
02/28/2025
Important Information for New Brunswick Residents Seeking Naturopathic Care
If you're a resident of New Brunswick and have sought care from a naturopath or Naturopathic Doctor, this post is for you.
There are two distinct categories within the field of naturopathy:
Naturopathic Doctors (ND): These individuals have completed a rigorous, accredited 4-year, full-time program in naturopathic medicine.
Naturopaths: These practitioners may have varying levels of training, and their educational background may not meet the standards required to become a Naturopathic Doctor. You may sometimes see the lowercase "nd" after their name, which can indicate a different level of training.
It’s important to note that while many insurance companies offer coverage for "naturopathic services," this does not always reflect the level of training and expertise you'd expect from a fully accredited Naturopathic Doctor.
Until our province enacts formal regulation for this profession, it’s up to consumers to make informed decisions about their healthcare. If you’re seeking naturopathic care, understanding the difference between a fully qualified Naturopathic Doctor and other practitioners is essential.
For more details on how to distinguish between the two, I encourage you to read here:
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) is the national non-profit professional association representing regulated (or, in unregulated jurisdictions, those who meet the criteria for regulation) naturopathic doctors.