What's so hard about making money as an ND?

I see so many posts about how naturopaths are having a hard time making a living. I usually hear that 30k or so is average, and some seem like they don't even make that. Why?

I don't know any primary care physician who is hurting for patients. In licensed states, NDs should have a solid patient load. The Bastyr clinic charged something like $140 (or $240?) for a 1.5 hr initial visit, then I think like $80 for a follow up. If naturopaths do this for 7-8 hours a day, that sounds like a good enough income. And, NDs can take insurance in the licensed states from what I know of (at least in Washington and Oregon), so patients don't necessarily have to pay out of pocket. On top of seeing patients, you'd make money on supplements/homeopathics and the like.

I live in an unlicensed state and many people are paying out of pocket because they want natural medicine. It sounds like demand is high, and everyone needs health services even in a recession.

So what am I missing? Why is it so hard to make a living as an ND?

And, for those naturopaths that are employed at group practices (including under an MD/DO/DC), what is a typical salary or hourly rate?

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