Great Naturopath clinic! I've been seeing Dr Brittany Tapp for the past several months, and she's been wonderful. She's helped me with some health issues, due to vitamin deficiencies that my regular doctor never even considered. She's also given me lots of suggestions for dietary changes and supplements that would be beneficial. To top it off shes extremely nice and made me feel comfortable, which is important to me. Highly recommended! read more

This was my worst blood draw experience in 37 years. I've never had issues with needles or blood draws, but Rida Wang (ND) was remarkably inept compared to even the most mediocre phlebotomists and nurses I've encountered in the past. I thought it was weird that a naturopath was doing a blood draw, but figured she must know what she's doing if she's confident enough to offer it as a service and had a student shadowing her. Boy was I wrong. She took an unnecessarily large needle, dug and twisted it in my right arm every which way and somehow still failed to locate a vein while causing intense pain. I literally had to yell, "STOP!" She then switched over to my left arm and eventually managed to draw 2 tubes of blood, but not without significant discomfort. The veins in both of my arms ended up feeling like they were on fire and were heavily bruised. This was also the first blood draw where I've had someone take a pen to mark the corners of my vein so that she wouldn't "miss with the needle". After I complained about them on Google, Rida Wang sent a formal document to me saying that neither she nor her student noticed my discomfort, which I vigorously dispute. Are you telling me with your "20 years of experience", you can't even tell when a patient yells stop, that they're in pain? A true professional would have explained upfront that they weren't that experienced and either offered an alternative or asked if I'd be okay with them practicing on me. However, Rida Wang claims that she's a seasoned professional who has "over 200" blood draws under her belt. This really only made the matter worse because if she's done this over 200 times, then there's even less of an excuse to have missed the mark so terribly. The only solution they offered me was a complimentary 15 minute session with Rida Wang for the bruising -- but why would I want that from a person who couldn't even do a basic blood draw? The damage has already been done. How would a consultation help with anything? Finally, I have reason to believe they're withholding results for the blood test. It's been a month, and instead of simply delivering on the product I already paid over $600 for, they requested that I either sign a waiver or book an appointment with my original naturopath, Jean Wong. As my complaint is not about her, I informed the receptionist that I had no issues booking an appointment to get my results from her. They did not provide a clear response and instead said they were following up with the doctor for next steps. This seems like unprofessional and vindictive behaviour. Don't walk away from this place. RUN. I suffered at their hands and not only did I not receive an apology, I got a wall of deflection and gaslighting, completely devoid of empathy or accountability. Patient care is clearly not their priority here. read more

