Choosing an Integrative Health Practitioner

Finding the right integrative health practitioner can feel like a journey in itself! It’s not only about meeting your needs medically speaking, but also finding someone you can connect with on a personal level. Sometimes, it may take trying a few practitioners before finding the perfect fit, and other times, you might just get lucky on the first try. Here are some tips to help you make that decision:

1. Decide What Your Health Priorities Are
   If you have specific symptoms or a diagnosed medical condition, a good starting point is searching for a practitioner experienced with that issue. Try using a browser that doesn’t filter information to broaden your results. Search “Your health condition” and “integrative” or “functional” medicine practitioner to get a list of options.

2. Check the Practitioner’s Credentials
   Not all integrative practitioners have the same background. For example, a practitioner in Functional Medicine could be a medical doctor, naturopath, nutritionist, or a health coach. Look into their core credentials, as in what they originally trained as?
   This background can make a difference, as it determines what they’re licensed to do, as well as their approach to care. If you prefer a medical doctor, particularly for complex conditions or medication management, a doctor who integrates root cause and prescription-based approaches might be ideal. However, practitioners with training in holistic care or nutrition may bring a more hands-on approach, often covering aspects of care that medical doctors may not have the time to focus on.

3. Understand Their Approach to Integrative Care
   Once you know their background, look closely at their additional training. Practitioners often hold various board certifications or have completed courses ranging from a weekend workshop to years of specialised study. Look at their website to see what services they offer, and check social media profiles for an insight into their personality and approach.

4. Evaluate Communication Style and Patient-Provider Relationship
   While you might only fully understand this after meeting them, some clinics offer a complimentary “meet and greet” to check the fit. This can be a positive sign, as it shows they’re invested in ensuring the relationship is right for both sides.
   Look for openness to answer your questions about appointments, finances, and your condition—while noting that medical advice is usually reserved for actual patients. A willingness to help you understand their approach is often a good indicator of their commitment to patient care.

5. Ask About Experience with Your Specific Issue
   Many integrative practitioners specialise in areas like women’s health, chronic pain, digestive issues, or mental health. Ask if they’ve treated conditions similar to yours and what outcomes they’ve observed. Knowing they’ve helped others with similar conditions can give you confidence in their understanding of your needs.
   It’s also helpful to ask how they gauge improvement—do they rely solely on symptom tracking, or do they use objective measures as well? A practitioner needn’t have extensive experience with your exact condition to be effective; sometimes, a curious and committed approach to root causes is all that’s needed.

6. Consider Financial and Accessibility Aspects
   Integrative care sometimes includes treatments not covered by insurance. Ask about fees for consultations, follow-ups, and any specialised treatments. Some practitioners offer packages, telehealth options, or sliding-scale fees. Packages can be more cost-effective and provide continuity of care without needing to budget each visit separately.
   Make sure the practitioner’s location, schedule, and accessibility options work for you. With telehealth, you may be able to achieve a lot without in-person visits. However, depending on your needs and any lab work required, occasional in-clinic visits may still be necessary.

7. Seek Recommendations and Reviews
   Word-of-mouth referrals are often the best! If someone you trust has had a great experience with a practitioner, chances are you might, too. Online reviews and testimonials can also give you insight. Just remember to look at both positive and negative reviews with a balanced perspective.

8. Trust Your Instincts
   Finally, trust your gut. Once you’ve gathered all this information, go with what feels best for your unique needs. If it doesn’t feel right after the first visit, think about what worked and what didn’t, and keep looking. Ask your network for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to try again.

At Gud Root, we’re here to be that community. Ask for recommendations in our community group, and let’s support each other in finding practitioners who help us thrive!