1. Start with what matters to you
Before you start comparing profiles, take a minute to think about what you want. There's no wrong answer. It might be help with a specific concern, a general check-in on your wellbeing, or simple curiosity.
Practical details matter too: where they practice, whether they offer in-person or virtual visits, the languages they speak, their fees, and when they're available. It's also fine to have personal preferences, such as working with someone of a particular gender or someone who shares your background.
2. Check their license
In North Carolina, acupuncturists must be licensed by the North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board. Licensed practitioners often use the title L.Ac. (Licensed Acupuncturist). You can look up any practitioner's license on the board's website to confirm it's active.
On Hartha, every listed practitioner shows a "License checked" badge with the month we last confirmed their license with the board. That badge means the license was active when we checked. It isn't a review of their care or results.
If you're interested in Chinese herbal medicine, ask about their herbal training specifically. Some practitioners have additional education or a separate national certification in Chinese herbology.
3. Do you need a specialist? Probably not.
Most Chinese medicine practitioners see people for a wide range of concerns. Many also have special interests: areas they especially enjoy or have extra training in, like sleep, pain, or women's health.
A special interest can be a helpful starting point, but you don't need a specialist for every concern. A practitioner in general practice may be just as good a fit, especially if you connect well with how they work. On Hartha, you'll see each practitioner's special interests on their profile, along with whether they see patients for a wide range of concerns.
4. Questions to ask before you book
Most good practitioners are happy to answer a few questions by phone or email first. Some even offer a short free consultation. Asking isn't rude. It's smart.
- What training and credentials do you have?
- Have you worked with people with concerns like mine?
- What happens at a first visit, and how long does it take?
- How many visits do people usually have, and how will we know if it's helping?
- What does a visit cost? Do you offer a sliding scale, and can you give me a receipt for insurance?
- Do you use single-use, sterile needles? (This is standard practice.)
- If you recommend herbs, how do you check for interactions with my medications?
- How do you work alongside my doctor or other care?
5. Signs you've found a good one
After a first visit, check in with yourself:
- Did they listen and ask about your health history?
- Did they explain what they suggested, and why, in words you understood?
- Did you feel comfortable asking questions, or saying no to something?
- Were fees and next steps clear?
- Did they talk about how this fits with the rest of your care?
6. Red flags 🚩
Be cautious if a practitioner:
- Promises a cure or guaranteed results
- Pressures you to prepay for a large package of visits or products
- Tells you to stop prescribed medicine or avoid your doctor
- Can't or won't tell you about their license or training
- Is vague about fees, or what's in the herbs they give you
7. It's okay to break up with your practitioner
Finding the right person can take a try or two. If someone isn't a good fit, it's completely fine to move on. No awkward conversation required. Your comfort and trust matter as much as their credentials.
If something about a practitioner listed on Hartha doesn't seem right, you can use the "Report a problem" link on their profile. Reports go privately to Hartha.