I had a terrifying experience after a naturopathic consultation with Dr. Rida Wang (at Crossroads Naturopathic Clinic, 507 W. Broadway, Vancouver). I sought her advice regarding a large fibroid in my uterus. I eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid harmful substances and environments, and have no allergies. She suggested that I avoid soy, which can cause fibroids. Other than that she said my current diet and lifestyle are healthy. Dr. Wang prescribed me two bottles of supplements: DIM Plus to metabolize estrogen, and Fem-Matrix for night sweats. Fem-Matrix (by CytoMatrix) contains Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Chasteberry, Wild Yam, Red Clover, St. John's Wort, Hesperidin and Quercetin. I took Fem-Matrix for only two days because it gave me terrible night sweats, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and bad mood swings. DIM-Plus (Crossroads in-house brand) contains Diindolylmethane, Calcium D Glucarate, Indole 3 Carbinole, and Turmeric. After taking DIM Plus for a week, my eyes became so swollen I could hardly see, a cyst appeared under my eye, my body was covered in burning, swollen, large patches of hives, my hands were stiff and swollen with large bulges on my wrists, my neck was swollen so that it was uncomfortable to move my head, my face felt frozen, and my lip was swollen. I have never had an allergic reaction prior to this and have no allergies. I emailed Dr. Wang as soon as the symptoms appeared, then a few hours later because they were becoming worse very rapidly, but it was a Saturday evening so I didn't hear back from her. She didn't give me an emergency contact. Since Crossroads Naturopathic Clinic says it's open on Sundays, I phoned on Sunday but no answer. I went to the clinic after their opening hour but the door was locked. I then went to hospital Emergency, where the nurse said I had a high fever, and prescribed Benadryl extra-strength antihistamine. On Monday, still very upset and worried about the side effects, I spoke with Dr. Wang on the phone and told her the Benadryl was working, the hives were subsiding, and my eyes were less swollen, thankfully. She didn't say that the dose she prescribed may have been too high. Upon my research into similar supplement formulas, the dose she prescribed for both supplements was high compared to retail brands. Dr. Wang avoided assuming responsibility, saying, "whether your reaction was from the supplements or something else" suggesting that the supplements she prescribed might not have caused the reaction. I was angered by her lack of accountability and attempt to blame me. I insisted that the DIM Plus caused the horrible reaction, since I hadn't changed my health-conscious routine (diet, activities, etc.) whatsoever while taking the supplements she prescribed. Dr. Wang then denied her previous insinuation and said, "I never said it wasn't the supplements. What do you want?" I said I wanted a refund for the $92 I paid for the supplements. I didn't ask for a refund for the $175 consultation fee. She said her clinic doesn't give refunds. I told her that health-food stores give refunds on open bottles of supplements (usually within 15 days), no problem. She said her clinic is like a pharmacy so refunds aren't given. I insisted again and she reluctantly said she'll ask her business manager. Her receptionist called me later and said I could get a refund by cash or cheque. Dr. Wang hasn't followed up with me since that one phone call. I have experimented with supplements and herbs for 25 years, based on my own research and advice from staff at supplement stores. I never had a bad reaction to store-bought supplements. Based on my experience with Dr. Rida Wang, I will never consult a naturopath again, and will warn people to never purchase supplements from a naturopath. Instead, do your own research, speak to the knowledgeable staff at Genesis Nutrition (Main St. near Broadway) and buy your supplements at the store (I'm not affiliated with Genesis Nutrition, just a satisfied customer). read more

I have been seeing Dr. Kristen Brown for many years now. She sees both myself and my son for well baby visits. I have always looked forward to my appointments with her. She has been so helpful always takes the time to listen to what I have to say. I would highly recommend her to anyone. I have also been seeing Jen Cherewaty for acupuncture and TCM for a few years now. I was referred to Jen by Dr. Brown during my first pregnancy. Jen's treatments are always so relaxing and are appointments I actually get excited about. I had such an amazingly easy pregnancy and I attribute most of that to Jen's treatments. I am seeing her during my second pregnancy and so far have had similar wonderful results. I tell all of my friends to go see her. I have had acupuncture from others before and wasn't too thrilled with the results. I didn't really notice much of anything changing after the treatments. Not so with Jen. I can almost always feel a difference quickly. She really knows what she's doing. Even if you've had acupuncture before and didn't think much of it, give her a try! read more

I've been going to this clinic for a year and a half and I only have good comments for the Dr and the ladies at reception. Even though they are very busy, they always welcome you with a big smile and beautiful words. Susana is very sweet and patient, she always does all her best to help you and make you feel comfortable. I am so impressed because I had had bad experiences before in other clinics with front desk people. read more

This review is for Dr. Wang as well. I'm surprised to see any negative reviews on her! I've seen her for more than 8 years, and she's always been spot on when it came to helping me with diagnosis as well as treatment of symptoms. I suffered with chronic hives for months that no medication was working for, and the allergist had no idea what was going on, he just told me to deal with it. I was also dealing with a fair bit of insomnia, which she actually diagnosed as a hormone imbalance. My MD kept shoving sleeping pill prescriptions in my face. After receiving treatment plan with some self care instructions and committing to a series of weekly acupuncture sessions, as well as a few herbal remedies, after two seasons the hives were gone completely and after the 6th acupuncture sessions I finally started sleeping well. I go on to see her for a "tune up" at least once month, and it's always well worth the money. Seeing her has spiked an interest in my own health, nutrition and fitness. Seeing her has made me feel more in control of my health because I realize moreso now that it takes work from both patient and doctor to get results. I've spent a few hundred on testing, visits and some supplents, and it is all well spent as an investment in my health. I'm disheartened to see people always coming on review pages to post just the negative experience they've had and nothing else. DR. Wang is a mark above the rest, and if one is not ready to invest a bit of time, and a bit of cash to take control of your health, perhaps you don't deserve a partner in your health like Dr. Wang. Plain and simple. read more

