How to Find an HTMA Practitioner: What You Need to Know

Finding an HTMA practitioner may seem like a challenge. With so many different health practitioners available, it’s important to take the time to research and understand what each one offers, their healing protocols, and which could be right for you.

This article is designed to provide you with valuable information about HTMA practitioners so that you can make an informed decision about who to trust with your health.

We will discuss the different types of professionals, what qualifications and certifications they should have, and how to evaluate them to ensure you are getting the best advice possible.

By the end of this article, you will have the knowledge you need to feel confident in choosing a consultant who can help you reach your health goals!

10 Important Things To Look For When Choosing An HTMA Health Practitioner

1. Qualifications

Make sure the practitioner is qualified and has experience in Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA).

There is no universal license or certification for hair trace mineral analysis, but there are a number of good HTMA training programs, so be sure to ask a potential consultant what qualifications or credentials they have.

2. Experience

If you’ve investigated a practitioner’s qualifications and feel their clinical practice or nutritional balancing program would be a good fit, the next step would be to ask for references and testimonials from people who have had successful experiences.

This can help you get an idea of the practitioner’s overall experience interpreting HTMA data.

Great, straight-to-the-point questions could include, “How long have you been practicing HTMA”? “Are you able to provide any references or testimonials from previous clients”?

3. Accuracy

One way to make sure the practitioner is reputable and uses accurate methods when conducting an HTMA test is to see if they are using a certified or approved laboratory for testing and if the laboratory washes the hair sample.

There are only two labs that I am aware of that do not wash the hair (which is what you want to look for!), this includes Trace Elements Inc. and Analytical Research Labs.

See, washing the hair can skew mineral levels and distort lab results so be sure to ask any potential consultant offering HTMA services which lab they use.

4. Cost

If the consultant doesn’t have a website, or they don’t have costs listed, reach out and ask for the fees, services, and all the resources they offer. Some offer a single hair sample that can be used for assessing mineral levels and test results.

Other HTMA practitioners offer this non-invasive test and a consultation explaining what the report revealed about an individual’s unique metabolic status, essential mineral levels and any mineral imbalance, toxic heavy metals, and overall health.

And then there are those that offer the test, consultation similar to that stated above, and ongoing support in the form of coaching or packages to help correct mineral imbalances and associated health issues.

Bottom line- the cost of assessing minerals can vary widely depending on which health practitioner you choose and the services they offer.

5. Results

Health practitioners should, at the very least, provide you with a comprehensive report that explains your mineral levels, mineral ratios, and any mineral imbalances and identifies toxic heavy metals.

If they offer an option for a consultation and/or coaching, it is something to consider because, while it may cost a little more, a good consultant will be able to accurately interpret your test results and offer recommendations for essential nutrients that could help to actually revitalize cellular metabolism and build a solid foundation of health.

6. Communication

Make sure the practitioner is open and willing to answer any questions or concerns you have during the testing process.

If they offer (or you opt for) a consultation, they should be able to explain any results clearly, provide detailed advice regarding diet, exercise, and other lifestyle recommendations, along with knowing where to find relevant HTMA research.

7. Follow-up

Ask if the practitioner provides follow-up services after testing has been completed.

This is often offered in the form of coaching but could also include options such as group programs or courses.

Follow-up services can help support your physical and mental health through the process of making lifestyle changes (which can be a great help and a huge relief if you feel overwhelmed!) and provide accountability which improves the likelihood of achieving desired results.

One more suggestion is to be sure to also ask how often they generally recommend their clients to be retested.

8. Their Healing Philosophy

Not all hair tissue mineral analysis consultants are the same.

Some come from a clinical nutrition or medical profession background (like functional medicine doctors), while others would consider themselves more of a diet and fitness advocate.

Still, others focus on less medical intervention and more on nutritional balancing, supplements, food, and alternative therapies.

To find someone that fits well with your needs, be sure to ask potential consultants about their healing philosophy, common recommendations, and if they believe there are any specific health conditions that require extra care or attention.

Here’s a tip– One way to find out more about a specific consultant’s philosophy is to ask about what they would recommend if someone actually has high copper levels (sometimes also referred to as copper toxicity), or if they present with a calcium shell.

Some practitioners will suggest lowering high copper or calcium levels by using a supplement protocol and do not offer recommendations for food or lifestyle changes or the need for mental/emotional support.

A protocol that does not include nutritional balancing along with building digestive, liver, and adrenal strength first, will not be as effective or provide lasting benefits.

Keep in mind that targeted supplementation can be a great part of an effective protocol, but if it is the main focus, it may be a good idea to get a second opinion 😉.

9. Privacy

Make sure the practitioner is committed to protecting your privacy.

Check to see if they have a privacy policy in place, which outlines how they will protect your personal data and sample results.

If you have any questions or concerns about your personal information, be sure to reach out and ask for more information about their policies.

10. Availability

Hair tissue mineral analysis consultants offer services in a variety of ways. They may offer in-person or virtual services or a combination. This information should be clearly stated on their website or promotional materials.

If it is not available or you have questions about their availability or how to get more information about their business and services, see if they offer a free discovery call or have an email that you could use to send a message.

