Licensed naturopathic medicine built on root-cause diagnostics, natural therapeutics, and four decades of clinical experience in Bend, Oregon.
Dr. Collins on the naturopathic principle of natural, plant-based healing.
“Holistic” describes a philosophy of care. “Naturopathic doctor” describes a specific, licensed medical credential. In Oregon, a licensed naturopathic physician (ND) completes a four-year, graduate-level medical program covering the same foundational sciences as conventional medical training, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, alongside clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and other natural therapeutics, followed by board licensing exams.
Naturopathic medicine is guided by a specific set of principles: treat the whole person, identify and address the root cause rather than only the symptom, support the body’s own capacity to heal, and prioritize prevention. Dr. Drew Collins, ND earned his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 1984, following a degree in Biology and Comparative Religion from the University of Oregon, and has practiced as a licensed, board-certified naturopathic physician in Bend for more than 40 years.
At Proactive Choice, naturopathic care draws on clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, hormone testing and treatment, detoxification protocols, and other natural therapeutics, chosen based on what your specific case actually calls for.
Naturopathic doctors complete graduate-level medical training and board licensing, distinct from wellness coaching or informal alternative practice.
Comprehensive testing is used to identify what is actually driving your symptoms before building a treatment plan.
Herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, and hormone therapy are used where the evidence supports them, not as a blanket alternative to conventional care.
Dr. Collins has practiced naturopathic medicine in Bend since long before it was a common part of the local healthcare landscape.
Your plan is built around your specific labs, history, and goals rather than a standard protocol.
Dr. Collins was named Arizona Naturopathic Physician of the Year and has chaired conventions for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
A thorough review of your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and relevant lab work to build a complete picture.
Rather than matching symptoms to a standard protocol, testing and history are used to identify what is actually driving your specific case.
A treatment plan drawing from clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, hormone therapy, and other naturopathic tools matched to your case.
Progress is tracked and the plan adjusted over time as your needs evolve.
See how naturopathic medicine fits within Dr. Collins’ broader whole-person approach to care.
A closely related, systems-based approach to root-cause investigation.
Naturopathic hormone testing and treatment for thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormone imbalances.
Learn more about Dr. Collins’ naturopathic training and licensure.
1. What’s the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a holistic doctor in Bend, Oregon?
“Naturopathic doctor” is a specific, licensed medical credential requiring four years of graduate-level training and board exams, while “holistic” describes a general philosophy of whole-person care that can be practiced by providers with varying credentials. Dr. Drew Collins is a licensed naturopathic physician who also practices holistically, meaning both descriptions apply to his approach at Proactive Choice. Not every provider calling themselves holistic holds a naturopathic license, so it is worth confirming credentials directly.
2. Is naturopathic medicine regulated in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon licenses naturopathic physicians through the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine, which requires graduation from an accredited four-year naturopathic medical program and passage of board licensing exams. Dr. Collins is a licensed, board-certified naturopathic physician who earned his doctorate from Bastyr University in 1984. Licensure status is something patients can verify directly with the state board.
3. What training does a naturopathic doctor actually have?
Licensed naturopathic physicians complete a four-year, graduate-level program covering the same foundational medical sciences taught in conventional medical school, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology, alongside training in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and other natural therapeutics. Dr. Collins earned his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 1984 and has also served as adjunct faculty at Bastyr, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and National College of Naturopathic Medicine. That combination of clinical practice and teaching experience spans more than four decades.
4. Can a naturopathic doctor in Bend, OR order lab testing and prescribe treatment?
Licensed naturopathic physicians in Oregon can order comprehensive lab testing and, within the scope of their license, recommend and administer a range of treatments, including certain prescription medications depending on state scope-of-practice rules. Dr. Collins uses testing extensively to identify root causes before building a treatment plan, rather than relying on symptoms alone. The specific scope of what is included in a visit is worth discussing directly with the clinic.
5. Does Proactive Choice in Bend take insurance for naturopathic visits?
No, Proactive Choice operates as a self-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly, though HSA and FSA funds along with credit cards are accepted. This applies to all naturopathic services offered at the clinic. Confirming current pricing directly with the clinic before scheduling is recommended.
Systems-based, lab-driven root-cause investigation.
Natural therapies coordinated alongside your existing medical care.
Comprehensive testing and treatment for thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones.
PRP, stem cell therapy, prolotherapy, and other tissue-repair treatments.
A doctor for your whole family — personal, unhurried, and genuinely likeable.
Virtual visits are available for patients who can’t easily make it into the Bend office, in addition to in-person appointments.
