Frequently Asked Questions:
What to expect the first visit:
Naturopathic Medicine: The first visit takes 60-75 minutes so that we have plenty of time to discuss health concerns, goals, history, dive into lifestyle, and really get to know you as an individual. The doctor will discuss treatment options, lab options, and lifestyle changes at the end of the treatment. A treatment plan will be sent to you after the visit via the patient portal.
Intuitive Acupuncture and Energy Session: 75 minutes. The first 30 minutes is set aside to talk about your health concerns. The remaining time will be focused on treatments. Intuitive acupuncture is different than Traditional Chinese Medicine in that the practioner reads and scans the body for guidance on treatments. Treatment options include a lot of treatments outside of acupuncture needles, although those may or may not be used during an intuitive. For needle phobics, there are other options. They include moxabustion, gua sha, myofascial release, energy balancing techniques, sotai structural alignment, cupping, teishin work, and more. See the intuitive acupuncture page to learn more.
Qi Glow Facials & Cosmetic Acupuncture: The first 15 – 20 minutes of the treatment is reserved for discussing skin concerns. The next 45-60 minutes is your treatment. Qi Glow facials can be done with or without acupuncture needles. Treatment may also include acupressure facial massage, gua sha, cupping, moxabustion, and the facial teishin beauty wand. This is like no other facial – a truly relaxing and rejuvinating experience.
Bio-identical Hormone Replacement therapy: The initial treatment includes much of the same interview as a Naturopathic visit to assess risk and efficacy for hormone replacement. Not all folks are candidates for hormone replacement, however Naturopathic medicine has a wide variety of treatments to address hormonal symptoms and health concerns.
Naturopathic Medicine: Most naturopathic follow-ups are every one to two months and typically 30 minutes. Health conditions are most often multi-factoral and as some layers heal, others will become the new priority. Chronic conditions usually take years to express themselves and take time to heal.
Intuitive Acupuncture: Acupuncture treatments build on themselves. While most conditions will improve with weekly treatments, many do better with treatments twice a week, especially if they respond well to moxabustion. Maintenence acupuncture is 1-2 times a month.
Qi Glow Facials & Cosmetic Acupuncture: One treatment is a glow up for radiant skin, a contoured face, and nervous system reset. A series of 6-12 treatments will result in reduced fine lines, improved facial muscle tone (less sagging and wrinkles), and longer term reduction in puffiness. If you want results go for a package.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement therapy: Patients should see the doctor every 2-3 months for the first 6 months, and then 3-6 months onward. Annual labs are required for maintaining HRT.
Do you take insurance?
While it is uncommon to find insurance companies in California covering naturopathic medicine, some policies are starting to add NDs to their specialists. Since its so uncommon, the majority (if not all) of Naturopathic doctors in California are cash pay clinics. The advantage of leaving insurance out of the picture is that NDs offer the best treatments for their patients, regardless of insurance coverage, while many PCPs only offer options insurance covers. Unfortunately insurance denies many helpful and sometimes necessary treatments. If your insurance policy covers naturopathic medicine, ask for a superbill at the end of the visit, and you can submit a claim directly to your insurance company for reimbursement. Superbills are also available for acupuncture visits. No superbills are available for Qi Glow Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments.
- ND Initial visit (60-75 minutes): Intake review fee (non-refundable) $75. First appointment $285.
- ND Follow ups (15 min/30 min): $80/$145
- Initial patient 6 month package (initial visit + three 30 minute follow ups) – $655
- Return patient follow up 6 month package (four 30 minute follow ups) – $505
Initial visit: $75 Intake review fee (non-refundable). First Appointment: $130
Follow ups: $130
Cosmetic acupuncture and Qi Glow Facials:
Initial visit for cosmetic acupuncture (75 minutes): $75 Intake review fee (non-refundable). First appointment (60 minute): $165
Skin consultation (30 minutes): Must paired with a facial. $80. May include advice on skincare, supplements, and self-care facial techniques.
Cosmetic Acupuncture Follow ups: $165
How long is the healing process?
The healing process varies for each condition. In general the more chronic and complex the condition, the longer the healing journey. Root cause medicine usually is multifactorial. Quick methods tend to be suppressive, while true healing takes time. The biggest mistake is to give up on the healing journey too quickly.
Do you work with my other doctors?
Yes! Part of holistic care is working with your whole medical team. Another part is appropriately referring to other doctors or medical professionals based on your individual needs.
Do you PrescriBe Hormones?
Yes, Naturopathic doctors can prescribe bioidentical hormones but have limited prescribing access in the state of California, unless supervised by a MD. Dr. Ellerie believes in the right medication at the right time and will encourage patients to visit their PCP for medications.
Bio-identical Hormones can be a game changer in increasing vitality through peri-menopause and menopause. Additionally Naturopathic doctors are trained in herbs and supplements to mitigate the not-so-fun symptoms of menopause including hot-flashes, brain fog, mood changes, fatigue, heavy menses, and more. Hormone testing is available too as indicated for the individual.