Your Questions Answered

The short answer: It depends on your health fund and policy level. The situation changed significantly in 2019.

What happened in 2019: The Australian Federal Government removed naturopathy from the list of therapies eligible for private health insurance rebates under the standard extras categories. However, this doesn’t mean all rebates disappeared — it’s more complicated than that.

Current situation (as of 2024-2025):

• Some funds still provide rebates: Certain health funds chose to continue covering naturopathy under “General Treatment” or create new categories to maintain coverage. However, this varies significantly between funds.
• Policy-specific coverage: Even within the same fund, some policies include naturopathy coverage while others don’t. Top-tier policies are more likely to offer rebates than basic extras cover.
• ATMS registration matters: I’m registered with the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS #25847), which is still recognized by many funds that do provide rebates.
• HICAPS available: For funds that do provide rebates, I offer HICAPS on-the-spot claiming so you can claim immediately during your appointment.

What you need to do: Contact your health fund directly before booking to confirm whether your specific policy covers naturopathy consultations. Ask specifically: “Does my policy provide rebates for consultations with an ATMS-registered naturopath?” Don’t rely on general information — get confirmation about YOUR policy.

If rebates aren’t available: You’ll still receive a detailed itemized receipt that meets ATO requirements if you’re claiming consultations as a tax deduction for managing a specific medical condition (check with your accountant about eligibility).

Yes — I believe in collaborative, integrated care. I’m not here to replace your GP or discourage conventional medical treatment. Instead, I work alongside your existing healthcare team to provide complementary natural medicine support.

How collaborative care works:

• I review GP pathology: If you have recent blood test results from your GP, bring them to your consultation. I’ll analyze them using functional/optimal ranges to identify patterns that might be missed in standard interpretation.
• I can recommend tests: If I believe certain pathology tests would be valuable, I’ll provide you with a recommended test list to take to your GP for bulk-billed ordering through Medicare.
• No medication changes without GP approval: I never advise stopping or changing prescribed medications without your GP’s guidance. If natural medicine support allows medication reduction over time, this should be done gradually under your doctor’s supervision.
• I can write to your GP: With your permission, I can provide your GP with a summary of your naturopathic treatment plan. Many GPs appreciate being kept in the loop, especially for complex cases.
• Referrals when needed: If I identify concerns requiring medical investigation or treatment, I’ll recommend you see your GP or appropriate specialist.
• Safe supplement-drug interactions: I check all your medications against recommended supplements and herbs to ensure there are no contraindications or interactions.

What I expect from you: Please be honest with me about all medications, supplements, and treatments you’re using (conventional or alternative). Comprehensive care requires complete information. I won’t judge your choices — I just need to know what’s going on so I can provide safe, effective recommendations.

No — supplements and herbal medicines are an additional cost separate from consultation fees. This is standard practice in naturopathy and ensures you only pay for what you actually need and choose to take.

Why supplements are separate:

• Individual needs vary dramatically: Some clients need minimal supplementation ($50/month), while others with complex conditions might require more comprehensive protocols ($150-200/month initially). Bundling supplements into consultation fees would disadvantage those needing less support.
• You have choice and control: You can choose where to purchase recommended supplements — through me, from health food stores, pharmacies, or online retailers. You’re never locked into buying from a specific source.
• Protocols change over time: Supplement needs decrease as health improves. Within 3-6 months, most clients are on maintenance protocols costing much less than initial treatment phases.
• No commission incentives: I receive no commissions or kickbacks from supplement recommendations. My advice is based purely on clinical evidence and your needs, not financial incentives.

Typical supplement investment: Most clients spend $100-150 per month on supplements during active treatment phases (first 3-4 months). This typically includes 4-8 different products (herbs, vitamins, minerals, etc.). After the initial treatment period, costs usually decrease to $50-80/month for maintenance.

Budget considerations: During your consultation, we’ll discuss budget constraints. I can prioritize the most essential supplements if you have financial limitations. I’d rather you take the top 3 most important things consistently than buy 10 supplements you can’t afford to continue.

