Naturopathic Medicine and Care in Langley and Surrey, BC
CLAYTON HEIGHTS
Direct Booking Link for Naturopathic Medicine
LANGLEY CROSSING
Direct Booking Link for Naturopathic Medicine
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is primary care and complementary medicine that treats the underlying cause of disease; it is the art and science of supporting the natural healing processes of the patient and removing any obstacles to those processes when possible. It is the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of physical, mental and emotional conditions; and it is the promotion of well-being using therapeutics that primarily support or enhance a patient’s overall health.
In BC, naturopathic doctors (NDs) are licensed to provide primary health care: Health care that emphasizes disease prevention by providing an individualized, patient-centered focus on healthy living, natural health products and therapies, diet, appropriate diagnostic testing and, when appropriate, integrating conventional medical care with complementary care.
Seeing an ND for the first time may be similar to seeing an MD—all primary care providers review health history and request standard diagnostic tests—but a consultation with an ND also encompasses a thorough assessment of personal health risks, including diet, exercise and stress.
An emphasis on disease prevention, nutritional advice, and natural health products are common practice amongst NDs. Underlying causes of disease are addressed with patients, not just symptoms. Educating patients on risk, considering contraindications / synergistic actions with drug and natural supplements, and encouraging self-responsibility for health are the foundation of the ND-patient relationship.
Many naturopathic doctors in BC have additional college-certified training in pharmaceutical prescriptions, immunization for those five years and older, IV and injection therapies, and physical medicine procedures such as prolotherapy.
Most extended health care plans cover naturopathic doctors, usually between $200-500 per year. Some plans also include lab or diagnostic testing coverage. You can clarify coverage with your benefits manager. For individuals with a CRA recognized health spending account, visits to an ND are 100 per cent covered. In respect to the provincial MSP plan, there is limited coverage for individuals on premium assistance or social assistance only. Many NDs will direct bill your extended health plan provider; enquire in advance of your visit.
Many NDs in BC are trained and licensed to prescribe an extensive list of prescription medications. These may be used along with the previously listed therapies, as deemed appropriate, to provide primary care with a focus on wellness and prevention. Many botanical medicines, natural therapeutics and other traditional items had become “scheduled” or prescription only over the years; prescribing permits licensed NDs to access “historical use” natural medicines.
Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the promotion of health, prevention of disease, patient education and individual responsibility, arguably the most therapeutically cost-effective approaches to preventing and treating chronic disease. Doctors individualize treatment based upon the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, blending centuries-old natural and non-toxic therapies with current advances in the study of health and human systems, covering most aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care. Treatments are continually re-examined in the light of scientific advances.
Most patients find there are three major benefits to seeing an ND: primary care prevention-oriented medicine; valid complementary approaches when other treatments are causing side effects; or chronic
diseases for which conventional medicine has no effective treatment.
Naturopathic doctors conduct a comprehensive intake focusing on a patient’s health history as well as their current medical issues. This history may involve a physical exam and the use of standard diagnostic instruments and laboratory tests. Naturopathic protocols are developed using not only standard lab tests but also lifestyle details such as dietary habits, emotional stress, exercise and exposure to environmental hazards.
MEET Dr. Nikki Stephenson, ND
Dr. Nikki graduated from Trinity Western University with a Bachelor of Human Kinetics (Kinesiology). While there, she played varsity soccer (winning 4 national titles), while also playing for the Women’s Vancouver Whitecaps and Team Canada at the FISU games (in Serbia and China). After taking 6 months to travel the world, Dr. Nikki moved to Toronto to complete her Doctor of Naturopathy at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Dr. Nikki takes a wellness approach to healthcare by treating the whole person with evidence-based naturopathic medicine. She has a special interest in performance optimization for sport, musculoskeletal injury, and physical medicine; however, she does treat many other conditions, including but not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Chronic fatigue
- Diabetes
- Gut health imbalances
- Hormonal imbalances
- Infertility
- Acute and chronic pain
- Headaches/migraines
- General wellness optimization
In her spare time, Dr. Nikki enjoys travelling, hiking, backcountry camping, running, and spending time with her husband and golden retriever.
Conditions Treated with Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine can address a wide range of health concerns by treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. No matter what health conditions you are struggling with, naturopathic treatment options offer individualized, natural solutions to support your healing.
- Chronic Conditions – Naturopathic care can support a variety of long-term health challenges, such as digestive disorders, hormonal and metabolic imbalances, chronic fatigue, and persistent inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.
- Mental Health – Many clients seek naturopathic support for mood and emotional well-being. Typical concerns include anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, sleep disorders or insomnia, and stress-driven fatigue. Through lifestyle guidance, nutritional support, and natural therapies, naturopathic medicine takes a mind-body approach to mental health.
- Acute Illnesses – Naturopathic medicine is also suited to manage short-term or acute conditions, like common infections, digestive upsets, seasonal allergies, or acute respiratory issues.
- Pain Management: Whether pain is due to musculoskeletal strain, joint issues, arthritic conditions, or chronic pain syndromes, naturopathic modalities can help reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and support long-term resilience.
- Preventative Care – One of the hallmarks of naturopathic medicine is prevention. By optimizing nutrition, lifestyle, stress management, sleep, and overall wellness, naturopathic care supports disease prevention, immune resilience, hormonal balance, and long-term health maintenance. This makes it a valuable approach for individuals interested in proactive wellness and lifelong health.
What to Expect During Your Visit
At your first visit with our naturopathic doctors, you can expect a comprehensive consultation lasting about 60–90 minutes. This includes a detailed review of your health history, lifestyle, diet, sleep, stress levels, and any pertinent lab or imaging results. A physical exam may be performed, as well as ordering further diagnostic tests if needed.
Based on this thorough assessment, your naturopathic physician will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your health goals and medical history. The plan may combine natural therapies and, when appropriate, conventional or integrative treatments.
Follow-up appointments are typically shorter and are scheduled depending on your condition and treatment progress. At follow-ups, your doctor of naturopathic medicine will review your progress, adjust treatment protocols, and may suggest additional testing or changes to your plan.
Ready to Take Control of Your Health Naturally?
Our naturopathic doctors are here to help you uncover the root causes of your symptoms and build a personalized plan that supports lasting wellness. Whether you’re seeking relief from ongoing concerns or looking for a natural, proactive approach to your health, we’re ready when you are. Schedule your appointment today and start your journey toward balanced, sustainable well-being.