About
Dr. Maria Joanne Fletcher is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor, ND. Practicing at StoneTree Naturopathic Clinic in Collingwood, ON, Dr. Fletcher is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered naturopathic care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Dr. Fletcher's role encompasses providing comprehensive naturopathic care for a broad spectrum of health concerns in individuals of various ages. This includes preventative health strategies, management of chronic conditions, and acute illness support through a holistic and individualized approach, utilizing core naturopathic therapies like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle counseling. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized treatment plans tailored to each stage of life.
Having completed their ND, Dr. Fletcher possesses extensive clinical experience and is committed to ongoing professional development, emphasizing evidence-informed naturopathic practices. She has developed a strong interest and advanced skills in areas such as General Naturopathic Practice, continually integrating the latest scientific research into her treatments. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a strong focus on preventative medicine (Preventare) and sustainable lifestyle changes for long-term wellness. Dr. Fletcher offers consultations in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding with her patients.
Dr. Maria Joanne Fletcher provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Pain Musculoskeletal
- Headaches & Migraines (Naturopathic Management): Identifying and addressing potential triggers for headaches and migraines, such as dietary factors, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, stress, or musculoskeletal tension.
- Chronic Joint Pain & Osteoarthritis Support: Utilizing anti-inflammatory diets, targeted supplements, botanical medicines, and therapies like acupuncture or prolotherapy to manage joint pain.
- Sports Injuries (Naturopathic Recovery & Performance): Optimizing nutrition, utilizing natural anti-inflammatories, and therapies like acupuncture or IV nutrients to support athletes.
General Wellness Prevention
- Weight Management & Metabolic Health: Personalized naturopathic programs for sustainable weight loss or healthy weight gain, focusing on metabolic balance, nutrition, and lifestyle.
- Pediatric Wellness & Common Childhood Ailments: Naturopathic support for common childhood issues like colds and flu, ear infections, digestive upset, eczema, and allergies.
Immune Allergy Skin
- Allergies & Hay Fever (Seasonal or Environmental): Alleviating symptoms of hay fever and environmental allergies with a holistic naturopathic approach.
- Eczema, Psoriasis & Acne: A holistic approach to skin health, combining internal therapies with topical recommendations for lasting results.
- Autoimmune Condition Support (General): Focusing on gut health, identifying triggers, and supporting overall systemic balance in individuals with autoimmune diseases.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Fibromyalgia Support: Naturopathic management of widespread pain, profound fatigue, and other symptoms associated with CFS/ME and fibromyalgia.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Fletcher can assess your needs.
- Homeopathic Medicine: A gentle yet effective system of medicine using minute doses of remedies to address acute and chronic health conditions by triggering a healing response.
- Botanical (Herbal) Medicine: Prescription of evidence-based plant-derived medicines (herbs) in various forms (tinctures, teas, capsules) to support specific body systems and treat health conditions.
- Hydrotherapy: Application of constitutional hydrotherapy or other water-based treatments to enhance vitality and support the body's natural healing capacity.
- Clinical Nutrition & Dietary Counseling: Personalized dietary recommendations, meal planning guidance, and nutritional supplement advice to address deficiencies, support healing, and optimize health.
- Women's Health & Hormone Balancing: Natural approaches to balancing hormones and supporting female reproductive health through all stages of life.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Fletcher. 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 StoneTree Naturopathic Clinic, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Fletcher frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Through personalized naturopathic care with Dr. Fletcher, common concerns like trouble with constipation or diarrhea that just won't go away are thoroughly investigated to achieve waking up feeling refreshed and ready to start their day. This often involves dietary adjustments, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle education, helping people to once again enjoy spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain or fatigue.
- It's truly rewarding for Dr. Fletcher to witness patients resolve looking for natural ways to support their body's healing and experience their mood swings being much less frequent and severe. A holistic naturopathic approach, focusing on your unique constitution, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in competing effectively in their curling league games with good concentration again.
- When struggling with anxiety or feeling down more often than not limits your lifestyle and prevents you from doing participating fully in their martial arts practice, including sparring, with good energy, naturopathic medicine with Dr. Fletcher can help you work towards experiencing much better digestion now. The aim is to restore optimal physiological function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy the things you love.
- Naturopathic care with Dr. Fletcher can be a transformative turning point for those affected by concerns about my thyroid health and energy levels. The shared goal is achieving their lab test results showing positive changes, paving the way for you to enjoy a wider variety of foods without adverse reactions or digestive distress and a more energetic, balanced life.
Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Fletcher, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.
Dr. Fletcher practices at StoneTree Naturopathic Clinic, situated in the central Collingwood neighborhood of Collingwood. The clinic is conveniently located near local health food stores and community wellness centers, making it easy for patients to incorporate their visits into their daily routines. Accessibility is straightforward via local public transit routes, ensuring patients from various parts of the area can attend appointments with ease. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathic Doctor) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?
- Medical Doctors (MDs) generally use conventional medicine, including prescription drugs and surgery, to treat specific diseases and symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors or Naturopathes) take a holistic approach, aiming to identify and treat the underlying cause of health issues using natural therapies such as diet, herbs, homeopathy, and lifestyle changes. Naturopathic Doctors emphasize disease prevention and patient education. While their philosophies differ, Naturopathic Doctors and MDs can complement each other in a patient's overall healthcare plan.
- What are some of the specialized therapies Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors) might offer if they have extra training?
- Many Naturopathic Doctors pursue additional certifications for specialized therapies. Examples include Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy to deliver high doses of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, prolotherapy for chronic joint and ligament pain by stimulating the body's natural healing processes, and advanced acupuncture techniques. Availability varies, so patients interested in specific therapies should inquire during their consultation.
- Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- In general, naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor in a private clinic are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for consultations. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for services provided by registered or licensed Naturopathic Doctors. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies for specific coverage details.
- What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?
- Your initial appointment is usually comprehensive, lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Fletcher will discuss your current health concerns, medical history (including family history), diet, lifestyle, stress levels, sleep patterns, and environmental exposures. A physical examination may be performed. This thorough assessment helps identify root causes and develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include dietary and lifestyle recommendations, supplements, herbal therapies, or further testing.
- What kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?
- Lab testing can include standard blood panels such as CBC, cholesterol, blood sugar, and thyroid function, as well as specialized tests like hormone panels (saliva, urine, or blood), food sensitivity testing, digestive stool analysis, organic acid testing, or heavy metal testing. The choice of tests depends on your individual health concerns and history, providing insights to guide targeted treatment strategies.
- Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in ON?
- In Ontario, patients can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor directly without a referral from a physician (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It’s recommended to verify the specific requirements of your insurance policy before scheduling your first appointment.
- What is Naturopathic Medicine and how can it help me?
- Naturopathic Medicine is a primary healthcare system that combines modern scientific knowledge with traditional natural therapies. A licensed Naturopathic Doctor aims to stimulate the body's innate healing response, address root causes of illness, and promote overall health. It can help by providing individualized treatment plans that include therapies like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy, empowering patients to achieve lasting wellness.
StoneTree Naturopathic Clinic
27 Third St
Collingwood, ON, L9Y 1K4
Phone: (705) 444-5331
Dr. Maria Joanne Fletcher is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Registration Number: 4191
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.
