 |
Previous: Homeopathy for Serious Conditions |
Next: What to Expect During a Visit with a Homeopathic Practitioner |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
How to Choose a Homeopathic Practitioner
Just as conventional medical doctors must be licensed to practice medicine, the credentials of homeopathic practitioners are equally important.
Training
Formal training in homeopathy varies throughout the world. In the United States, practitioners learn their trade through diploma programs, certificate programs, short courses, and correspondence courses. It takes about three years to earn a degree, with training usually broken up into one weekend session per month. Education in naturopathy (a related herbal medicine field) also includes training in homeopathy. In Europe, practitioners obtain professional degrees in homeopathy after 3–6 years of training.
Licensing Requirements in the United States
Most homeopaths in the United States are licensed in another medical discipline as well. For example, they might be family practice doctors, chiropractors, dentists, acupuncturists, osteopaths, nurse practitioners, or nurse midwives. In most states, a medical professional is permitted to practice homeopathy if he or she is legally licensed to prescribe medicine. Each state has its own particular licensing requirements. For example:
- California, Minnesota, and Rhode Island: These states allow homeopaths and other alternative health practitioners to practice without a license as long as they are open about their training and background.
- Arizona, Connecticut, and Nevada: In these states, conventional medicine doctors practicing homeopathy must be licensed in homeopathy by the state homeopathic licensing board.
Be sure to look into your state’s specific requirements before searching for a practitioner.
How to Find a Homeopathic Practitioner
It’s best to work with a practitioner who is certified from a national homeopathic organization. Look for a homeopath who has a Diplomate in Homeotherapeutics (DHt) or has
attained the Certified Classical Homeopath (CCH) credential. It’s also best if the practitioner has conventional medical training as well. The following resources will give you a start on your search for a homeopathic practitioner:
Organization |
Contact Information |
|
National Center for Homeopathy |
801 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 306
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.548.7790
|
|
American Institute of Homeopathy |
10418 Whitehead Street
Fairfax, VA 22030
Membership directory available for $10 post-paid
(continental United States only); make checks payable to
American Institute of Homeopathy
|
|
Council for Homeopathic Certification |
PMB 187
16915 SE 72nd Street, Suite #100
Covington, WA 98042
|
|
Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians |
12132 SE Foster Place
Portland, OR 97266
503.761.3298
|
Besides internet research, you can also find homeopathic practitioners by asking your primary care physician or pharmacist for a referral, or by inquiring at a local health food store about homeopaths in your area.
How to Protect Yourself
Since homeopathy and other alternative medical professions are subject to little government oversight, you may run a risk of finding yourself in the care of someone who is less than qualified. Be concerned about your homeopathic practitioner if he or she:
- Asks few questions during your first interview and is quick to prescribe a remedy
- Asks nothing about your current and past psychological state
- Advises you to stop taking your current prescription drugs (if the homeopathic remedy he or she chooses for you is appropriate, it shouldn’t interact negatively with any conventional drugs you’re taking)
Be sure that you feel comfortable with the homeopath you choose. Ask yourself:
- Do you feel comfortable talking to him or her?
- Do you feel confident in his or her skills and educational background?
| Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
