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Business Details
25 Years
experience
Your Trusted Naturopathic Clinic in Bellingham
Bellingham Natural Family Medicine combines modern medical science with traditional healing practices to provide holistic healthcare solutions. Our clinic emphasizes the body's innate ability to heal itself through personalized treatment plans that address physical, emotional, and environmental factors. With over two decades of experience in naturopathic medicine, our team offers comprehensive care for chronic and acute conditions using clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, and physical therapies.

We prioritize patient education and preventive care to help individuals achieve optimal wellness. Our providers maintain rigorous professional standards through ongoing education and collaboration with conventional medical practitioners. By integrating evidence-based practices with natural therapeutics, we support patients in developing sustainable health strategies tailored to their unique needs.
Services
Primary Care Clinical Nutrition Herbal Medicine Homeopathy Physical Medicine Exercise Therapy Counseling Services Hydrotherapy Childhood Immunizations
Details
  • Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
  • We offer 20+ years of naturopathic expertise since 2001
  • Our treatment plans address physical, emotional, and environmental health factors
  • We combine evidence-based diagnostics with traditional natural therapies
  • Our providers maintain active memberships in professional naturopathic associations
  • We specialize in family-centered care for all age groups
Services
Primary Care
Our naturopathic primary care services provide comprehensive health assessments and ongoing management for patients of all ages. We focus on preventive care while addressing acute and chronic conditions through personalized treatment plans. Our approach combines conventional diagnostics with natural therapeutics to support long-term wellness.
Clinical Nutrition
We offer individualized nutritional counseling based on metabolic analysis and dietary assessments. Our evidence-based approach addresses food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, and dietary imbalances to improve overall health outcomes. Treatment plans incorporate whole foods, supplements, and lifestyle modifications tailored to each patient's needs.
Herbal Medicine
Our herbal medicine program utilizes plant-based remedies to support the body's healing processes. We combine traditional knowledge with modern research to create customized herbal formulations for digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and immune system support. Treatment protocols consider each patient's unique health profile and medication interactions.
Homeopathy
We provide classical homeopathic treatment for chronic conditions and acute illnesses. Our approach involves detailed case analysis to select individualized remedies that stimulate the body's self-healing mechanisms. Treatment plans consider physical symptoms alongside emotional and mental health patterns for comprehensive care.
Physical Medicine
Our physical medicine services include therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, and manual treatments to address musculoskeletal pain and improve mobility. We develop customized rehabilitation programs for injury recovery and chronic pain management. Treatment combines traditional techniques with modern physical therapy approaches to enhance functional outcomes.
People
Whitney Knickrehm, ND
Founder & Clinic Director
Dr. Knickrehm has practiced naturopathic family medicine in Bellingham since 2001. She specializes in women's health and chronic illness treatment while emphasizing nutritional therapy and lifestyle counseling. She graduated from Bastyr University and previously worked in massage therapy and outdoor education.
Gabriel Durben, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Durben provides family medicine care with expertise in chronic disease treatment and pain management. He completed a residency at National College of Natural Medicine and teaches minor surgery techniques. His practice integrates herbal medicine, physical therapy, and conventional treatments for comprehensive patient care.
Questions
What naturopathic services do you offer for chronic conditions?
We provide comprehensive treatment for chronic illnesses through personalized plans combining clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and physical therapies to address root causes rather than symptoms.
How do I schedule an appointment with your clinic?
Call us at (360) 738-7654 during office hours (Monday-Friday 9am-12pm & 1pm-5pm) or contact through our patient portal for new appointment requests.
Do you accept health insurance plans?
We recommend checking with your insurance provider about coverage details before scheduling. Our staff can provide necessary documentation for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Arrive 10 minutes early with completed health forms, insurance card, and any relevant medical records. New patients should complete intake forms available on our website beforehand.
How do you approach family-centered healthcare?
We provide care for all family members from pediatrics through geriatrics, creating coordinated treatment plans that address intergenerational health patterns and household wellness strategies.
Reviews (5)
Jake Gist
Feb 17, 2021 Report
Unfortunately our experience has been one with zero progress. Dr. Durbin comes off aloof and never has much to really say or contribute to the medical issues of my younger brother. While his personal medical condition is seemingly uncommon, there has been zero input from the doctor in regard to alternative diagnoses or treatments. If someone is experiencing Electrohypersensitivity, one would think there must be something lacking in the body that is preventing their detoxification system to properly remove chemicals/metals/etc. no?

I'm not a doctor but that seems like a really great guess. It seems like there is little passion left in this doctor to help people facilitate healing within themselves. We will be looking for a new integrative/naturopathic doctor that can help us on our journey.
Shannon Means
Feb 06, 2018 Report
Everyone in our family goes to BNFM! We've seen both Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Durban. Dr. Durban is very patient and respectful to our two year old; he gently explains what will happen every time and does his best to make her comfortable. Dr. Sullivan is a caring, compassionate doctor who really takes the time to listen. I am so glad we found BNFM.
Shemaia
Oct 20, 2017 Report
After a single visit with Dr. Durben, I felt so respected and heard, my problems addressed and the beginning of a clear path going forward that I made him my primary care provider. I've been to over 50 medical professionals in the area and more than one naturopathic doctor, and have rarely found such a helpful combination of depth and breadth of knowledge along with giving time and attention to a patient.

I am confident in Dr. Durben's ability to treat my problems or give a prompt referral to specialists as needed. The office is also very warm and friendly with kind, welcoming and helpful front desk staff. I do not believe that the offices are ADA compliant nor able to accommodate wheelchairs.
Alix Melton
Jun 07, 2017 Report
Dr. Durben is amazing! He is so kind and absolutely brilliant. I really felt listened to and my needs/desires were taken seriously. As an individual who has had some really horrible medical experiences, it is so refreshing to be respected as a human being, above all else, in a doctor's office.
Stanzie Langtree
Oct 27, 2016 Report
Dr. Sullivan is my favorite naturopath! She used to work in Portland, and I would visit her regularly for general health/wellness, sports nutrition/supplements, and women's health. As a chiropractor, I have referred a number of patients to her too. I have only heard great things about their appointments with her. If you are looking for a naturopath who is down to earth, knowledgeable, and very professional, go to Dr. Sullivan. You are in good hands!