Professional-grade vs. retail supplements: I often recommend practitioner-grade supplements because they typically have higher quality ingredients, better absorption, and therapeutic doses. However, these are more expensive than pharmacy brands. We’ll discuss the trade-offs and you can decide what fits your budget.

No — I only provide consultations to clients within Australia. This is due to registration, insurance, and legal requirements that restrict my scope of practice to Australian residents.

Why the limitation exists:

• Professional registration: My naturopathic registration and insurance coverage are specific to practicing within Australia. Treating international clients would void my professional indemnity insurance.
• Different regulations: Supplement availability, therapeutic goods regulations, and healthcare laws differ significantly between countries. What I can recommend in Australia may not be legal, available, or appropriate in other jurisdictions.
• Duty of care obligations: If a medical emergency or adverse reaction occurred, I need to be able to coordinate care with Australian healthcare services and support you within our healthcare system.
• Legal and ethical boundaries: Professional associations and regulatory bodies require practitioners to work within their registered scope of practice and geographical jurisdiction.

If you’re currently overseas: I can only work with you if you’re an Australian resident temporarily traveling abroad for a short period (e.g., on holiday or short-term work assignment). For longer-term overseas stays or permanent relocation, I’d recommend finding a qualified naturopath in your country of residence.

Moving to or from Australia: If you’re relocating to Australia, I’m happy to take you on as a client once you’re settled here. If you’re an existing client moving overseas, we’d need to conclude our work together before you leave, though I can provide referrals where possible.

While there’s overlap, there are important differences in training scope, treatment approaches, and practice focus. Both can be valuable healthcare providers, but they bring different tools and perspectives.

When to see a Nutritionist vs. Naturopath:

• See a Nutritionist if: Your primary need is dietary guidance, meal planning, sports nutrition, or macronutrient optimization for specific goals (e.g., athletic performance, healthy weight loss).
• See a Naturopath if: You have complex health issues requiring multi-modal treatment, want herbal medicine options, need whole-body assessment, or have conditions like hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, anxiety, or gut dysfunction that benefit from comprehensive treatment beyond diet alone.

Note on Dietitians: Dietitians are different again — they’re university-trained nutrition professionals regulated by Dietitians Australia. They can work in hospitals, provide Medicare-rebatable services for specific conditions, and are often the best choice for medical nutrition therapy (e.g., diabetes management, eating disorders). Both naturopaths and nutritionists can complement dietitian care but aren’t interchangeable with it.

If your health fund provides naturopathy rebates, claiming is straightforward. I offer two options:

• HICAPS on-the-spot claiming: If your fund supports HICAPS, you can claim immediately during your online appointment. You pay the gap amount (consultation fee minus rebate) and the rebate is processed automatically.
• Manual claiming: I provide detailed itemized receipts formatted for health fund submission. Submit these to your fund via their app, website, or by mail. Rebates are typically processed within 3-5 business days.

Your receipt will include all required information: my ATMS provider number (25847), service date, consultation type, fee charged, and ABN.

ATMS (Australian Traditional Medicine Society) is the largest professional association for complementary medicine practitioners in Australia. I’m a registered member (provider #25847), which means I meet their education, insurance, and ethical standards. Most health funds that provide naturopathy rebates require practitioners to be ATMS-registered. My ATMS registration gives you access to whatever rebates your fund offers for naturopathy consultations.

No. Naturopathy consultations are not eligible for Medicare rebates in Australia. Medicare only covers services provided by doctors, specialists, and certain allied health professionals (like dietitians, physiotherapists, and psychologists under specific care plans). However, standard pathology tests ordered by your GP can be bulk-billed through Medicare, and I can provide you with a recommended test list to take to your doctor.

In some cases, yes. If you’re seeing me to manage or treat a specific diagnosed medical condition, consultation fees may be tax deductible as a medical expense. However, tax deductibility depends on your individual circumstances and should be confirmed with your accountant or tax advisor. I provide detailed itemized receipts that meet ATO requirements for claiming purposes. Note that general health optimization or preventive care may not qualify for deductions.

