The world of holistic health is growing fast, and for good reason. More people are looking for answers beyond quick fixes and are turning to functional health, nutrition, and root-cause approaches to feel better.
But with that growth comes a big question: How do you know who to trust?
At Apothecary & Co., we believe in the power of holistic and functional health care, but we also believe in being honest about something important: Not all practitioners are created equal.
What Is Holistic Health?
Holistic health focuses on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms. It includes:
- Functional nutrition
- Lifestyle changes
- Hormone balance
- Gut health support
- Stress management
- Targeted supplementation
Rather than asking, “What medication treats this?”, holistic and functional health practitioners often ask: “Why is this happening in the first place?”
The Truth About the Holistic Health Industry
The holistic health industry is now a multi-trillion-dollar space and it is growing rapidly.
While that is exciting, it also means there is no universal standard for training in many areas. Some practitioners are highly trained, while others may have minimal education.
We would love to believe everyone is here purely to help, and many are. But the reality is that some are deeply qualified, some are still learning responsibly, and some are simply trying to make a quick buck.
Understanding the Different Types of Practitioners
1. Medically Licensed Practitioners with Functional Training
- MD (Medical Doctor)
- DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)
- NP (Nurse Practitioner)
- PA (Physician Assistant)
- RN (Registered Nurse)
- RPh / PharmD (Pharmacist)
Many of these practitioners pursue additional training in functional health, nutrition, hormone therapy, and root-cause medicine. They combine clinical knowledge with holistic approaches.
2. Functional Nutritionists and Health Coaches
This group includes certified health coaches and functional nutrition practitioners. There are excellent professionals in this space, but training can vary significantly.
3. Naturopaths vs. Naturopathic Doctors
Naturopathic Doctors attend accredited programs and may diagnose and treat depending on the state. Non-licensed naturopaths may have widely varying levels of training.
4. Minimal Training / Online Certifications
Some individuals complete very short courses and begin offering health advice, including interpreting lab work. This can be inappropriate and potentially dangerous.
Who Can Prescribe Medications (and Who Cannot)
Not all holistic practitioners can write prescriptions. These can:
- MDs and DOs
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
- Physician Assistants (PAs)
- In some states, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs)
- Pharmacists in limited collaborative settings
Most health coaches, nutritionists, and non-licensed practitioners cannot prescribe medications.
What to Look for in a Holistic Health Practitioner
1. Clear Credentials
Practitioners should be transparent about education and certifications.
2. Defined Scope of Practice
They should operate within their training and know when to refer out.
3. Transparent Pricing
You should clearly understand what is included and what you are paying for.
4. Personalized Approach
Avoid one-size-fits-all protocols. Care should be individualized.
5. Empowerment Over Dependency
A great practitioner educates and empowers you.
Our Approach at Apothecary & Co.
We believe in honesty about credentials and scope, combining traditional and holistic approaches, transparency, and truly supporting our patients.
Holistic and functional health can be incredibly powerful, but it requires discernment. Ask questions, understand credentials, and choose someone who is qualified and invested in your health journey.
At Apothecary & Co., we offer functional medicine consultations with our highly qualified team to educate our patients and discuss a care plan that’s specific to your needs. Book a consultation today to get started.
