Therapists for Carleton University Students

Yes. Undergraduates taking at least 1.5 credits in the Fall are automatically enrolled in the CUSA Health and Dental Plan: $75 per visit, up to $300 a year, for psychologists, clinical counsellors, and MSWs. Full-time graduate students starting in the Fall are automatically enrolled in the GSA Health & Dental Plan: $50 per visit, up to $500, for "mental health practitioners," which often include psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, and counsellors. Undergraduates with fewer credits, co-op students, and anyone starting in Winter can opt in. Check your Carleton student account to confirm you were charged for insurance.

Plans change each year, so confirm your coverage with your insurer before booking. If you're unsure whether a therapist qualifies, ask during their free consultation.

Private therapy sessions in Ottawa typically run $150–$200, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. First Session lists every therapist's session cost upfront (taxes included) so you can consider your budget first. If cost is a concern, you can filter for therapists offering sliding scale rates, or for student or intern therapists offering low-cost therapy.

Carleton University offers a range of mental health and well-being resources to support students. Counselling Services provides free single-session support, brief individual counselling, and group counselling through a stepped-care approach that connects students with the level of support that best matches their needs. Crisis support is available for students experiencing an urgent mental health concern who need immediate support or help deciding what to do next. From Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., students can access crisis support by calling 613-520-6674 (press 2) or visiting the 2500 Carleton Technology and Training Centre Building. Medical Services at Health and Counselling are also available for health concerns that may affect students’ well-being. Beyond these, students can get involved in campus activities and meet others through Carleton’s Community Activities Board.

Carleton Health and Counselling Services is free for students and generally short-term. Wait times can fluctuate throughout the academic year, and students who need longer-term support may be referred to off-campus providers. It can be a great starting point, with single-session support and weekday crisis help.

Private therapy typically involves paying for sessions out of pocket, although eligible fees may be partially or fully reimbursed through your student health insurance plan. It can provide ongoing support over a longer period and more choice in selecting a therapist whose specialty and approach match your needs.

First Session doesn't offer direct billing, so you’ll pay for your session by debit or credit card and receive an itemized receipt from your therapist. After your appointment, you can submit the receipt through your insurance provider’s online portal or mobile app. You’ll typically need information such as the therapist’s name and credentials, the date and cost of the session, and your plan or member number. Your insurer will then review the claim, and you'll typically be reimbursed within 2-5 days for the eligible portion based on your coverage. 

Whether you see a therapist on campus or off campus, therapy is confidential. Your therapist cannot share what you discuss with anyone else, including your parents, professors, or employers, without your consent, except in certain circumstances, such as a serious and immediate safety concern or when disclosure is required by law. Your therapist can explain the specific limits of confidentiality before you begin. If you choose private therapy, one thing to keep in mind is your health insurance. If you use a plan where someone else is the policyholder, such as a parent's insurance plan, the policyholder may receive information about claims depending on the insurer and plan. If you're using your own student insurance plan, this generally isn't an issue.

Register with the Paul Menton Centre (PMC) by providing your disability documentation and attending a one-hour intake appointment with a Disabilities Coordinator. For a mental health condition, the PMC Documentation of Mental Health Disability Form must be completed by a regulated health care professional who knows your history and is licensed to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. You can book your intake by emailing [email protected] or calling 613-520-6608.

For coursework, contact your instructor. For short-term absences (normally five days or less), they may ask you to complete Carleton's online self-declaration form, but they usually don't require medical documentation (see the Academic Consideration Policy). If you miss a final exam, submit an online deferral application within three working days of the exam, using a self-declaration or medical documentation. You can't defer an exam more than once, and missing it adds a $75 charge to your account.

No. First Session is an independent company and is not affiliated with Carleton University. We created this page specifically to support Carleton students and carefully researched all the information here. However, we encourage you to double-check details with your school if you're unsure. The therapists listed on First Session are carefully vetted licensed professionals, and their sessions are eligible for reimbursement through your student health insurance.