Free Discovery Call: $0 (15 minutes)
Initial Consultation: $165 (60-75 minutes)
Follow-Up Consultation: $95 (30-45 minutes)

These fees cover professional consultation time and written treatment plans. Supplements, herbal medicines, and functional testing are additional costs. Visit the pricing page for full details.

Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment slot. You’ll receive a payment link in your booking confirmation email. All payments are processed securely through encrypted payment gateways, and you’ll receive a receipt immediately via email.

I accept credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), direct bank transfer, PayPal, and HICAPS for health fund claiming. All payment methods use secure encryption to protect your financial information.

Currently, each consultation is billed individually with payment due at time of booking. I don’t offer multi-session packages or payment plans because I believe in earning your continued business through results, not lock-in contracts. This also gives you maximum flexibility to continue treatment at your own pace without financial commitment beyond one session at a time.

Supplement costs vary depending on individual needs and protocol complexity. A typical range is $100-150 per month during active treatment phases (first 3-4 months), then decreasing to $50-80/month for maintenance as health improves. During your initial consultation, I’ll discuss budget considerations and can prioritize the most essential supplements if you have financial limitations. I’d rather you take the top 3 most important things consistently than buy 10 supplements you can’t afford to continue.

Yes, with appropriate notice. If you cancel more than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment, you’ll receive a full refund or can reschedule at no charge. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the appointment incur a 50% cancellation fee. No-shows are charged the full consultation fee. I understand emergencies happen and will consider extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis. See the full cancellation policy for details.

Yes, for initial consultations. If after your first full consultation you feel it wasn’t valuable or we’re not the right fit to work together, I’ll refund your consultation fee — no questions asked, no hard feelings. Simply request the refund within 48 hours of your appointment. This guarantee reflects my confidence in the value I provide and ensures you can book risk-free.

All consultations are conducted via secure Zoom video calls. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your appointment date, time, and Zoom meeting link. At your appointment time, simply click the link to join the video call — no Zoom account required. The consultation is just like an in-person appointment, but from the comfort of your home. You’ll need a device with camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone) and a stable internet connection.

Yes. Naturopathic consultations are primarily conversation-based — we explore your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, diet, and stress levels in detail. This works excellently via video. The only limitation is physical examinations (like checking blood pressure), but these are rarely needed in naturopathic practice and can be done by your GP if required. Many clients find online appointments more comfortable and convenient than in-person visits, and outcomes are equivalent.

I’ll provide clear instructions and a test link before your appointment. If you experience any issues during the consultation, we can immediately switch to a phone call. Technical difficulties are rare, and when they occur, we resolve them quickly so your appointment time isn’t wasted. You’ll have my direct contact details to troubleshoot any problems.

Before your initial consultation:

• Have your current medication and supplement list ready
• Gather any recent pathology results or medical reports
• Think about your health history and main concerns
• Note your current symptoms, when they started, and any patterns
• Find a quiet, private space for the video call
• Test your internet connection and device camera/microphone
• Have a notepad handy if you like to take notes

You’ll receive a detailed preparation email when you book with any additional instructions.

Yes, you’re welcome to have a support person join your consultation if that would be helpful (partner, parent, friend, etc.). This can be particularly useful for complex health situations or if you want someone to help remember recommendations. Just let me know when booking so I can accommodate this.

Appointments are typically available within 7-14 days. Same-week appointments are often available, and I offer evening and weekend slots to accommodate busy schedules. The free discovery call can usually be scheduled within 2-3 days. Urgent situations requiring sooner attention should be directed to your GP or emergency services.

I work across all Australian time zones and schedule appointments to accommodate your local time. When booking, select your preferred time zone and appointment times will be displayed in your local time to avoid confusion.

Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled every 4-6 weeks initially, then spaced further apart as your health stabilizes. This frequency allows time for protocols to take effect while maintaining momentum. The exact timing is tailored to your individual progress and needs. Some acute conditions might need more frequent check-ins, while maintenance care might only require appointments every 8-12 weeks.

