Frequently Asked Questions

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes! Upward Spiral Integrative Health is currently accepting new patients for virtual naturopathic medical consultations. I welcome individuals seeking a thoughtful, collaborative approach to understanding and improving their health.

Where are appointments offered?

All consultations are currently conducted through telehealth. I am licensed to practice naturopathic medicine in Oregon and Washington, and appointments are available to eligible patients physically located in states where I am authorized to provide care.

What can I expect during my first appointment?

Your initial consultation lasts approximately 60–90 minutes. We'll review your medical history, current symptoms, medications, nutrition, lifestyle, emotional well-being, and personal health goals.

Together, we'll explore potential contributors to your concerns and determine whether additional laboratory testing, imaging, or specialist referrals may be helpful. Initial recommendations may be provided during this visit, with more targeted planning after relevant test results become available.

What happens during follow-up appointments?

Follow-up consultations typically last 45 minutes. Depending on your needs, we may review laboratory results, discuss treatment recommendations, evaluate your progress, address new symptoms, and refine your care plan.

Some visits also focus on nutrition, stress management, mindfulness, behavioral change, and navigating challenges that arise while implementing your treatment plan.

What health concerns do you commonly address?

My clinical interests include digestive health, metabolic and cardiovascular prevention, hormonal transitions, thyroid health, immune function, and mental and emotional well-being.

I also work with individuals interested in preventive medicine, personal growth, and building sustainable lifestyle habits.

Do you accept insurance?

The personalized, comprehensive nature of my practice and the time I dedicate to each patient do not fit neatly within the traditional insurance model. For this reason, Upward Spiral Integrative Health is an out-of-network provider with all insurance companies, and appointments are self-pay.

However, there are several ways to help make your care more affordable. You may be able to use Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds toward eligible consultations, laboratory testing, and supplements. When medically appropriate, I can provide a Letter of Medical Necessity to support qualifying expenses.

I can also provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement depends on your individual plan and is not guaranteed.

My goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized care while helping you navigate your healthcare expenses as transparently as possible.

Do you order laboratory tests?

Yes. I may recommend conventional blood testing, specialized gastrointestinal assessments, hormone evaluations, nutritional testing, or other diagnostic studies when clinically appropriate.

Not every patient needs extensive laboratory testing. Recommendations are based on your history, symptoms, clinical findings, and the potential usefulness of the results.

Can you prescribe medications?

Yes. As a licensed naturopathic physician, I may prescribe medications within my authorized scope of practice, including certain hormone therapies and compounded medications when appropriate.

Prescribing decisions are individualized and depend on clinical assessment, applicable regulations, and medical necessity.

Do you recommend supplements and herbal medicine?

Yes. Nutritional supplements and botanical medicines may be incorporated into treatment plans when appropriate.

I consider your medical history, current medications, potential interactions, safety, and available evidence before making recommendations.

Is naturopathic medicine a replacement for conventional medical care?

Naturopathic medicine can complement conventional medical care. My approach integrates appropriate diagnostic evaluation, evidence-informed treatment, lifestyle interventions, and collaborative referrals.

I encourage patients to maintain relationships with other healthcare professionals when doing so supports safe, comprehensive care.

Do you provide mental health support?

Yes. I believe mental and emotional well-being are essential components of whole-person health. My approach incorporates therapeutic conversation, mindfulness, stress management, and strategies that support emotional resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful behavioral change.

I also value psychospiritual development—the exploration of how our beliefs, values, sense of identity, purpose, and spiritual or existential perspectives influence our health and personal growth.

When appropriate and welcomed by the patient, I integrate these conversations into clinical sessions to encourage deeper self-understanding, greater alignment with personal values, and a more meaningful relationship with oneself and others.

This approach complements medical care but does not replace specialized psychotherapy, psychiatric treatment, or crisis services when needed.

Do you offer in-person treatments?

Not currently. My practice is fully virtual.

I hope to expand into an in-person setting in the future, with additional physical assessments and selected supportive therapies. These services will be announced when available.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Appointments are scheduled through my secure Practice Better patient platform. New patients receive instructions for creating an account and completing the necessary intake forms before their consultation.

How much do appointments cost?

Current appointment fees are listed on the Fees for Services page. Laboratory testing, supplements, medications, and other services may involve additional costs.

I aim to discuss anticipated costs and available options so that treatment planning remains practical and sustainable.

What if I need care between appointments?

Established patients should use the designated patient portal for nonurgent clinical questions and follow-up communication, according to practice communication policies.

The portal is not monitored continuously and should not be used for emergencies.

What if I experience a medical emergency?

Upward Spiral Integrative Health does not provide emergency medical services. For a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate emergency care.

For suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for immediate crisis support.