I want to take the time to say thank you to Dr. Rida Wang for her excellent care. A few months ago I was diagnosed with Urticaria/hives and after a trip to the emergency, was sent home with no help or treatment from the medical community. The hives were everywhere and began to affect my quality of life - I didn't want to socialize, go to the gym, or work. My sister suggested acupuncture so I made an appointment with Dr. Wang. She has been the only medical professional that has helped me. Dr. Wang is compassionate, thorough and extremely knowledgeable. Under her expert care, my hives are almost completely gone. I would highly recommend anyone who is suffering from a condition to consult Dr. Wang. Thank you again Dr.Wang! read more

I've been seeing Dr. Kristen Brown for over a year now and I can't say enough wonderful things. She's very kind and thorough. I've never felt like I was being rushed or not listened to in an appointment (like with most standard medical doctors). She gets to the root of the problem and helps you heal with natural organic remedies, supplements, diet changes, etc. It's more expensive of course, especially if you don't have coverage, but completely worth it. I'm very happy with my state of health now and will continue to see her for years to come. read more

My review is really for Jen Cherewaty who does accupuncture at the clinic. Not sure why it's taken me so long to write this, but Jen is excellent. Before Jen, I didn't believe that accupuncture really worked at all. But it was covered by my benefits, and I was at my wits end regarding conception issues. on my second visit with Jen, she suggested I had a progesterone deficiency and recommended a saliva test. I declined this. With Jen's treatment and support, I ended up becoming pregnant twice! But unfortunately I miscarried. Jen again suggested that I might want to take progesterone or do the test to determine if I have a deficiency. Well, I got pregnant a 3rd time, saw a specialist about taking progesterone, took progesterone and gave birth to a healthy baby in April 2015. I truly believe I would not have gotten pregnant and then carried a baby to term without Jen's help. I highly recommend for fertility/conception issues. She really works with you closely and is very knowledgable and helpful. read more

I went there to just see how I can improve my health in general. Wow -they are hard sellers. I ended up paying almost $2000 on allergy tests, blood tests, etc. A quick 10 minute chat with a naturopath is $105 to go over the results plus expensive bottles of supplements really add up. All I learned was that I should cut back on gluten, dairy, red meat, and alcohol. Anyone can tell me that. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Carley Akehurst at this clinic and love her! She is honest and comforting, as well as very informed about all the issues I have spoken to her about. She never tries to push things on me, only makes suggestions and then checks in to see how I feel about them. She also gives me alternative options. I feel 100% confident in her as my naturopathic doctor and recommend her to all my friends. read more

This review is for the clinic in general, and for Dr. Wang. The receptionist was quite rude when I had to cancel a same day appt due to illness. I know the clinic has a 24 hour policy, but we cannot always predict illness or the future; I was shouted at for cancelling my appt. Seriously! I feel this clinic has declined in their quality of receptionists since Melissa (who was very knowledgeable and always helpful) left-a big loss to the clinic! I met with Dr. Wang a few times for sleep difficulties-she suggested some natural herbs (made expressly for the clinic) but the herbs never felt right. I finished one bottle, but noticed significant effects (i.e., like an increased heart rate) which I suspect was the Ashwagandha herb, and my sleep was not improved. I was told to take two capsules-seriously, with an increased heart rate?! I requested that I return the 2nd bottle (which had barely been used) and exchange it for something else, but my request was denied. It gets expensive in addition to the Naturopathic fees, especially if we are on a limited budget. I think my request of exchanging the herb in question was reasonable. I was also told with a reproaching tone, that I needed to "exercise and sweat"-dah! Seeing as I have been struggling with a back injury, exercise and sweating is limited for me these days. I will not return to this clinic, nor will I recommend it to anyone else, as there is a lack of sensitivity to the client's needs, AND I don't really feel there is enough concern for the client/patient's well-being. read more