Yes, brief email questions between scheduled appointments are included as part of your ongoing care at no additional charge. This includes quick clarifications, simple protocol adjustments, or checking in about progress. However, complex issues requiring detailed assessment would need a follow-up consultation. For more substantial email consultations requiring detailed written responses, there’s a $45 email consultation fee.

I specialize in anxiety, stress, insomnia, hormonal health issues (perimenopause, PMS, PCOS), gut health conditions (IBS, bloating, food intolerances), and chronic fatigue. I also work with skin conditions, headaches, mood disorders, and metabolic health. For a complete list, see the services page. I don’t treat acute medical emergencies, active suicidal ideation, severe unmanaged mental health conditions requiring psychiatric care, or conditions requiring surgical intervention.

Absolutely not. Never stop medications without your prescribing doctor’s guidance. I work collaboratively with your healthcare team. Many clients continue their medications while we address root causes naturally. Some eventually reduce medications gradually with their GP’s supervision as their health improves, but this is a careful, monitored process — never an abrupt change.

This varies by condition and individual. Most clients notice initial improvements within 4-8 weeks. Chronic conditions that developed over years typically take 3-6 months for significant lasting change. Some acute issues (like sleep or stress) may improve faster, while deep-seated hormonal or gut issues require more time. I provide realistic timelines based on your specific situation during our first consultation.

Your personalized protocol will typically include: herbal medicine recommendations (tablets, tinctures, or teas), nutritional supplements (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc.), dietary guidance tailored to your lifestyle, lifestyle and stress management strategies, nervous system regulation techniques, and clear implementation instructions. Everything is written in a comprehensive plan emailed within 3 days of your consultation.

No. I don’t believe in rigid, unsustainable diets. My dietary guidance focuses on understanding food as medicine and making realistic changes that fit your lifestyle, preferences, and schedule. Some conditions may benefit from temporary elimination protocols or specific dietary approaches, but these are always explained thoroughly and implemented in a way that works for you. The goal is sustainable health improvement, not short-term restriction.

I provide dietary guidance and principles tailored to your condition, but not rigid meal plans. My approach focuses on teaching you how to make informed food choices rather than dictating exactly what to eat when. I can recommend specific foods, elimination protocols, or eating patterns as needed, but the focus is on sustainable education rather than meal-by-meal planning.

You have several options. You can purchase through me (I provide access to professional-grade brands with direct-to-door delivery), from health food stores, pharmacies, or online retailers. You’re never obligated to buy from me — my recommendations work with various purchasing options. I’ll specify which supplements are practitioner-only versus those available at retail, and provide alternatives when possible so you can make informed choices based on your budget and preferences.

Yes, when taken as directed. I only recommend supplements from reputable manufacturers that meet Australian TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) standards. I carefully check for interactions with your medications and contraindications based on your health history. However, all supplements have potential side effects, and I’ll discuss these with you before recommending anything. If you experience any adverse effects, contact me immediately so we can adjust your protocol.

It depends on your condition. For some issues, dietary and lifestyle changes alone can produce significant results. For others (like nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or gut dysfunction), targeted supplementation accelerates healing and provides nutrients or compounds difficult to obtain through food alone. I’ll always explain why I’m recommending specific supplements and what we’re trying to achieve. You’re never forced to take anything — we can discuss alternative approaches if you prefer to minimize supplementation.

Bring a complete list of everything you’re taking to your first consultation. Many people are over-supplementing or taking things that don’t address their actual needs. One of my roles is to streamline your protocol — identifying what’s actually helping, what’s unnecessary, and what might be missing. Often I reduce the total number of supplements while increasing effectiveness by focusing on the right things at therapeutic doses.

Sometimes, when it would provide valuable information to guide treatment. Common tests I recommend include DUTCH hormone testing, GI-MAP stool analysis, comprehensive nutrient panels, and food sensitivity testing. However, testing is always optional. Many clients achieve excellent results without any specialized testing using clinical assessment and symptom tracking. When I do recommend testing, it’s because I believe the information will genuinely improve outcomes or save time/money by avoiding ineffective treatments. See the functional testing page for details.

