Dr. Caitlin Jane Shea

Dr. Caitlin Jane Shea provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Stress Anxiety Sleep Support

• Anxiety & Mood Support: A holistic approach to improving mood, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall mental wellness naturally.
• Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances: Naturopathic solutions for improving sleep quality and duration, addressing underlying causes of insomnia like stress, hormonal imbalances, or poor sleep hygiene.
• Stress Management & Adrenal Support: Holistic approaches to reduce the physiological impact of stress, improve energy levels, and restore vitality.

Immune Allergy Skin

• Autoimmune Condition Support (General): A holistic approach to support immune health and improve well-being for those living with autoimmune challenges.
• Eczema, Psoriasis & Acne: Addressing underlying causes of chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne, such as gut health, inflammation, and dietary triggers.
• Allergies & Hay Fever (Seasonal or Environmental): Natural strategies to reduce allergy symptoms, modulate immune responses, and decrease sensitivity to common allergens.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Shea can assess your needs.

• Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Clinical physical examination tailored to your concerns, which may include specific naturopathic assessment methods.
• Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: A detailed initial consultation to understand your complete health history, lifestyle factors, diet, stress levels, and specific health concerns.
• Lifestyle Counseling & Health Promotion: Guidance on stress management techniques, sleep hygiene, exercise recommendations, and healthy habit formation to support lasting wellness.
• Detoxification Support: Personalized detoxification protocols using nutrition, herbs, and lifestyle adjustments to enhance organ function and reduce toxic burden.
• Conventional & Specialized Lab Test Analysis: Analysis of laboratory findings to identify nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, metabolic dysfunctions, or other underlying issues.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Shea. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors in ON and the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

At Virtual Practice (St Catharines), naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Shea frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If acid reflux or heartburn that's really bothersome is holding you back from enjoying resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely and with progress, Dr. Shea offers expert naturopathic care to uncover and address root causes. Treatment focuses on reduced reliance on medications for their symptoms, often utilizing clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle strategies to help you thrive.
• Rediscover your ability to cycling longer distances with their cycling club feeling strong without the burden of struggling with anxiety or feeling down more often than not. Dr. Shea focuses on evidence-based naturopathic treatment plans that lead to significant relief from debilitating pms symptoms like mood swings and cramps, integrating various therapeutic modalities for optimal and lasting results.
• When sugar cravings or signs of blood sugar imbalance limits your lifestyle and prevents you from doing performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease and precision, naturopathic medicine with Dr. Shea can help you work towards experiencing less joint pain and noticeably improved mobility and flexibility. The aim is to restore optimal physiological function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy the things you love.
• With Dr. Shea, a Naturopathic Doctor, individuals with fertility concerns or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy are guided towards regaining functional strength in a previously injured arm/leg, allowing them to return to normal activities. The focus is on empowering your body's innate healing ability so you can once again participate fully in activities you enjoy, such as walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue or breathlessness.

Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Shea, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.

Dr. Shea's practice at Virtual Practice (St Catharines) is situated in the charming Port Dalhousie neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near Lakeside Park, a popular spot for outdoor recreation, and is easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Visitors will find the clinic accessible, with street parking and nearby paid lots providing convenient options for parking and visits.

What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathic Doctor) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?

Both Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors) and Medical Doctors (MDs) are healthcare providers, but their approach and primary scope can differ. MDs typically focus on diagnosing and treating diseases using conventional methods like pharmaceuticals and surgery. Naturopathic Doctors focus on prevention and use natural therapies to support the body's self-healing abilities, often looking for the root cause of illness. Naturopathic Doctors may use treatments like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. In many cases, Naturopathic Doctors and MDs can work collaboratively to provide comprehensive patient care. The regulation and scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors vary by province.

What kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?

Your Naturopathic Doctor may recommend a variety of lab tests to help assess your health. This can range from standard blood work you might get at your family doctor's office (to check things like nutrient levels, organ function, or inflammation markers) to more specialized functional tests. These specialized tests could look at hormone balance in more detail, identify potential food sensitivities, assess your gut microbiome, or check for environmental toxin exposure. The goal is to get a clearer picture of what's happening in your body to create a more targeted treatment plan.

What types of conditions do Naturopathic Doctors at Virtual Practice (St Catharines) address?

Dr. Shea's practice addresses a wide range of health concerns, with a focus on identifying and treating the root cause. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Fibromyalgia Support, stress and fatigue, and skin conditions. Treatments may involve Physical Examinations (Naturopathic), Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake, lifestyle counseling, and patient education to help achieve health goals.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer coverage for services provided by registered/licensed Naturopathic Doctors. Patients are encouraged to check their individual insurance policies for details about coverage levels.

Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?

The number of Naturopathic sessions required varies greatly depending on the nature and chronicity of your health concerns, your individual health goals, your body's response to treatment, and your commitment to implementing the recommended dietary and lifestyle changes. Your Naturopathic Doctor will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated timeline after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

Are Naturopathic treatments safe?

When provided by a qualified and licensed/registered Naturopathic Doctor, Naturopathic treatments are generally very safe. They prioritize using therapies with a low risk of side effects and are trained to recognize situations where a treatment might not be suitable for an individual. Open communication with your Naturopathic Doctor about your health and any other treatments you're receiving is key to ensuring safety.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor (Naturopathic Doctor or Naturopathe) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required to see an ND, some private/extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. Patients should check their insurance policies before their first appointment to confirm.

Virtual Practice (St Catharines)
275 PELHAM ROAD
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3B9

Phone: (905) 246-6819

Dr. Caitlin Jane Shea is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 2907

Registration can typically be verified with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Naturopathic medicine aims to support overall health and well-being. It is recommended to maintain a relationship with your medical doctor for conventional medical care, diagnosis of serious conditions, and emergencies. Naturopathic care can often complement conventional treatments.