Medical Disclaimer & Legal Information

⚠️ Important Notice

The information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition, and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, GP, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

1. Educational Information Only

Not Medical Advice

The content on this website, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, articles, blog posts, condition pages, and other materials (“Content”) is for educational and informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Nothing on this website should be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. The information provided is general in nature and does not take into account your individual health circumstances, medical history, current medications, or specific health needs.

No Diagnoses Made

Naturopaths in Australia are not licensed to diagnose disease or medical conditions. Any discussion of symptoms, conditions, or health concerns on this website is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a diagnosis. Only qualified medical practitioners (such as GPs and medical specialists) can legally diagnose medical conditions in Australia.

Always Consult Your Doctor

Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified healthcare provider before:

• Starting any new supplement, herb, or natural remedy
• Making changes to your current medications
• Stopping or reducing prescribed medications
• Beginning any new dietary or exercise program
• Making decisions about medical treatment or procedures
• Self-diagnosing or self-treating any health condition

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 000 (Australia) or your local emergency number immediately.

2. No Practitioner-Client Relationship

Website Use Does Not Create a Relationship

Reading, browsing, or otherwise using this website does not create a practitioner-client relationship between you and Dr. Sarah Mitchell or any associated practitioners. A formal practitioner-client relationship is only established when:

• You have booked and attended a scheduled consultation
• A formal intake process has been completed
• You have agreed to the terms of service
• A personalized treatment plan has been provided

No Personalized Advice Without Consultation

The information on this website is general in nature and not tailored to any individual’s specific health circumstances. Personalized advice, recommendations, and treatment protocols are only provided during formal consultations after a comprehensive health assessment has been conducted.

Email and Contact Form Limitations

Email correspondence, contact form submissions, or social media interactions do not constitute formal consultations and should not be relied upon for health advice. General inquiries will be answered, but specific health questions require a scheduled consultation.

3. Accuracy and Currency of Information

Best Efforts to Maintain Accuracy

While every effort is made to ensure the information on this website is accurate, current, and evidence-based, health and medical research evolves rapidly. New studies, updated guidelines, and emerging evidence may supersede information presented on this website.

No Guarantee of Accuracy

No warranty, representation, or guarantee is made regarding the accuracy, completeness, currency, or reliability of the information on this website. Information may contain technical inaccuracies, typographical errors, or become outdated. The website owner reserves the right to update, modify, or remove content at any time without notice.

Verify Information Independently

You are encouraged to verify any information found on this website with other sources and consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making health-related decisions. Do not rely solely on information from this website for important health decisions.

4. Supplements, Herbs, and Natural Products

Consult Your Doctor Before Starting Supplements

Natural products, herbs, and supplements are not harmless simply because they are “natural.” Many herbs and supplements can:

• Interact with prescription medications
• Cause side effects or adverse reactions
• Be contraindicated in certain medical conditions
• Affect blood sugar, blood pressure, or blood clotting
• Be unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Interfere with surgical procedures or anaesthesia

Always consult your GP or specialist before starting any new supplement, herb, or natural product, especially if you:

• Are taking prescription medications
• Have a diagnosed medical condition
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy
• Are scheduled for surgery
• Have a history of allergic reactions
• Are under 18 or over 65 years of age

Not TGA Evaluated

Many supplements and herbal products have not been evaluated by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for safety or efficacy. The presence of an AUST L number on a product does not mean the TGA has confirmed its therapeutic claims, only that it meets certain manufacturing standards.

No Product Endorsements

References to specific supplements, brands, or products on this website are for educational purposes only and do not constitute endorsements or guarantees of safety, quality, or effectiveness. You are responsible for researching products and suppliers independently.

5. Individual Results and Outcomes

No Guaranteed Results

Individual results from naturopathic treatment vary significantly based on numerous factors including but not limited to: age, health status, severity of condition, compliance with recommendations, lifestyle factors, genetics, and concurrent medical treatments. No guarantee is made regarding the results you may experience.

Testimonials and Case Studies

Testimonials, reviews, and case studies presented on this website represent individual experiences and are not guarantees of similar outcomes for other clients. These accounts may not be representative of typical results. Your results may differ significantly from those described in testimonials.

Statistics and Success Rates

Any statistics or success rates mentioned on this website are estimates based on clinical observations and may not be verifiable through independent research. These figures should not be interpreted as guarantees of your individual outcomes.

6. Medical Emergencies

This website and naturopathic services are NOT appropriate for medical emergencies.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 immediately or proceed to your nearest hospital emergency department. Do not delay seeking emergency medical care to send an email, wait for a consultation, or seek natural alternatives.

Medical emergencies include but are not limited to:

• Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or suspected heart attack
• Severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
• Loss of consciousness or altered mental state
• Severe bleeding or traumatic injury
• Suspected stroke symptoms
• Suicidal thoughts or intent to self-harm
• Severe abdominal pain
• Sudden severe headache or neurological symptoms

Mental Health Crises

Naturopathic care is not appropriate for acute mental health crises. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, severe depression, psychosis, or other psychiatric emergencies, contact:

• Emergency Services: 000
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Your local hospital emergency department

7. Scope of Practice

Naturopathic Scope in Australia

Naturopaths in Australia are complementary health practitioners and are not medical doctors. Naturopaths cannot:

• Diagnose medical diseases or conditions
• Prescribe pharmaceutical medications
• Perform surgery or invasive procedures
• Order standard pathology or imaging (e.g., X-rays, ultrasounds)
• Provide emergency medical treatment
• Replace necessary medical care or treatment

Complementary Care

Naturopathic care is intended to complement, not replace, conventional medical care. You should maintain ongoing relationships with your GP and medical specialists and inform all healthcare providers about any natural medicines, supplements, or alternative treatments you are using.