Yes. I hold a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) from Endeavour College (2012), an Advanced Diploma of Nutritional Medicine, and am a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. I’m registered with the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS member #25847) and the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA). I maintain professional indemnity insurance and complete ongoing continuing professional development as required by my professional associations. I’ve been in clinical practice for over 12 years.

I focus on root-cause treatment using evidence-based herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, nervous system regulation, and lifestyle optimization. I believe in treating the person, not just the condition — considering physical, mental, and emotional factors that contribute to health issues. I use a collaborative approach, working alongside your existing healthcare team rather than replacing conventional medical care. My goal is sustainable health improvement through realistic, personalized protocols that fit your life.

I work with adults of all ages and backgrounds. My specialty areas are anxiety/stress, sleep issues, hormonal health, gut dysfunction, and chronic fatigue, but I have experience with a wide range of conditions. I’m particularly well-suited to working with busy professionals, parents, and people in regional areas who benefit from online consultations. I may not be the best fit for acute psychiatric conditions requiring intensive mental health support, or conditions requiring surgical intervention.

Possibly. Often when “everything” has been tried, the approaches haven’t addressed underlying root causes or have been implemented in a fragmented way. My comprehensive assessment looks at all body systems and their interactions — sometimes identifying factors that have been overlooked. However, I’m always honest about realistic expectations. If I don’t believe I can help your situation, I’ll tell you upfront and provide referrals to other practitioners or specialists who might be more appropriate.

I primarily work with adults (18+). For children and adolescents, I’d recommend seeking a naturopath who specializes in pediatric care, as their needs and protocols differ significantly from adult treatment.

I can support healthy, sustainable weight management as part of addressing underlying metabolic, hormonal, or lifestyle factors. However, I’m not a weight loss specialist and don’t offer rapid weight loss programs or meal replacement protocols. My approach focuses on metabolic health, blood sugar regulation, hormone optimization, stress management, and sustainable dietary changes — weight improvement is often a natural outcome of these interventions but isn’t the sole focus.

Some naturopathic treatments are safe during pregnancy, while others are contraindicated. Many herbs, supplements, and therapies that are beneficial outside pregnancy should be avoided when pregnant or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, I’ll only recommend pregnancy-safe interventions and will work closely with your midwife or obstetrician. For preconception care or pregnancy-specific concerns, ensure this is mentioned when booking so we can tailor the consultation appropriately.

No. Bulk billing only applies to Medicare-rebatable services (GP visits, specialists with referrals, certain allied health under care plans). Naturopathy is not Medicare-rebatable, so bulk billing doesn’t apply. However, if your private health fund provides naturopathy rebates, I can process HICAPS claims on the spot, meaning you only pay the gap between the consultation fee and your rebate.

Book the free 15-minute discovery call. This no-obligation conversation lets us discuss your health concerns, whether naturopathic care is appropriate for your situation, and whether we’re a good fit to work together. You’ll get a feel for my approach and can ask any questions before committing to a paid consultation. If naturopathy isn’t the right approach, I’ll tell you honestly and suggest alternatives.

You can reschedule or cancel appointments free of charge with more than 24 hours notice. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before your appointment incur a 50% fee. No-shows are charged the full consultation fee. I understand emergencies happen and will consider extenuating circumstances case-by-case. You can reschedule easily via the booking system or by email.

This depends on your individual situation, health goals, and condition complexity. Most clients require an initial consultation plus 3-6 follow-ups over 3-6 months to achieve sustainable results. Some simpler concerns may resolve faster, while chronic conditions may require longer support. We’ll discuss realistic timelines during your initial consultation. You’re never locked into a treatment plan — you can stop at any time.

Possibly. If you’re seeing me to manage or treat a specific diagnosed medical condition, consultation fees may be tax deductible as a medical expense. However, this depends on your individual circumstances and should be confirmed with your accountant or tax advisor. I provide detailed itemized receipts that meet ATO requirements. General health optimization or preventive care may not qualify for deductions.