Your First Naturopath Visit – What To Expect

Dr. Andresen will work hard to get to the root of your healthcare concerns. At NDcare, your first Naturopathic consult includes both your first & second visits.

At your first of those two visits, you will receive a thorough healthcare assessment and physical exam. Lab test results may be requested from another doctor or requested by Dr. Andresen. You can also expect to receive preliminary treatment recommendations to get you started on your journey to feeling better.

Your second visit is called your Report of Findings. This session is where your lab results and other findings will be reviewed and discussed with you in addition to tailoring a specific comprehensive treatment to your individual needs aimed at getting you better once and for all. Dr. Andresen’s recommendations are always based on the best available research and her 12 years of clinical experience.

Dr. Andresen understands that health issues can be very stressful on so many areas of your life. We approach you and your health from two principles:

1. help you feel better as quickly as possible;
2. recognize that lasting and sustainable health is a process that takes time.

She will be with you every step of the way, ensuring that you completely understand the treatment process so that you can start feeling better.

Book your appointment with Dr. Tara Andresen at one of our conveniently-located Toronto naturopath clinics.

Questions? Complete our short form or give us a call, we’d love to hear from you!

Free 15 Minute Info Session – Meet the Naturopath

• Do you have questions about our approach to healthcare treatments, lab testing or fees?
• Do you want to meet the Naturopathic Doctor before your first appointment to find out how we might help?
• When you schedule a Free 15 Minute Info Session we will give you a $30 credit towards our First Naturopathic Visit. 
• Our online scheduling system makes this easy - as easy as 1-2-3!  (1) choose your PREFERRED CLINIC LOCATION; (2) choose to meet IN-PERSON or VIA VIDEO CALL; (3) click on the link below to schedule a convenient day/time to meet. 

NOTE: No treatments will be provided during this consult, this is purely for informational purposes.

Use our online contact form for any questions, concerns or feedback.

How We Make Naturopathy Affordable and Accessible

1. TWO APPOINTMENTS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE.  We understand how important it is to provide a thorough health assessment and give you a comprehensive plan to get better. We cannot do this in 7 minutes (typical MD office visit) and so your first naturopathic consultation includes a 75 minute intake and assessment visit as well as a 45 minute report of findings, treatment plan review and follow up visit.

2. DIRECT BILLING TO MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES, saving you the upfront costs. Naturopathic doctors are not covered by O.H.I.P. However, most employers’ extended healthcare plans will cover appointments with a Naturopath, lab testing ordered by a Naturopath and acupuncture treatments. Check with your employer or insurance company about your eligibility for naturopathy coverage.

3. We offer an optional FREE 15 MINUTE INFORMATION VISIT to find out about our services before booking your first full appointment. 

For your convenience, NDcare accepts Visa, MasterCard, debit, cash, or cheque. We will also provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

New Patient Appointment Fees

*NEW PATIENT SPECIAL – Save $30 when you schedule a 15-min free consult

Your naturopathic new patient visit process includes:

1. Two sessions with Dr. Andresen - your first 75 min appointment and a second complimentary 45 minute follow up appointment.
2. Comprehensive review of medical history and previous lab testing if done, followed by a physical examination.
3. Assessment and preliminary treatment protocol, including recommendations for additional lab testing as needed
4. A separate Report of Findings visit to review any additional test results if done as well as symptom tracking results and treatment progress, followed by next steps in the treatment protocol.

Learn more about your first naturopathic visit.

Follow-up Appointment Fees

Adults (19 and over)

Children (18 and under)

Acupuncture/Trigger Point Dry Needling Fees

Acupuncture/ Trigger Point Dry Needling is a safe and effective natural treatment method for many health conditions. Trigger Point Dry Needling is an effective medical treatment for muscle tension, pain and stiffness using acupuncture needles.

Other Fees:

• Please note that Dr. Andresen offers students and seniors a 15% discount on visits to her Toronto naturopathic clinic.
• Supplements and lab testing are subject to additional fees.

Cancelation Policy

Please note that Dr. Andresen requires 24 hours’ notice by phone or email to cancel any appointment. Appointments that are not canceled within this time are charged 50% of the appointment fee. Exceptions can be made in emergency situations.

Book your appointment with Dr. Tara Andresen at one of our conveniently-located Toronto naturopath clinics, or give us a call and book over the phone.

Naturopathic lab testing is an effective way to diagnose many medical conditions. At NDcare, Dr. Andresen may recommend standard and/or specialized lab tests as part of her assessment process. This allows her to properly evaluate your health status, screen for potential health conditions, and monitor the progress of your treatment.

While not covered by OHIP, when ordered by a Naturopath, lab test fees can be covered by your extended health insurance plan and billed directly to your insurance provider.

