Quick answer: “Holistic doctor” is a description of an approach, not a license. Whether a holistic doctor is a “real doctor” depends on what license they hold. A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) has completed an accredited, four-year graduate program and passed national board exams, but an ND is not an MD or DO. The simplest step is to ask any clinician which license they hold and to look it up with the state board.
Key takeaways
Holistic describes an approach rather than a license, so whether a holistic doctor is a real doctor depends on the license they hold.
A licensed naturopathic doctor completes an accredited four-year graduate program and national board exams, which is different from MD or DO training.
The simplest check for any clinician is to ask which license they hold and look it up with the state licensing board.
People often ask me, sometimes a little hesitantly, whether I am a “real doctor.” It is a fair question, and I am glad when people ask it. The words holistic, integrative, functional, natural, and naturopathic get used in many different ways, and they do not all mean the same thing. This article explains what each title means, how a naturopathic doctor compares with an MD or DO, and how to check anyone’s credentials before you book.
For the record, I am a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND). I am not an MD or DO. I take a holistic, integrative approach, and I work alongside my patients’ medical doctors rather than in place of them.
“Holistic” is an approach, not a license
Holistic simply means looking at the whole person. Instead of focusing only on one lab value or one complaint, a holistic clinician asks how sleep, stress, nutrition, digestion, hormones, movement, relationships, and environment fit together. That approach is not owned by any single profession. MDs, DOs, naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and dietitians can all practice holistically.
The same is true of “integrative” and “functional.” Integrative care combines conventional medicine with evidence-informed nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement education. Functional medicine is a systems-based way of thinking about how the body’s networks affect one another. Both are approaches that clinicians with many different licenses may use. Because none of these words is a license, the most useful question is always the same: what is your license, and what does it allow you to do?
Naturopathic doctor vs MD vs DO
Here is a plain comparison of the three doctoral-level titles people most often confuse.
| Naturopathic doctor (ND) | Medical doctor (MD) | Osteopathic doctor (DO) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Four-year graduate naturopathic medical program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education | Four-year medical school | Four-year osteopathic medical school |
| Board exams | Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) | USMLE | COMLEX |
| Residency | Optional and limited in number | Required | Required |
| Licensure | Licensed in some states, with scope set by each state | Licensed in every state | Licensed in every state |
| Typical emphasis | Nutrition, lifestyle, botanicals, nutrients, and education within a whole-person framework | Conventional medicine across all specialties | Conventional medicine plus training in the musculoskeletal system |
Scope of practice for naturopathic doctors varies widely from state to state. In some states NDs have a broad scope, and in others they have a narrow one or are not licensed at all. You can read about how licensing and scope work where I practice.
“Naturopath” and “naturopathic doctor” are not always the same
In states that license naturopathic doctors, the title is protected, so only people who meet the education and exam requirements can use it. In states without licensing, almost anyone can call themselves a naturopath, including people who completed a short online course. That gap is a big reason the question “are holistic doctors real doctors?” exists. A licensed ND from an accredited program and a self-described naturopath can look similar on a website and be very different in training.
How to check any holistic or integrative clinician
Start by asking which license a clinician holds, such as ND, MD, DO, NP, DC, or RD, and in which state, and then look that license up with the state licensing board to confirm it is active. It is also worth asking how they work with your primary care provider and specialists, and whether they will share their notes.
Ask how they choose supplements and whether the products are third-party tested. Finally, be cautious of anyone who promises specific results or asks you to stop medication on your own.
The guide to choosing a holistic doctor goes deeper into these questions, and functional medicine vs naturopathic medicine explains how those two overlap.
Why some people choose a naturopathic doctor
Most people who book with me already have a primary care provider. What they are looking for is more time, a plain-language explanation of their lab results, and help connecting the dots between sleep, stress, meals, digestion, and energy. A naturopathic visit is built around that conversation. It is educational, and every suggestion comes with the reasoning behind it, so you can discuss it with your other doctors.
Supplements are often part of the conversation, and quality matters. I explain how I choose supplements, and my supplement guide by health goal links to the practitioner-grade products in my Fullscript catalog. If you are not sure where to start, the free supplement quiz gives you an educational starting point.
Have questions about whether working with a naturopathic doctor makes sense for you?
Frequently asked questions
Is a holistic doctor a real doctor?
It depends on the license. “Holistic” describes an approach, not a credential, so a holistic doctor could be an MD, a DO, a licensed naturopathic doctor, or someone with no clinical license at all. Always ask which license a clinician holds.
Is a naturopathic doctor an MD?
No. A naturopathic doctor (ND) attends a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical program and passes national board examinations. An MD attends a conventional medical school followed by a residency. They are different professions with different training and scope.
Is a holistic doctor the same as a naturopath?
Not necessarily. Many naturopathic doctors practice holistically, but so do some MDs, DOs, nurse practitioners, and chiropractors. In some states the word “naturopath” is also used by people without accredited training, which is why licensure matters.
Should a naturopathic doctor replace my primary care doctor?
No. I recommend that every patient keep a primary care provider. A naturopathic doctor works best alongside your existing doctors, adding time, education, and a whole-person view.
How do I check a clinician’s license?
Most state medical or licensing boards have a free online lookup. Search the clinician’s name and confirm the license type, its status, and any public notices.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an individual evaluation by your own healthcare provider. Licensing rules vary by state and can change, so check with your state licensing board for current information.
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