Never Stop Medications Without Medical Supervision

Never stop, reduce, or alter prescribed medications without the guidance and supervision of your prescribing doctor. Some medications require gradual tapering to avoid dangerous withdrawal effects or disease relapse. Natural therapies should be integrated alongside, not instead of, necessary medical treatments.

8. Functional and Laboratory Testing

Not Diagnostic Tools

Functional laboratory tests (such as hormone panels, gut microbiome testing, or nutrient assessments) recommended through this practice are used to identify functional imbalances and guide treatment protocols. They are not diagnostic tools for medical disease and do not replace medical investigations when appropriate.

Test Limitations and Accuracy

No laboratory test is 100% accurate. Functional tests may produce false positives, false negatives, or results that require clinical interpretation. Some functional tests are not validated or recognized by conventional medical practitioners. Test results should be considered alongside clinical presentation and other assessment tools.

Inform Your Doctor

You should inform your GP and other medical practitioners about any functional testing you undertake and share results with them, especially if test findings suggest serious pathology or require medical follow-up.

9. Third-Party Links and Resources

External Websites

This website may contain links to third-party websites, resources, or references. These links are provided for your convenience and informational purposes only. The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement, approval, or responsibility for the content, accuracy, or practices of those websites.

No Responsibility for Third-Party Content

We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites. You access third-party websites at your own risk and should review their terms of use and privacy policies.

10. Limitation of Liability

Use at Your Own Risk

Your use of this website and any information, services, or products obtained through it is at your sole risk. The website and all content are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.

No Liability for Damages

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Dr. Sarah Mitchell, the website owner, and any associated practitioners or entities shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from:

• Your use or inability to use this website
• Reliance on information provided on this website
• Errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in content
• Delays or interruptions in service
• Actions taken based on website content
• Use of supplements, herbs, or protocols discussed
• Results or outcomes from naturopathic consultations

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Dr. Sarah Mitchell maintains professional indemnity insurance as required by professional associations. This insurance covers formal consultations and treatment provided within the scope of naturopathic practice, but does not extend to information provided on this website for general educational purposes.

11. Professional Registration and Qualifications

Practitioner Details

Dr. Sarah Mitchell holds the following qualifications and registrations:

• Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) — Endeavour College, 2012
• Advanced Diploma of Nutritional Medicine
• Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner
• Member: Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) #25847
• Registered: Australian Natural Therapies Association (ANTA)

Continuing Education

While efforts are made to maintain current knowledge through ongoing professional development, health science evolves rapidly and no practitioner can be aware of all current research and developments in all areas of health care.

Professional Conduct

As a registered member of ATMS and ANTA, Dr. Sarah Mitchell adheres to their codes of conduct and ethics. If you have concerns about professional conduct, you may contact these professional bodies directly.

12. Informed Consent

Understanding Naturopathic Care

By booking a consultation, you acknowledge that you understand:

• Naturopathy is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical care
• Natural medicines can have side effects and interactions
• Results vary significantly between individuals
• Some conditions require medical diagnosis and treatment
• You are responsible for disclosing all medications, supplements, and health conditions
• You should inform all your healthcare providers about treatments you’re undertaking
• You have the right to decline any recommendation or treatment

Your Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• Providing accurate and complete health information
• Informing your naturopath of any changes in your health status or medications
• Consulting your GP before starting any new supplements or making significant dietary changes
• Monitoring your response to treatment and reporting any adverse effects
• Continuing necessary medical care and not replacing it with naturopathic care
• Making your own informed decisions about your health care

13. Privacy and Confidentiality

Information collected through this website and during consultations is governed by our Privacy Policy. Client health information is maintained confidentially in accordance with Australian privacy legislation and professional ethics requirements.

Please review our full Privacy Policy for detailed information about how your personal and health information is collected, used, and protected.

14. Changes to This Disclaimer

This disclaimer may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, professional standards, or business practices. Continued use of this website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated disclaimer.

Last Updated: December 2024

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This disclaimer and your use of this website are governed by the laws of Western Australia and the Commonwealth of Australia. Any disputes arising from this disclaimer or your use of this website will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Western Australia.

Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in this disclaimer excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer guarantee, right, or remedy conferred by the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable law that cannot be lawfully excluded, restricted, or modified.

16. Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about this disclaimer or concerns about information presented on this website, please contact:

17. Acknowledgment and Agreement

BY USING THIS WEBSITE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS DISCLAIMER.

You acknowledge that:

• The information on this website is for educational purposes only
• You will not rely solely on website content for health decisions
• You will consult appropriate medical professionals before starting any new treatments
• You understand the limitations and scope of naturopathic practice
• You will not hold the website owner or practitioners liable for outcomes resulting from use of website information
• You will seek appropriate medical care when needed and not delay necessary treatment

If you do not agree with any part of this disclaimer, you should not use this website or book consultations.