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Seeing a Naturopathic Doctor in Portland: What Your First Visit Is Like, and How Insurance Works

Naturopathic Medicine October 30, 2026•3 min read

By Dr. Heather Krebsbach, ND, LAc, Origins Integrative Health, Portland

Maybe you've been told your labs look "normal," but you still don't feel like yourself. Maybe you're tired of appointments that end before you've finished explaining what's going on. That's often when people start looking for a naturopathic doctor in Portland.

This article walks you through what seeing a naturopathic doctor at Origins is like and what we can help with. It also covers how insurance works, so you know what to expect before your first visit.

What a naturopathic doctor does

A naturopathic doctor (ND) looks at the whole picture of your health. We take the time to understand your story, your daily life and your goals. Then we look for what's behind your symptoms, rather than only managing them.

In Oregon, naturopathic doctors are licensed to diagnose, order labs and imaging, and prescribe medication when it's needed, under Oregon law. That means your care can include natural therapies and conventional medicine, chosen for what fits you best.

What we can help with

Patients come to our naturopathic doctors for support with:

  • Hormones, including perimenopause, menopause, PCOS, thyroid and postpartum care
  • Digestive health, such as IBS, SIBO, bloating and food sensitivities
  • Energy, sleep, stress and mood
  • Autoimmune conditions and chronic inflammation
  • Metabolic health, including weight and blood sugar
  • Fertility
  • Ongoing conditions like chronic fatigue and chronic pain

You can see the full list on our naturopathic medicine page.

What your first visit is like

Your first visit is a real conversation. We'll talk through what's been going on, how long it's been happening, your health history, and anything you've already tried. We set aside the time to hear the whole picture, so nothing important gets missed.

From there, we'll build a plan together. It may include lab work, nutrition and lifestyle support, supplements or medication. Follow-up visits are where we check in on how you're feeling and adjust your plan as you go.

Our new patient page explains how to get started.

In person or online

You can see our naturopathic doctors in person at our SE Portland clinic or by telehealth. For a virtual visit, you need to be in a state where your doctor is licensed. That's Oregon for all of our NDs, and Dr. Carly Martin is also licensed in Washington.

Insurance plans our naturopathic doctors accept

Our NDs are in-network with many major plans. It varies by doctor:

  • Dr. Heather Krebsbach: Blue Cross Blue Shield, BCBS Federal Employee Program, Moda Health, Aetna, PacificSource, and Providence ASHN / Collective Health Plan. UnitedHealthcare plans with out-of-network benefits can be billed out of network.
  • Dr. Laura Clevenger: Blue Cross Blue Shield, BCBS Federal Employee Program, Moda Health, Aetna, PacificSource, and UnitedHealthcare.
  • Dr. Carly Martin: Blue Cross Blue Shield, BCBS Federal Employee Program, Moda Health, Aetna, PacificSource, and Providence ASHN / Collective Health Plan.

More plans are being added. Self-pay is welcome too, and our front desk is glad to answer questions about pricing.

Checking your benefits

A quick call before your first visit helps you know what to expect.

  1. Call the member services number on your insurance card. Ask whether your doctor is in-network with your plan. Ask too what your benefits cover for visits.
  2. Call us at (503) 314-2176. Our front desk will confirm on our side and help with anything that doesn't match.

Frequently asked questions

Can a naturopathic doctor be my main doctor?

Yes, many people choose a naturopathic doctor as their main doctor. In Oregon, NDs can diagnose, order labs and prescribe when it's needed. We'll also work alongside your other providers. Our providers at Origins strive to help you create your healthcare team, so they recommend that you also have an MD designated as your primary care doctor.

Do naturopathic doctors prescribe medication?

Yes. Oregon naturopathic doctors can prescribe medication when it's the right fit for you, alongside natural therapies.

What if my insurance isn't on the list?

Call us anyway. More plans are being added, out-of-network billing may be possible, and self-pay is always an option.

Ready to get started?

If you're ready for care that takes the time to understand you, we'd love to meet you. Contact us or call (503) 314-2176 to book your first visit at our clinic on SE Ankeny St.

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