How To Find An HTMA Practitioner In Your Area

Many practitioners who use hair analysis work with people remotely, but if you want to find someone in your area, here are a few tips:

1. Check online listings and directories

Look up HTMA practitioners on websites like Google or Yelp to find a practitioner in your area. It could be as easy as typing in a search like, “HTMA practitioners near me”, but it may take a few tries and different search queries to find the information you need.

Make sure to read any reviews available from previous clients before contacting them.

These reviews can help you to get an idea of whether or not this consultant may be a good fit or if it would be best to keep looking.

2. Ask for referrals

Reach out to family and friends who have had positive experiences with an HTMA practitioner, and ask if they can recommend anyone in your area.

This is a great method to find you find someone, but keep in mind that what you and your friend or family member look for in a provider may differ.

If your friend/family member is open to it, consider asking specifics such as what they liked and/or disliked about the consultant and the services they provide.

3. Ask chiropractors, massage therapists, psychologists, mental health professionals, or health/fitness coaches

All of the professionals listed above work in related fields and may collaborate with HTMA consultants.

Even if they don’t directly collaborate, they may have clients or patients that have used hair tissue mineral analysis and could pass along a website or contact information.

4. Search social media groups

There are numerous groups on social media dedicated to natural living, alternative medicine, HTMA, and almost any health-related specialty you could think to search.

These groups can be great places to find information and recommendations.

Please be aware– while these groups can be very helpful, the flip side of all that info sharing is that there is A LOT of terrible health advice. I even see it in my professional groups.

So, please be discerning with information found on the internet and do your own research!

5. Look for advertisements

You may come across ads for practitioners in local newspapers, magazines, and social media outlets. While these may not be the first places I recommend you start your search (mostly because many natural health practitioners do not necessarily advertise in newspapers and magazines), I wouldn’t discount the possibility of finding someone this way.

6. Research

Finally, make sure to take the time and do research before making a decision. Check out a few other practitioners (even if it’s just on their website) to get an idea of what healing philosophy resonates with you. Make sure to also look at qualifications, costs, services offered, and any other relevant information so that you can make a truly informed decision.

FAQs About Finding The Best HTMA Practitioner For You

Have a few questions that haven’t been addressed yet? Here are some of the most common FAQs about finding an HTMA practitioner:

1. Can you explain the process of HTMA testing?

Each consultant may have a different way to get started, but I’ll explain the process if you’re interested in having an HTMA test done with me.

First, if you wanted to meet and see if I was a good fit we can have a discovery call.

If you aren’t interested in a discovery call or feel you are ready to move forward, I would either send you a payment link or you could go to my website and order from there.

After payment is made I will send you a test kit in the mail with sample collection instructions. After you collect the hair sample you send it directly to the lab.

Results are usually available within a few weeks.

During this time I will send a survey and questionnaire to help me get up to speed on your health challenges and goals.

After I receive the results, I will analyze them and come up with a tentative plan. Then, I will send you an email letting you know that your results are in and a link to schedule your consultation so we can go over your results and the plan I have in mind.

The recommendations and plan I have in mind will be adjusted as necessary during our consultation because your input is essential!

2. What is included in HTMA practitioner training?

Becoming an HTMA practitioner includes gaining an understanding of the history and application of hair analysis, collecting and preparing samples for laboratory testing, deciphering results, as well as providing nutrition and lifestyle advice.

An important point to add- hair tissue mineral analysis training varies widely in rigor and depth. And, while there are a number of great courses available, it is important that consultants continue to read and learn everything they can about HTMA science, research, and related subjects on their own.

If they have a mentor or group support that they actively participate in, that’s even better!

3. Will An HTMA Consultant Take insurance?

Unfortunately, the answer is probably no. It doesn’t hurt to reach out and ask if this would be a possibility; however, unless they are licensed medical professionals it is highly unlikely that HTMA testing will be accepted or reimbursed.

And honestly, I don’t know if an insurance company would pay even if it were a licensed medical professional that was submitting an insurance claim for this type of testing.

It never hurts to ask though!

4. Do HTMA professionals work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals?

While the answer to this question may vary between practitioners, it is generally true.

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a valuable tool for gaining insight into mineral imbalances and identifying heavy metal levels in the body, as well as assessing metabolic health; however, there are times when a client requires additional assistance such as diagnostic tests or psychological counseling.

Additionally, those with chronic illnesses might also require tailored fitness training advice or specialized medical guidance.

In such a scenario, an HTMA consultant ethically should refer their patient to an appropriate professional and agree to coordinate in whatever manner the client and practitioners believe is most suited.

Last Thoughts About Finding The Best HTMA Practitioner

Finding the best HTMA practitioner can take some research and a little time.

After all, you’ll want to look for someone who has the education, experience, and compassion to truly understand your unique needs and provide you with tailored advice and support!

Seeking referrals, checking social media groups, and asking plenty of questions if you choose to schedule a discovery call is always a smart move and can help you get a good feeling about someone before investing in any program or test.

I hope that this information has given you more info about finding the best practitioner for your needs. If there’s anything I can do to help, please feel free to reach out or book a discovery call to learn more ☺️

Good luck on your journey to better health!