Frequently Asked Questions
Get in depth answers to questions about the services I offer, pricing, accessibility and what you can expect about the process of seeking naturopathic care.
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I offer
one on one naturopathic consulting
acupuncture
facial rejuvenation acupuncture
community acupuncture (reduced cost to increase accessibility to services, private room).
I also provide health education in the form of
wellness talks and workshops for workplaces and community groups.
online wellness courses
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Your first visit will last 90 minutes. I’ll aim to get a clear picture of your overall health and to understand your goals. We’ll review recent blood work or other lab results that you have. From there, we’ll work together to develop a treatment plan that supports your needs.
Completing the initial intake form before our visit will help to establish a thorough health history, and allow us to best use our time at your appointment. Set aside about 30min to do that at least 24hrs before your visit.
My goal is for you to leave your first appointment with a treatment plan that includes actionable steps toward your next visit. After every visit I type up the plan and share it with you through a secure online portal. I can also provide it on paper for people who are less comfortable with digital portals.
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Your second visit will last 60 minutes. We’ll check in on how the initial treatment plan is going, and review the results of any labs or assessments that were recommended at the first visit. We’ll go over any details that we may not have covered yet, and further refine your treatment plan based on that information.
Further follow up appointments are 45 or 30 minutes in length. Here we’ll focus on maintenance and any acute presentations that come up. We’ll collect feedback related to your treatment plan, continuing education related to your care, and plan next steps.
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The length of a course of treatment depends on the concerns we are treating, and what treatment plan we decide is most appropriate for you. Typically, I recommend a minimum of 3 to 4 visits to see impactful and sustainable change. The first few visits are generally 3-8 weeks apart.
In most cases, further follow ups are of great benefit in not only resolving the most pressing symptoms, but in establishing a strong foundation for achieving medium- and long-term health goals. As you see improvements and learn what supports work for you, visits are generally less frequent and shorter. You’re also always welcome to book for any acute or new symptoms.
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In order to thoroughly assess your health, first we’ll talk about your primary concerns and your goals. Then we’ll take into account your:
Health history (this includes diagnoses, hospitalizations, major illness, and your experience with health and wellness more broadly)
Social, physical and environmental context
Sleep patterns
Life stressors
Nutritional intake
Physical activity
Experience of oppression or privilege
We’ll weave these various considerations together to form a holistic understanding of what’s going on in your body. I’ll use that understanding to guide your treatment plan.
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Lab results or imaging reports that you have from another care practitioner can be shared digitally through a secure messaging system or by email. Records that you don’t have copies of can be requested by Dr Kristen directly from your other care provider by filling out the appropriate form. For more information on how to do this, email info@kristenmarknd.com .
Pricing
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Services are covered by insurance plans that include Naturopathic coverage. All acupuncture treatments are also categorized as Naturopathic treatments. All Naturopathic services are tax exempt.
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Initial appointments cost $265.
Follow up appointments are $115 - $195.
A full breakdown of my services and fees can be found here <link to services>
Sliding scale is available on request.
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Sliding scale is available upon request. I’ll never ask for proof of income.
Simply let me know during our first meeting, or by using the notes function when you’re booking an appointment. We can come to a mutual understanding.
Accessibility
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I work at two clinic locations with the goal of serving folks in both Downtown Toronto and West Toronto. I also offer virtual services to increase access to care across the province of Ontario.
WSB Massage & Wellness - Very close to Dundas West Station. Ramp and accessible doors to the building, elevator to our 5th floor clinic. The front door to the clinic is not automated. The bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible. The closest accessible washroom is at the nearby Crossways building (north-east corner of the same intersection).
It is a predominantly scent-free environment (staff abide by this and patrons are requested to consider this as well. Some medicinal herbs which emit an aroma may be used on site).
Urban Wellness - No step to enter building, accessible door, ramp to elevator. Clinic door is not automated. All gender & accessible washroom on the 3rd floor can be accessed with a key available from our front desk. Essential oils and medicinal herbs emitting an aroma are often used on site.
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My intake form provides a section where you can describe how you can best absorb and understand information.
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Yes. Visits are available online, by telephone, or in-person at either at my Downtown Toronto or West Toronto clinic locations.
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All your treatment plans, prescriptions, and lab results will be made available for you on our secure, online patient platform. I can share PDF copies of forms and treatment plans with you via email by request.
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I can provide you with a paper copy of any forms or plans on request. For the most timely response, please make your request before your appointment (there’s a question on the intake form about that).
About Naturopathy
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Yes. The Doctor of Naturopathy is a 4 year post-graduate degree. License to practice is only granted after board certification exams are successfully completed.
To maintain a license to practice, NDs must operate under the supervision of CONO (College of Naturopaths of Ontario) which is overseen by the Ministry of Health in Ontario. Ethical standards, adherence to standards of practice and annual reporting are all part of the maintenance of one’s Naturopathic license.
Continuing Education is mandatory to maintain current standards of practice. NDs must also be actively seeing patients in order to maintain their license to practice.
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Healing modalities are the different methods ND’s use to treat patients. They are the tools I have available to support your healing. For example, hydrotherapy, treatments such as acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, botanical medicine, as well as counseling and nutrition.
Several healing modalities might be available to treat your particular illness, but we’ll choose the ones that are suited for you based on your personal history, current conditions, and any other preferences or concerns you might have.
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Yes! I take into account your diagnosis, but also your experience. What is it like to be you? What are your pain points? By considering the context of your life and your physiology, we can figure out what factors we can impact to change how you feel in your body.
For example, maybe your doctor recommended that you treat high blood pressure with a prescription medication. That’s helpful, but it isn’t the end of the story. Addressing a variety of lifestyle factors and coming up with clear and specific Naturopathic approaches to improve your blood pressure may be able to:
enhance the impact of your medications
reduce the need for increased dosages over time
reduce the increased risk of adverse side effects that come along with medication increases
About Acupuncture
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Almost everyone can benefit from acupuncture.
Acupuncture has been shown to:
improve digestion
address skin concerns
regulate your menstrual cycle
attune your nervous system
support fertility
help manage pain
and so much more!
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If the idea of coming in for acupuncture makes you feel anxious, there are alternative treatments that use the same principles. Cupping, moxa, and acupressure massage can all elicit similar benefits without the use of needles.
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Also known as Cosmetic Acupuncture or a Natural Facelift, this is a safe, natural and effective technique that can reduce or eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, improve tone and circulation in the face, brighten and smooth out the complexion, and more.
All facial rejuvenation treatments incorporate a full body assessment and treatment to maximize the benefits. When wellness radiates from the inside out, it is seen clearly in the face.