, interpret lab tests based on functional medicine ranges and provide holistic, natural treatment options to support healing. Our goal is to help you feel your absolute best and prevent disease from developing in the future.
Our naturopathic treatments include clinical nutrition, dietary supplements, lifestyle medicine, natural hormones and herbal medicines.
We have a Registered Acupuncturist on staff who provides care for fertility, hormonal concerns, pain relief and more with our holistic approach to overall health.
Our Healthcare Providers
What Does A Naturopath Do?
Naturopathic Medicine is a primary health care profession which includes a variety of naturally based therapies. Naturopathic treatments are aimed at removing the cause of disease and support the innate healing processes within the body. The focus of naturopathic care is centered on the individual, their health (physical, emotional social and spiritual), family history, and lifestyle.
Our naturopathic doctors provide a data-based approach, offering lab testing and lab follow-up to diagnose underlying problems and track the effectiveness of treatments over time.
Treatments we provide to our patients are natural, science-based and support the overall health and strength of the patient. At the end of each visit, we prepare written treatment plans individually for each patient’s needs. These may include nutritional supplements, herbal medicines, bio-identical hormones and diet/lifestyle changes. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach in naturopathic medicine!
What Happens At Your First Visit To A Naturopath?
- Your naturopathic doctor will complete a detailed intake of your case which can take up to 90 minutes. This approach allows your naturopath to learn a great deal about your health right from the first visit!
- A thorough review is completed of health systems covering areas such as hormones, digestion, sleep, diet, stress, family history and more. As naturopathic doctors we always look for the underlying causes of disease and support health in a holistic way.
- Your naturopath will help clarify your specific health goals during this session, so you can work on what’s most important to you.
- After each visit, your naturopathic doctor will create an individual written treatment plan for you including natural treatment options, and lab testing suggestions to clarify causes or provide a diagnosis.
Follow-up visits
Follow-up naturopathic visits are booked as needed, and are typically 45, or 30 minutes in length. In general, most patients require several consultations at the start of naturopathic care and then move to a maintenance or followup schedule with visits scheduled less often.
Most of our patients return year-after-year to work with our NDs as their health needs change or when new conditions arise!
Naturopathic Lab Testing
Lab testing is integral to diagnosis and can create significant insight into health conditions. Our NDs use functional medicine lab ranges that are best for optimal health, and we often pick up causes that may have been missed in the past. Labs are a great way to take the guesswork out of treatment and save you time on your journey back to health. Read more about our areas of focus below.
What Kinds of Testing Do Naturopathic Doctors Offer?
At our clinic, we offer two main branches of naturopathic lab testing:
- Testing through Ontario labs, such as Lifelabs. For these tests we will provide you with a requisition, and you can have your blood drawn at a lab nearby to your home or work.
- Specialized testing through International and Canadian Labs (i.e.: Organic Acids, Parasitology, Comprehensive Stool Analysis, Salivary Hormones, Urinary Hormone Metabolites, Food Sensitivities).
How Much Does It Cost to See a Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario?
The cost to see a naturopathic doctor in Ontario varies depending on the clinic, appointment length, special interest, location, level of training and other factors. An initial consultation can range from anywhere between $160 or so (for a new graduate) to sometimes over $400 for an experienced practitioner. You can see our current pricing here.
Frequently Asked Questions
None of our tests are covered by OHIP. In some cases, private insurance may reimburse some or part of naturopathic lab fees. As each insurance provider is different, please call to determine your level of coverage for labs, if any.
We can only provide lab testing to patients of the clinic, according to regulations by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Naturopathic medicine is a private service in Ontario, and it cannot be covered by public health care fees. Private (extended health) insurance often covers treatment by a licensed naturopathic doctor. We currently offer direct insurance billing for Desjardins, Manulife, Claimsecure, Industrial Alliance, Johnson, and People Corporation and provide official receipts that can be submitted to other insurance companies for reimbursement.
You do not need a referral to see a naturopathic doctor in Ontario. If you are interested in booking an appointment, you may contact our clinic directly whenever you are ready!
A naturopathic doctor completes a minimum of 7 years of postsecondary education. Prerequisites for entry into naturopathic college are similar to those required for entry into medical school and include chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.
Our NDs graduated from Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, a four-year full time program including all the biomedical sciences that a medical doctor studies. In the naturopathic curriculum, there is an emphasis on clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle counseling. Naturopaths also complete clinical rotations during their education, treating patients under the supervision of licensed NDs. Naturopathic Medical education in Canada is also accredited, meaning that it is regulated by a licensing body.
Upon graduation from an accredited Naturopathic Medical school, a candidate qualifies to write Naturopathic Physician Licensing Examinations, a rigorous and lengthy series of exams to determine the candidate’s ability to practice naturopathic medicine.
Upon passing these exams, a Naturopathic Doctor must register annually with the licensing body, follow guidelines and complete continuing education to remain in good standing. An external governing body regulates the naturopathic profession for the safety of the public.
Naturopathic doctors are regulated to provide primary health care in Ontario and offer a wide variety of natural treatments, traditional lab testing, functional medicine lab testing, nutritional and lifestyle counseling. Naturopathic doctors can diagnose disease, prescribe hormones and some medications and have completed at least 7 years of postsecondary education with university-level science prerequisites.
Although they may sound similar by name, homeopaths are very different in practice than naturopaths. Homeopathic training is a diploma program of 1-3 years, and focuses on one specific natural type of treatment: homeopathy. Homeopathy includes giving diluted extracts of substances based on the principle of “like cures like”. Although some naturopaths may offer homeopathy as part of their treatment plans, our clinic focuses on other elements of naturopathic care including evidence-based supplements, nutrition, and botanical medicines.
Several of our naturopaths are able to prescribe desiccated thyroid (NDT, Erfa) and bio-identical hormones (progesterone and estrogen) for patients of the clinic. They have completed additional certification in prescribing in order to provide this treatment. We work with many compounding and traditional pharmacies in Toronto to help our patients access the medications they need.
Your health is completely your decision. Naturopathic Doctors are regulated health care practitioners and will be able to work in concert with your medical doctor, chiropractor, or specialist to help provide the most comprehensive care.
A naturopathic doctor will never suggest that you should stop a medication recommended to you by a medical doctor. Your health care is always confidential, and it is your decision with whom you’d like to share your information. Naturopathic Doctors often refer to MDs when the patient’s care is outside the scope of practice of naturopathy.