Standard Lab Tests

Naturopathic Doctors order many of the same standard diagnostic tests as your family physician, such as blood work, stool, urine, and saliva testing. Depending on your health concerns, Dr. Andresen may recommend checking your iron status, blood cholesterol and triglycerides, thyroid function, complete blood count, liver enzyme levels, kidney function, blood glucose levels, inflammation levels and more. In addition to blood tests, there are a wide variety of standard breath, stool or urine tests that may be recommend including an H Pylori Breath Test as well as Stool Ova & Parasite testing and Urinary Tract cultures.

As a new patient, if needed, you might be asked to bring copies of most recent lab results to your initial visit. Please note that in Ontario, fees for naturopathic lab tests are not covered by OHIP, and are subject to an additional cost. For her standard lab requisitions, Dr. Andresen uses a lab called Life Labs.

Specialized Lab Tests

To help her assess and create a natural treatment plan for gastrointestinal issues, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, stress management, allergies and other issues, Dr. Andresen also performs specialized lab tests and panels including the following:

1. Digestive Health Tests
   • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
   • IgG Food Sensitivity Panel
   • Comprehensive Stool Analysis
   • Expanded Stool Microbiology Test
   • Intestinal Permeability Assessment
   • H. Pylori Breath Test/ Stool Test
   • Histamine DAO Test
   • Celiac Test Panel (gluten allergies)
2. Hormones & Reproductive Health
   • PCOS Panel
   • Female Fertility Assessment
   • Female Hormone Panel
   • Male Hormone Panel
   • Thyroid Panel with Antibodies
   • Urinary Tract Infection Testing
   • Yeast Infection & Bacterial Vaginosis Swab
3. Chronic Fatigue, Stress, Mood
   • Fatigue Blood Test Panel
   • Organic Acid Urine Test (Chronic Fatigue, Mood, ADHD, Metabolism)
   • Stress Impact Panel
   • Vitamin Panel
   • Mineral Panel
4. Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes Risk
   • Insulin Resistance Assessment
   • Lipoprotein Particle Profile
   • Cholesterol Panel
   • Inflammation Panel
5. Allergies & Environmental Exposures
   • IgE Inhalant Allergy Test
   • IgE Food Allergy Testing
   • Comprehensive Additive and Exposure Profile
   • Indoor Reactivity Profile
   • Urine Toxic Element Analysis
   • Hair Mineral Analysis

Dr. Tara Andresen provides acupuncture treatments at both of her Toronto naturopathic clinics. She is highly trained in acupuncture and is dedicated to providing the most effective, pain-free treatment possible. Only ultra-thin acupuncture needles are used to maximize comfort and give patients a positive acupuncture experience.

Your initial acupuncture appointment with Dr. Andresen will last 45 minutes and includes a health assessment, followed by your first acupuncture treatment. Follow up treatmemts last 30 minutes.

When treating patients at NDare, Dr. Andresen uses two different acupuncture techniques which include:

1. Trigger Point Dry Needling
2. Traditional Acupuncture Protocols

(1) Trigger Point Dry Needling

Trigger Point Dry Needling is a western medical approach to acupuncture and is often used to address acute and chronic pain concerns. At NDcare, Dr. Andresen effectively uses this treatment technique regularly to treat muscular and myofascial pain. The treatment works by deactivating trigger points found in overused muscles. Trigger points are literally tangled muscle fibres that form knots and cause acute or chronic pain as well as decreased range of motion.

CHRONIC PAIN

Some of the acute and chronic pain concerns that Dr. Andresen effectively treats with technique include:

• Headaches
• Upper & Lower Back Pain/ Tension
• Neck & Shoulder Pain/ Tension
• TMJ
• Plantar Fasciitis/ Foot Pain
• Sciatica
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Patella Femoral Syndrome
• Tendinitis

(2) Traditional Acupuncture Protocols

Acupuncture has been a trusted natural treatment method for thousands of years, and is a strong complement to a naturopathic treatment plan. Dr. Andresen typically might recommend traditional acupuncture for the following health concerns: Digestion; Stress & Insomnia; Reproductive Health & Fertility Support.