All I can say is that after 10+ years of suffering with a variety of health issues and YEARS of waiting to see specialists who never seem to be able to help me or they give me an umbrella diagnosis like "IBS", Crossroads naturopathic, specifically Dr Carely Akehurst, have changed my life!! Dr Akehurst is very well informed and so easy to talk to. She never rushes me (with traditional western doctors I've always felt like I was taking up their precious time) she actually listens and comes up with plans that work with my finances and address the whole body and mind, no bandaid fixes here! For the first time in years, I'm beginning to feel like my body, mind and soul are in sync. I always leave my appointments feeling great and Melissa at the front desk is so kind and helpful if I have any questions. If you're reluctant about taking the plunge into naturopathic medicine, believe me when I say, DO IT! This is whole body medicine and will be the best decision you've ever made. read more

Have been a patient of Crossroads for a few years now. This is a wonderful caring clinic with warm and attentive staff. I have found my dealings with this clinic to be most positive with wonderful results. I can't begin to say enough good things about Jen Cherewaty and Dr. Rida Wang. Time is always taken to listen and be sensitive to ones issues with careful thought given to treatments. A wonderful clinic. read more

I have been going to Crossroads for several years now. I started seeing Kristen Brown and she was great. When she had her first baby I saw Carey Akehurst for a while and she was the first person to help me get to a good place with my thyroid issues of many years. Somewhere along the line I started seeing Jen Cherewaty for acupuncture and have not stopped seeing her since. She has helped me with so many things - running injuries (I credit her with a good part of my recovery after surgery for a broken ankle) as well as managing stress and persistent sleep issues. I would happily see Jen for any remotely relevant health matter and recommend her highly to my friends and acquaintances. read more

Magi Bowyer is the counsellor at Crossroads Naturopathic, but she is so much more than a counselor; she is a truly gifted intuitive healer. I cannot recommend her highly enough if you want to experience a profound shift in your self-concept, in your internal landscape, which can then extend to your external world. The space she creates feels safe, warm and welcoming. She always shows up, is completely present and tuned in, and there is never a wasted word...every utterance has substance, wisdom and intention behind it. This woman can facilitate deep-rooted change in your life. read more

I cannot recommend Dr. Carley Akehurst enough! She was a wonderful and vital support throughout my pregnancy and post-partum. She is my go-to health professional for any physical or emotional challenges that I am dealing with. I can always count on her to provide me with effective remedies, as well an empathic and comforting presence. Her healing abilities are unparalleled!! read more

I first discovered Jen Cherewaty's amazing healing powers in late 2012 following a chemical exposure. I don't say "amazing" lightly or in jest. She really is amazing. I was dealing with severe breathing problems and fatigue, primarily. Jen treated me with Acupuncture, TCM herbal supplements, and boundless compassion. A true healer, she looks at things with a holistic perspective. And she knows a LOT about Acupuncture and TCM, and about women's hormones and the human psyche. Jen always took the time to get the whole story of what was ailing me. Her acupuncture treatments were tailored to my specific issues, with the goal of treating both causes and symptoms. I have recommended her to all my friends, and I highly recommend her to you too! read more

I have been seeing Jen Cherwaty for acupuncture and eastern therapies for several years. Jen is caring, compassionate, knowledgable and a wonderful health care provider. I cannot recommend her enough if you are seeking acupuncture or Chinese medicine. The front office staff are always friendly, helpful and attentive. I have nothing but great things to say about this clinic! read more