FAQ for Naturopathic Medicine

What is a Naturopathic Physician?
Why should I see a Naturopathic Doctor when they sell herbs and vitamins at the health food store?
Where did Dr. Mitchell go to medical school?
What is the education of a Naturopathic Physician?
What is homeopathy?
What type of herbs does Dr. Mitchell prescribe?
What type of nutritional care does Dr. Mitchell prescribe?
Does Dr. Mitchell prescribe hormones?
Do natural therapies really work?
Are visits covered by insurance?
How often would I need to see Dr. Mitchell?
If I am already using natural therapies, will this be a problem?
Will I have to stop seeing my regular doctor to see a Naturopathic Physician?
Do I have to stop taking my prescription medication?


What is a Naturopathic Physician?
Naturopathic Physicians are doctors who specialize in Natural Family Medicine. They are licensed by the State of Connecticut to diagnose and treat all medical conditions. Naturopathic Physicians are the only physician level specialists in Natural Medicine. We are trained to identify and remove the causes of a disease and to treat patients using natural, non-toxic therapies. Our primary goal, as your natural medicine expert, is to not only treat your condition, but also maximize your health.

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Why should I see a Naturopathic Doctor when they sell herbs and vitamins at the health food store?
The multitude of nutritional and botanical supplements available over the counter can be bewildering.  Furthermore, it is inappropriate and possibly dangerous to get medical advice from persons not appropriately trained.  A naturopathic physician has a comprehensive understanding of physiology, pharmacology, botanical medicine, nutritional biochemistry, and interactions between natural and drug therapies. Without this training, one cannot safely make recommendations about natural medicine.

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Where did Dr. Mitchell go to medical school?
She received her medical training at National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1982.  She received a BA from Northwestern University in Fine Arts, a Masters in Education from the University of Illinois and an MST from the Santa Fe School of Massage Therapy. She has received advanced training every year since she graduated from medical school including from the New England School of Homeopathy, the Institute of Functional Medicine, the Cranial Academy, and NAET symposiums.

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What is the Education of a Naturopathic Physician?
Naturopathic physicians undergo training that is similar in structure and scope to that of medical and osteopathic doctors. Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year graduate schools with rigorous admissions requirements comparable to other medical schools. The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) degree is awarded after classroom, clinic and practical study. ND's are trained in medical sciences including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, cardiology, neurology, radiology, minor surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, embryology, pediatrics, psychology, pharmacology, minor surgery, dermatology, and clinical and physical diagnosis. The training also includes extensive study of naturopathic philosophy and therapeutics including therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, ayurvedic medicine, hydrotherapy, manipulative therapy, and counseling. Because coursework in natural therapeutics is added to a standard medical curriculum, naturopathic doctors often receive significantly more hours of classroom education in these areas than the graduates of many leading medical schools, including Yale, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins.

Like many states, Connecticut's laws require graduates of naturopathic medical schools to pass rigorous national and state board examination in order to qualify for licensure. Dr. Mitchell has been licensed in Connecticut since 1983.

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What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a natural form of medicine that uses small doses of substances, in the form of small, dissolvable pills or liquids, to stimulate the body'[s healing process.  There are hundreds of different remedies and Dr. Mitchell finds the best match to bring your body back into balance.  There is not yet enough scientific research on homeopathy, but Dr. Mitchell has seen amazing changes when the right remedy is chosen.

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What type of herbs does Dr. Mitchell prescribe?
Dr. Mitchell can prescribe any number of different herbs, depending on your health concerns.  Herbs now come in many different forms:  teas, powders, capsules, tablets, concentrated liquids, syrups, and essential oils.  She will prescribe them in whichever form works best for you.

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What type of nutritional care does Dr. Mitchell prescribe?
Dr. Mitchell will ask about your diet to see if you are getting your recommended amounts of nutrients & water. She is committed to a whole foods diet and will help you to make that transition towards health. She may ask you to supplement your diet with food-based vitamins & minerals and she will make dietary suggestions if your diet is lacking in nutrients.  She uses supplements to treat health concerns when there is good scientific evidence or a long and safe tradition that it is effective. She can also develop a diet plan based upon your needs. She often uses a computer program to design a diet for you that takes into account your metabolic type and your chief complaints (such as for heart disease, diabetes, vegetarians, low-carb, high-fiber, high-protein, and food allergies). She also sets a specific protocol that addresses Metabolic Syndrome X and the need for weight loss by resting the pancreas and expects that you will safely lose 3 to 7 lbs a week. This is also an excellent detox diet as many toxins are stored in the fat cells.

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Does Dr. Mitchell prescribe hormones?
Very rarely. Dr. Mitchell spent 15 years treating only women and found she only had to use hormones infrequently. There is not enough evidence to support the belief that so called natural hormones are any better for you than those prescribed by your MD. They should only be used when nothing else helps and this is uncommon. Her patients have had much more long term success using whole foods nutrition, herbal medicine, Neurotransmitter Testing and Targeted Amino Acid therapy and other foundational therapies to first support the brain and body function and thus help the hormonal balance.

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Do natural therapies really work?
Yes, although there are a number of factors that determine the answer to that.  We make every effort to use therapies with documented scientific efficacy, or a long history of clinical safety and effectiveness. Dr. Mitchell sees natural therapies work every day, and scientific research has shown that they work, She believes that any treatment plan must be designed for you, and modified to fit your lifestyle or it won't be effective.

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Are visits covered by insurance?
Dr. Mitchell is a provider for Anthem Blue Cross. Many other insurance companies will reimburse for naturopathic medical care.  It is best for you to contact your insurance company to see if you have benefits that will cover her care.  Payment is due at time of service and the office will provide you with a receipt.  Some insurance companies require a claim form & some only require the office receipt for reimbursement.  Our office can provide you with any information or paperwork that the insurance company requires.

Insurance companies are covering fewer and fewer naturopathic therapies. It seems that they cover less and less of any medical services. Some of the modalities Dr. Mitchell uses are not covered at all. We suggest you set up a Health Savings Account. Button to new patients.

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How often would I need to see Dr. Mitchell?
Just like with your medical doctor, it varies from case to case.  You will help design your own treatment plan to fit into your time schedule and finances.

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If I am already using natural therapies, will this be a problem?
Many people are already using natural therapies and it's usually not a problem.  Just tell the doctor what other practitioners you are seeing and what you are taking and in what dosages, so that she is aware.  Bring in the bottles. She will discuss any changes in supplements with you and/or the prescribing practitioner so that you will understand why.

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Will I have to stop seeing my regular doctor to see a Naturopathic Physician?
No. Patients see us for primary and adjunctive health care. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with any or all of your other providers.  You will continue to see your other doctors, and take your prescription medications. We will work together to accomplish integrated, balanced, and individualized care. Dr. Mitchell frequently refers people to other doctors, physical therapists or other practitioners.

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Do I have to stop taking my prescription medication?
No. Many patients come to a naturopathic physician because they are concerned about the risk, cost, and side effects of pharmaceuticals.  In many cases, there are natural therapies that can replace or decrease the need for prescription medication.  In addition, naturopathic physicians can often help reduce unwanted side effects using adjunctive natural therapies.  Above all, we want you to reach your health goals safely.  Therefore, any changes in a prescription medication regimen must involve collaboration with your other doctors.  When prescription medication is involved, we firmly believe that an integrated, collaborative approach to health care is ideal.

CALL (203) 239-3400 FOR AN APPOINTMENT