Quick answer: Your first naturopath appointment is typically 90 minutes covering your full health history, diet, lifestyle, sleep, stress, hormones, and digestion. Bring recent blood tests, a medication list, and notes on your main concerns. No referral is needed. You’ll leave with a personalised health plan explaining what to do and why.
How is a naturopath appointment different from a GP visit?
The biggest difference is time. A standard GP appointment is 10–15 minutes. My initial naturopathy consultation is 90 minutes. This allows me to take a comprehensive health history, understand the full picture, and identify the connections between seemingly unrelated symptoms. I’m looking for patterns and root causes — not just treating individual symptoms.
What happens during the consultation?
We start with your main health concerns and goals — what brought you here and what you want to achieve. I then work through a detailed systems review covering your digestive health, energy and sleep patterns, hormonal and menstrual history, mood and stress levels, skin, hair and nail health, immune function, and any medications or supplements you’re currently taking.
I also assess your dietary patterns in detail — not to judge, but to identify where nutritional gaps or triggers might be contributing to your symptoms. And I review any existing blood work or pathology results you bring with you.
What should you bring?
Any recent blood test results or pathology reports (even if they were “normal” — I may interpret the ranges differently). A list of current medications and supplements with doses. Notes on your main health concerns and questions. Details of any diagnoses or treatments from other practitioners.
What happens after the consultation?
After our appointment, I dedicate additional time building your personalised health plan. This document explains not only what you need to do, but why — connecting each recommendation to your specific health picture. This understanding is what gives you the conviction to follow through. Your plan may include dietary guidance, herbal medicine prescriptions, targeted supplementation, lifestyle strategies, and recommended blood work if further investigation is needed.
Do I need a referral?
No. You don’t need a referral from a GP to see a naturopath. Simply call, text, or send a message to arrange an appointment. I offer both in-person consultations at my Lane Cove clinic and online consultations (phone or video) for clients anywhere in Australia.
References: Wardle, J., et al. (2013). The international naturopathic practice workforce. Advances in Integrative Medicine, 1(1), 17–23.
Samantha Jane
Samantha is a qualified naturopath with over 20 years of health industry experience, based in Lane Cove on Sydney’s North Shore. She is a member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS).
Have questions about your health?
If this article has raised questions about your own health, I’m happy to chat. Call, text, or send a message — no commitment needed.