A Naturopathic Clinic
Bellingham Natural Family Medicine is a family practice naturopathic health clinic offering care for all chronic and acute conditions. Services include primary care for the whole family, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, exercise therapy, counseling, hydrotherapy and childhood immunizations. Our providers include Whitney Knickrehm, ND, Gabriel Durben, ND and Katie Kawamoto, ND.
The Naturopathic Physician
Naturopathic physicians are the only primary care physicians clinically trained in the use of a wide variety of natural therapeutics. Naturopathic physicians are educated in conventional medical sciences and required to fulfill clinical training prior to licensing. Naturopathic medicine concentrates on whole-patient wellness. The medicine is tailored to the patient and emphasizes prevention and self care. Naturopathic medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of the patient’s condition rather than focus solely on symptomatic treatment. It is effective in treating both acute and chronic conditions. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.
In practice, naturopathic physicians perform physical examinations, laboratory testing, gynecological exams, nutritional and dietary assessments, metabolic analysis, allergy testing, X-ray examinations and other diagnostic tests. Comprehensive, detailed histories are taken with every patient to help seek the cause of underlying health problems and move toward greater wellness.
Whitney Knickrehm, ND
Dr. Knickrehm has been in private practice providing naturopathic family medicine in Bellingham since 2001. Her special areas of interest include women’s health care and treatment of chronic illnesses for all ages. Her practice focuses on holistic primary care with a strong emphasis on strengthening overall health through nutritional therapy, botanical medicine and lifestyle counseling.
Dr. Knickrehm is the founder and clinic director of Bellingham Natural Family Medicine. She obtained her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle in 2001 and is a member of the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Prior to entering the field of medicine, Dr. Knickrehm practiced massage therapy and led extended wilderness courses for Outward Bound. The mother of three grown sons, she and her husband enjoy trail running, skiing, traveling, hiking slot canyons in Utah, exploring art galleries and relaxing around a healthy, home-cooked meal with family and friends.
Gabriel Durben, ND
Dr. Durben is a naturopathic doctor at Bellingham Natural Family Medicine where he provides care for patients from pediatrics through geriatrics. He earned his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and then continued at the same institution for 2 years as a resident physician in the general medicine residency and later joined the faculty at NCNM – teaching courses in minor surgery and psychology. His clinical experience has included community medicine and integrative health-care settings.
Dr. Durben’s clinical interests are broad – he loves the practice of family medicine and the profound impact that naturopathic medicine can have on an individual’s and a community’s experience of health. More specifically, his practice has focused on treatment of chronic disease, treatment of pain, pediatrics, and dermatology. Dr. Durben utilizes a variety of treatment approaches to help his patients move toward greater wellness including herbal, nutritional, homeopathic and conventional medications, dietary counseling, physical medicine, therapeutic exercises and minor surgery procedures.
When not working Dr. Durben can be found engaged in hybrid-sporting events (with ever evolving rules) created by his young children or acting as a living-room musician to any willing listeners in the Durben household. He also thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to spend time with his wife, ride his bicycle, read a good book, and practice yoga.
Katie Kawamoto, ND
Dr. Kawamoto is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist at Bellingham Natural Family Medicine. She is passionate about providing individualized healthcare that meets you where you are. Dr. Kawamoto thoughtfully blends traditional healing practices with modern medical approaches, and has a deep appreciation for the small details that make each patient’s care personal and effective. Some of her preferred modalities include homeopathy, acupuncture, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, craniosacral therapy, and personalized lifestyle modifications.
Dr. Kawamoto earned both her ND and Master of Acupuncture degrees at the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL in 2024. Before her transition into holistic medicine, Dr Kawamoto worked as a computer engineer. She credits her engineering experience with shaping her problem-solving mindset and knack for finding creative solutions to complex health challenges.
Outside of work, Dr. Kawamoto enjoys exploring her new home in the Pacific Northwest, reading novels, hosting competitive game nights with family and friends, and cheering for the Buffalo Bills on Sundays. She strives to live what she teaches by prioritizing movement, nutrition, lifelong learning, and daily practices that support her overall well-being.