Frequently Asked Questions

Before your appointment, you'll fill out an intake form so I can get a full picture of your health history and current concerns. Your first visit is an integrative medicine consultation — a chance for me to listen deeply, ask questions, and understand what's going on from a whole-person perspective.

From there, I'll create a personalized treatment plan that may include acupuncture, a custom herbal formula, supplements, and lifestyle guidance. For meaningful and lasting results, I often recommend beginning with weekly sessions and targeted support for approximately three months, though treatment frequency and duration vary depending on your condition and goals.

Everyone. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, navigating a health transition, managing stress or anxiety, trying to conceive, seeking support during cancer treatment, or simply interested in a more holistic approach to your wellbeing — you're welcome here. My practice is designed to serve the full North Lake Tahoe community, and our sliding-scale model ensures cost isn't a barrier to receiving consistent care.

No referral is needed. You can book directly through the website or book a free 15-minute discovery call session. If you're unsure whether my services are right for your situation, feel free to reach out through the contact page and I'm happy to help you figure out the best next step.

Wild Rose Medicine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic operating on a three-tier sliding scale designed to support consistent, accessible care for our North Lake Tahoe community. When booking an appointment, you select a rate within the set range that reflects your current financial reality. The Green Bottle guide can help you determine which tier best aligns with your situation.

There is no income verification or documentation required. Many patients move between tiers over time as life circumstances shift, and higher-tier contributions help sustain access to care across our community. This trust-based model allows for the kind of consistent, ongoing treatment that leads to meaningful results.

Wild Rose Medicine doesn't bill insurance directly. However, I provide superbills — detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many patients with out-of-network acupuncture benefits are able to recover a portion of their costs this way.

I recommend checking with your insurance provider to see what your plan covers. My sliding-scale pricing is also designed to make care affordable with or without insurance coverage.

I accept all major credit and debit cards through Square, as well as cash. Payment is collected at the time of your visit.

Most people feel very little when the needles are placed — they're hair-thin, nothing like a medical needle. Once they're in, you'll likely feel a deep sense of relaxation, and many patients fall asleep during treatment.

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to encourage circulation, reduce inflammation, calm the nervous system, and support the body's natural ability to heal. Each point is carefully chosen based on your unique pattern — addressing not just symptoms but the root of what's creating imbalance. It's especially effective for pain, stress, anxiety, hormonal issues, and supporting recovery from illness or surgery.

This depends on your condition and goals. For most patients, I recommend weekly sessions for an initial period of about three months to build momentum and allow the body to respond. From there, we often transition to maintenance visits every two to four weeks.

Some acute issues may resolve in fewer sessions, while chronic conditions benefit from longer-term, consistent care. I'll give you a clear recommendation after your initial consultation, and we'll adjust the plan together as you progress.

Yes. When performed by a licensed and properly trained practitioner, acupuncture is considered a very safe form of treatment. It has been practiced for centuries and is supported by a growing body of modern clinical research. I use sterile, single-use, disposable needles for every session in accordance with California safety standards.

Side effects are uncommon and typically mild, such as occasional light bruising, temporary soreness, or brief fatigue after treatment. Many patients feel deeply relaxed during and after their sessions.

Not necessarily. While acupuncture and herbal medicine work beautifully together, herbal formulas can also be prescribed on their own following an integrative medicine consultation. During that session, I'll assess your pattern and create a custom formula tailored to your needs.

Safety is always my first priority. During your consultation, I'll review all of your current medications and supplements before recommending any herbs. I'm trained to identify potential interactions and will always coordinate with your other healthcare providers when needed. If there's any concern, I'll adjust the formula or recommend an alternative approach.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be rolled up above your elbows and knees. Acupuncture points are often located on the forearms, lower legs, hands, and feet, so easy access to these areas helps the session flow smoothly. Avoid wearing heavy perfumes or fragrances out of respect for other patients and those with sensitivities.

Wild Rose Medicine is located in Tahoe City, California — in the heart of North Lake Tahoe. Full address and directions are available on the contact page.

I ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. This allows me to offer your time slot to another patient. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a fee. Life happens — if something unexpected comes up, please just reach out and we'll work it out.