About Herbal Consultations
An herbal consultation is significantly different than a consult from a conventional practitioner. I believe that you are an integral part of the health care team, as you are the expert on what is happening in your body. And that healing depends on the work that you are willing do, and the intention you bring to your healing. Working as a team, I am committed to assisting you in creating optimal health in all aspects of your life. So I will ask a lot of questions and listen intently to you, and it will take time and work and passion on both of our parts to create your personalized path to wellness.
Prior to your appointment, you will be provided with a Client Intake Packet (or you can access one online here). Please complete all the forms and return them, along with any relevant blood work or lab results, to the office 1 week in advance of your appointment (you can mail them to Green Wisdom, 2023 Pacific Ave Long Beach CA 90815, or email them to Julie@LongBeachHerbalist.com). Consultations can be done in person or by telephone or Skype. If at all possible, an in-person consultation is preferable, but I understand that circumstances can make that difficult. I am also available for house calls, with a travel fee based on round-trip distance.
If you are requesting a phone consultation, please provide a recent photo of your face in close up, preferably without makeup if you are comfortable doing so.
When you arrive, I will have already evaluated the information sent earlier, and will be ready to get to work! We will discuss your health status and how the use of herbs, nutritional supplements, dietary and lifestyle changes may contribute to an increased sense of well-being. We will evaluate any medications that you are taking, to reduce the risk of any negative interactions with the herbs and supplements. As we talk, we will start to create a personalized protocol to support you in your goals. This protocol may include any of the following items:
-Dietary changes
-Lifestyle changes
-Herbal Products
-Nutritional Supplements
-Complementary Therapies
With your approval and input, a finalized comprehensive protocol will be created for you. You may purchase herbal products suggested from Green Wisdom, or from other sources. Supplements may be purchased locally or online, and suggested brands and forms will be discussed. You are not required to purchase any products as a part of your intake. All herbs and nutrients are fully explained so that you have a firm understanding of the suggested protocol and the expected outcome. Suggested herb protocols may be available immediately following a consultation, but more often will be made available 24-48 hours post-consult, in order to give focused attention to formulation of a product specific to your needs.
Initial consultations usually last about 1 hour to allow you ample time to talk about your health concerns, though it may be longer, or shorter, depending on the extent of medical history, amount of material needing to be covered, and the number of questions you may have.
Follow-up consults are set according to the goals we mutually agree on. Usually, a given protocol is followed for 1-3 months. For optimal results, a re-assessment at that time can allow for any adjustments to the herbal formulation and nutritional protocol. You may, of course, schedule a consult prior to your follow-up if you have something you’d like to discuss sooner. Usually 30-60 minutes is required for a follow-up consult. Prior to your follow-up consult, please provide any updated lab results or reports, and any questions that have arisen since our last time together.
Fee Schedule: Consultations run $80/hour, and do not include the cost of herbal products. Depending on individual health concerns, 1/2 hour consultations for $45 and 15 minute consultations for $25 may be arranged. Sliding Scale services are provided, please ask for details.
Insurance programs, including Medicare, generally do NOT cover holistic therapies at this time, although you are encouraged to check with your own individual insurance officers regarding your benefits. We will ask for payment for health services at the time of the appointment-- please bring cash or a check. We will provide you with a receipt should you decide to seek insurance reimbursement.
Cancellation Policy: If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please notify us by phone or email with at least 24 hours advance notice. Be advised that you will be charged 50% of the anticipated cost of your scheduled appointment if cancelled with less than 24 hours notice. Thank you for your consideration of the practitioner’s time and of other clients waiting for appointments.
About Julie James, Herbalist: I am extensively trained as a Traditional Western Herbalist and Nutritional Consultant, with over 30 years of experience and training. I use a range of holistic modalities to explore the origin and development of your health imbalances, and to implement short-term symptom control and long-term tonification and restoration. My approach involves optimizing diet and nutrition by integrating nourishing and healing herbs and foods, and moderate amounts of nutritional supplements as needed.
Disclosure Statement: Herbalism is not licensed by the state of California. Our services are complementary in nature. These consultations are for educational purposes only, and do not replace the services of a licensed physician. Julie James is not a Medical Doctor, and does not diagnose or treat disease.
Forms for Consultations: click to download. Please print out one of each, except for the food journal, complete, and return 1 week in advance of your appointment.