Frequently asked questions
What do I have to do before my consultation?
Once you have made a booking for an initial consultation, my intake questionnaire will be sent to you. I would really like you to complete this before the consultation and return it to me, as this will help me prepare for our chat and for us to be able to explore your concerns in greater detail. If you have any current blood tests, stool tests or any other test results that could be useful for us to look at, please send them in with the health questionnaire. All information collected, whether collected prior to, during or even post the consultation will be stored securely, and will of course remain private and confidential.
Do you treat other conditions than the ones listed specifically on your website?
You don’t have to be sick to see a naturopath or nutritionist, as naturopaths/nutritionists are also great for preventative care or if you want advice on a health/nutrition related issue, e.g. how to transition to a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet or how/what to eat when you are on a GLP-1 receptor agonist (Ozempic etc).
At AR Naturopathy & Nutrition, we also support clients with
Digestive issues and gut health (IBS, IBD, SIBO, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, heartburn/reflux, etc.)
Women’s health issues (PCOS, PMS/PMDD, heavy or painful periods etc)
Stress, ‘burn out’
Skin issues
Glandular fever/Epstein-Barr virus, chronic fatigue
Weight management
What studies does a clinical naturopath & nutritionist undertake?
In Australia, a clinical naturopath and/or nutritionist will have a degree qualification (Bachelor of Health Sciences and/or Masters) in naturopathy or clinical nutrition from a reputable university/college in Australia. This allows them to be accredited by the Australian Natural Therapies Association (ANTA), Australasian Association & Register of Practicing Nutritionists (AARPN) or the Naturopath & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA). It is important to check someone’s credentials as the terms ‘naturopath’ or ‘nutritionist’ are not protected in Australia, which means that anyone can call themselves a naturopath/nutritionist, regardless of what they have studied. The easiest way to clarify whether someone is indeed a clinical nutritionist is by checking whether they are a member of either ANTA, AARPN or NHAA, as this will mean that the practitioner has a relevant bachelor degree or above.
A Bachelor degree in naturopathy is a 4 year, full time degree, and in clinical nutrition it is a 3 year, full-time degree. Both cover subjects such as human physiology & anatomy, chemistry & biochemistry, nutritional biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, nutritional medicine, sports nutrition, public health, basic psychology, nutritional research and others. Naturopathy studies also include herbal medicine, herbal pharmacology and herbal therapeutics. We are also required to work 300 hours (400 for naturopathy) in a supervised student clinic, where we see and treat members of the public.
How does a clinical nutritionist differ from a dietitian?
This can be a bit of a grey area. In Australia, both clinical nutritionists and dietitians hold a bachelor degree from a reputable university or college (refer to the question about the studies a nutritionist undertakes). A dietitian generally also holds an additional qualification in dietetics that allows them to practice dietetic medicine in hospital settings and make nutritional diagnoses. Their approach is generally food-focused alone and does not have a holistic nature to it. As they are part of the biomedical system, dietitians are covered by Medicare.
Clinical nutritionists have a holistic perspective, that is they take the whole body into consideration when working with clients. Their aim is to find the root cause of your symptoms and they do so by assessing the various body systems, your symptoms, diet, mental health, environmental factors and lifestyle. Their approach is evidence-based (as would be a dietitian’s), but they also bring in some traditional medicine strategies to help support their treatments. In addition, their might prescribe ‘practitioner only’ nutritional supplements.
Can naturopaths/nutritionists order blood tests or other pathology tests?
Yes, we are trained to look at a great variety of pathology tests, including functional testing, and how to interpret them. We can’t order tests refundable by Medicare, but we can order all blood tests, stool tests and many functional test through various laboratories. You will, however, have to pay for these out of your own pocket.
For basic blood tests, we would provide you with a referral letter to you doctor, so that the tests can be covered by Medicare.
How long do I need to see a naturopath/nutritionist for?
This depends on why you have come to see us! If it’s just for a general check and you don’t have any specific concerns, 1-2 visits a year are great.
If however, you have come to see us for a specific condition, it is likely that you would need to see us for at least 3 months, but ideally 6-12 months as it might take some time to make lasting changes.
How do I make a booking?
At the top of the page is an ‘Appointments’ button that allows you to book a consultation with us. You have a choice between in-person and telehealth consultations.
Do you have after-hour appointment times?
Yes, we do have some availability for evening appointments. In-person after-hour appointments are available on Wednesdays at the Good Life Clinic in Prahran, Victoria.
If none of the available times suit, please contact us through the form on the ‘Contacts’ page for available times.
What payment options do you have?
You can pay by direct bank transfer or credit card.
Can I get a Medicare rebate?
No, Medicare does not cover naturopaths or nutritionists.
Does private health insurance cover my appointment?
Yes, many private health insurers cover nutrition services. Check with your health fund if they cover a nutritionist.
Currently, there are no rebates for naturopathy appointments. However, the federal government recently recommended that these should be reinstated, so it is worth checking with your health insurer over the coming months whether they have done so.
Where can I park or can I reach you by train if I visit you at The Good Life Clinic?
There is plenty of street parking around the clinic. Prahran train station is roughly a 5-10 minute walk.