The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (N C C A M): Part of the National Institutes of Health

NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

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How To Find a Complementary Health Practitioner

NCCAM is the Federal Government’s lead agency for scientific research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). As a research institution, NCCAM does not provide referrals or care for the general public. The resources below, however, may help you find a complementary health practitioner.

Does NCCAM provide complementary health care or treatments?

No, NCCAM does not provide care or financial assistance for care. We are a research institution. Learn more about NCCAM.

How can I get a referral to a complementary health practitioner?

NCCAM does not provide referrals to private practitioners. For a list of practitioners in your area, contact your doctor or a local hospital.

Another good source of referrals are professional organizations for complementary health therapists. One source to find these organizations is the National Library of Medicine's Directory of Health Organizations.

Talk to your health care provider

Do not use a complementary health therapy as a replacement for proven conventional care or as a reason to postpone seeing a physician about a medical problem. For tips on talking with your health care providers about complementary health, see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign.