The National University of Natural Medicine Clinic is a teaching clinic run by the university's naturopathic medicine program in Portland, Oregon

The National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) Clinic operates as a patient care facility where students in the university's naturopathic doctor program provide treatment under faculty supervision. The clinic is located in Portland and offers services at lower cost than private naturopathic practices because student practitioners deliver care as part of their education. This structure means you see a student naturopath, not a licensed independent practitioner, though a faculty member oversees the work.

The clinic accepts patients for a range of conditions and uses the same diagnostic and treatment methods as private naturopathic practices — botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, physical medicine, and other modalities taught in the program. Because it is a teaching clinic, appointments typically take longer than in a private office, and scheduling may have longer wait times. The university is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Naturopathic Medicine (ACNM), which sets educational standards for naturopathic programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The NUNM Clinic is staffed by naturopathic medicine students supervised by faculty, not independent licensed practitioners.
  • Services cost less than private naturopathic practices because you are paying for student training rather than an established practitioner's fees.
  • The clinic is located in Portland, Oregon, and you will need to contact them directly to learn current hours, services offered, and how to schedule.
  • Naturopathic medicine is not regulated the same way across all states, so the scope of practice and licensing requirements vary depending on where you live.

How the clinic structure affects your care and cost

Teaching clinics operate differently from private practices. Your initial appointment and follow-up visits are longer because the student practitioner documents their work in detail and the supervising faculty member reviews the case. This extended time can mean more thorough intake and discussion, but it also means fewer appointment slots are available each day. Wait times to schedule an initial visit can range from weeks to months depending on the clinic's current patient load.

Cost is typically 40 to 60 percent lower than a private naturopathic practice in the same area because you are not paying for an independent practitioner's overhead, licensing, or years of established practice. However, you should confirm current fees directly with the clinic, as pricing changes and may vary by service type. Some clinics offer sliding scale fees based on income, though you will need to ask whether NUNM Clinic does.

What services the clinic offers and how to contact them

The NUNM Clinic typically offers the same services as a naturopathic practice: initial consultations that include health history and physical assessment, botanical medicine recommendations, nutritional counseling, and other modalities taught in the program. The specific services available, current hours of operation, and whether they are accepting new patients changes over time. You will need to contact the clinic directly by phone or through the university website to learn what is currently offered.

The clinic's contact information and scheduling details are maintained by the university. Call the main NUNM number or visit their website to reach the clinic directly. When you contact them, ask about current wait times for a first appointment, whether they treat the specific condition you are seeking care for, and what documents or information you should bring to your first visit.

Naturopathic licensing and regulation vary by state

Naturopathic medicine is regulated differently depending on where you live. In Oregon, where NUNM is located, naturopathic doctors must be licensed by the state and pass licensing exams. In other states, naturopathic practitioners may not be licensed or regulated at all, meaning anyone can call themselves a naturopath without formal training or credentials. Some states prohibit naturopaths from using certain titles or performing specific procedures.

Because NUNM is accredited and located in Oregon, the students and faculty meet Oregon's standards for naturopathic education and practice. However, if you live outside Oregon, the scope of what a naturopath can legally do in your state may be narrower or broader than what you receive at the NUNM Clinic. Before pursuing care, you may want to understand what naturopathic practice looks like in your own state and whether the treatments recommended are legal where you live.

How student clinics differ from private naturopathic practices

The main differences between a teaching clinic and a private practice are supervision, cost, appointment length, and availability. In a teaching clinic, a faculty member reviews every case and the student's work. In a private practice, the naturopath works independently (though they may consult with colleagues informally). Teaching clinics are cheaper because you are paying for education, not an established business. Appointments are longer because documentation and review take time. Availability is often more limited because the clinic operates around the university's academic calendar and student schedules.

Some people prefer teaching clinics because the lower cost makes naturopathic care more affordable, and the longer appointments allow for detailed discussion. Others prefer private practices because they want to see the same experienced practitioner over time without student involvement. Neither is inherently better — it depends on what matters most to you: cost, continuity of care, appointment length, or convenience.

What to expect at your first appointment

Your first visit to the NUNM Clinic will likely include a detailed health history interview, questions about your current symptoms and health goals, and a physical assessment. The student naturopath will take notes throughout and may step out to consult with a supervising faculty member. You should bring any relevant medical records, a list of current medications or supplements you take, and information about past health issues. Wear comfortable clothing if a physical exam is planned.

After the initial visit, the student naturopath will develop a treatment plan that may include herbal remedies, dietary changes, lifestyle recommendations, or other naturopathic modalities. You will receive written instructions and may be given herbal formulas or supplements to purchase. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed. The length of treatment varies depending on your condition and how you respond.

Insurance and payment options

Most naturopathic clinics, including teaching clinics, do not bill insurance directly because naturopathic care is not covered by most health plans. You will likely pay out of pocket at the time of service. Some clinics accept credit cards, checks, or cash. A few may offer payment plans for longer treatment courses, though you should ask about this when you call to schedule.

Before your first appointment, confirm what payment methods the NUNM Clinic accepts and whether they offer any discounts for multiple visits or upfront payment. If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you may be able to use those funds for naturopathic care, but rules vary by plan. Check with your account administrator before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the student naturopath at the clinic licensed?

Students at NUNM are not yet licensed — they are in training. However, they work under the direct supervision of licensed faculty members who review their work. Once students graduate and pass Oregon's licensing exam, they become licensed naturopathic doctors. At the clinic, you are seeing a student, not an independent licensed practitioner.

How long does treatment usually take?

Treatment length varies widely depending on your condition and how you respond. Some people see improvement in a few weeks, while others need months of ongoing care. The student naturopath will discuss expected timelines during your initial visit and adjust the plan based on your progress at follow-up appointments.

Can I see the same student naturopath for all my visits?

Most teaching clinics try to maintain continuity by assigning you to the same student practitioner for your care. However, if that student graduates or leaves the program, you may be assigned to another student. Ask about continuity when you schedule your first appointment.

What if I live outside Portland?

The NUNM Clinic is located in Portland, Oregon, so you would need to travel there for in-person appointments. Some naturopathic practices offer phone or video consultations, but you should ask the clinic directly whether they offer remote visits. If travel is not practical, you may want to find a naturopathic practitioner in your own area.

Does the clinic treat specific conditions?

The NUNM Clinic treats a range of conditions using naturopathic methods, but the specific conditions they currently accept may vary. Call the clinic to ask whether they work with your particular health concern and whether they have availability for new patients seeking that type of care.