A lot, actually — and it matters. A licensed naturopathic physician (ND) has completed four years of doctoral training at an accredited naturopathic medical school, passed national board examinations, and holds a state license. In Washington State, NDs are licensed primary care providers with full prescriptive authority.

A "naturopath" is an unregulated title in many states — anyone can use it regardless of training. Some have meaningful education. Others completed online or short-term programs with no clinical oversight. There is no way to tell the difference unless you ask.

Dr. Harrison is a licensed naturopathic physician, educated at the National University of Health Sciences — a fully accredited institution. She is not a naturopath. She is a doctor.

NUHS is a fully accredited health sciences university in Illinois offering doctoral programs in naturopathic medicine, chiropractic, and other disciplines. It is not a certificate program or online course — it is a rigorous, science-based medical institution. Dr. Harrison holds two doctoral degrees from NUHS — a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and a Doctor of Chiropractic.

Yes. Washington is one of a limited number of states that licenses naturopathic physicians as primary care providers. Licensure requires doctoral education from an accredited program, passage of the NPLEX board examinations, and ongoing continuing education. Dr. Harrison meets all of these requirements.

No — and here's why that's actually good news for you. Cash-pay medicine means your care is never dictated by what an insurance company will approve. Appointments are longer, more thorough, and focused entirely on you. Transparent pricing means no surprise bills. Many patients find the investment in cash-pay naturopathic care saves them money in the long run by addressing root causes rather than managing symptoms indefinitely.