DIGESTION

Acupuncture works to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes gastrointestinal muscles and improves digestion. This can be helpful in those who experience regular stomach pain, bloating, gas and bowel movement irregularity. It has been shown to:

• Relieve digestive cramping and bloating
• Improve gut motility so that food moves more efficiently along the digestive tract.
• Reduce stress and promote relaxation by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system to relax gastrointestinal muscles and improve digestion.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

By calming the nervous system, acupuncture helps to decrease anxiety and mitigate the effects of stress. Acupuncture has been shown to modulate the body’s glutamate receptors to balance glutamate release which is linked to anxiety and depression. Glutamate is an excitatory amino acid.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH & FERTILITY

Acupuncture can be used to help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and support cycle restoration when it is absent. It can also improve PMS and painful menstrual cycles. It does this by helping to regulate the flow of blood to the uterus and ovaries, thickening the uterine lining, and normalizing ovarian function. Acupuncture also boosts the circulation of endorphins, a neurotransmitter that can relieve stress and alleviate pain. In addition, research suggests that acupuncture affects the hypothalamus, a part of your brain that affects menstrual cycle hormones.

Acupuncture fees are covered by most employer extended healthcare plans. Check with your employer or insurance company for details on your eligibility for coverage.

Book your acupuncture appointment with Dr. Andresen at one of our conveniently-located Toronto naturopathic clinics.

Your initial acupuncture appointment with Dr. Tara Andresen will last 45 minutes and includes a health assessment, followed by your first acupuncture treatment. Follow-up treatment appointments last 30 minutes.

Acupuncture is a great option for a host of health concerns, including pain management. Your health assessment includes questions about your symptoms, medical history, medications, and supplements. Dr. Andresen will also conduct a physical examination, including range of motion testing and muscle trigger point assessments as needed.

After your initial assessment, you will receive an acupuncture treatment customized to your individual needs. Your treatment may include trigger point dry needling, traditional acupuncture or electro-acupuncture, as well as stretching and hot and cold applications as needed.

Book your appointment with Dr. Tara Andresen at one of our conveniently-located Toronto naturopath clinics.

Acupuncture/ Trigger Point Dry Needling Fees

Acupuncture/ trigger point dry needling is a safe and effective natural treatment method for many health conditions. Trigger Point Dry Needling is an effective medical treatment for muscle tension, pain and stiffness using acupuncture needles.

Health Conditions Treated by Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a safe and effective way to treat many medical conditions. Toronto naturopathic doctor Dr. Tara Andresen treats a full range of issues at her naturopathic clinic.

After performing a thorough assessment, Dr. Andresen will create a customized treatment plan that will address all your health concerns, and you don’t need to wait until you’re sick to visit a naturopathic doctor. Dr. Andresen will also work with you to optimize your health for disease prevention and general well-being.

Some of the many conditions that naturopathy can help with include:

Gastrointestinal Health

Dr. Andresen is committed to providing natural treatment alternatives for a wide range of gastrointestinal concerns, including:

• Gastric reflux and natural heartburn remedies
• Natural diarrhea treatments
• Chronic constipation
• Natural gas treatments
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome / IBS treatment
• Crohn’s Disease
• Celiac Disease
• Food sensitivities
• Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Women’s Health

Dr. Andresen provides natural treatment options for a wide range of women’s health concerns, including:

• Menopause & premenopausal
• PMS and other menstrual irregularities
• Hormonal imbalance treatment
• Treatment for PCO
• Osteoporosis
• Urinary tract infections
• Yeast infections
• Breast health
• Fertility
• Thyroid disorders, to name a few

Pain Management

Dr. Andresen provides natural pain treatments for a wide variety of pain management problems, including:

• Arthritis
• Low back pain
• Migraines
• Tension headaches
• Muscle tension
• Fibromyalgia
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• TMJ and jaw pain
• And more

Immune System Health

Dr. Andresen provides natural remedies for a host of immune system issues, including:

• Natural allergy remedies
• Natural cold treatments and prevention
• Natural flu treatments and prevention
• Frequent infections

Skin Health

Dr. Andresen offers natural remedies for many skin issues, including:

• Natural eczema treatment
• Dermatitis
• Aging
• Natural acne treatments

Blood Sugar Management

Dr. Andresen is dedicated to providing natural treatment options for blood sugar management, including:

• Natural diabetes treatments
• Hypoglycemia treatment

Cardiovascular Health

At her Toronto naturopathic clinic, Dr. Andresen offers natural remedies to help with a variety of cardiovascular health issues, such as:

• Lowering cholesterol naturally
• Natural blood pressure remedies, and
• Stroke and heart attack prevention, among others

Stress Management

Dr. Andresen gives natural treatments for stress management, including:

• Natural anxiety treatment,
• Panic attack treatment,
• Natural depression treatment,
• Insomnia treatment,
• Chronic fatigue treatment and more.

Weight Management

Dr. Andresen provides natural weight treatments for weight management, including:

• Natural weight loss treatment
• Natural weight loss supplements
• Weight maintenance

Book your appointment with Dr. Tara Andresen at one of our conveniently-located Toronto naturopath clinics, or contact us for more information on any of the conditions we treat.