Therapists for Carleton University Students

Carleton undergraduate students taking at least 1.5 credits in the Fall term are automatically enrolled in the CUSA Health and Dental Plan. Undergraduate students taking less than 1.5 credits, those starting in the Winter term, and Co-Op students are eligible to opt in. Full-time graduate students starting in the Fall term are automatically enrolled in the GSA Health & Dental Plan. Graduate students starting in the Winter term are eligible to opt in. 

Check your Carleton student account to confirm you were charged for insurance. If you're not sure whether you're covered, contact your student union and/or insurance provider. 

Undergraduate students with the CUSA Health and Dental Plan are covered for $75 per visit, with an annual maximum of $300. Graduate students with the GSA Health & Dental Plan are covered for $50 per visit, with a maximum of $500.

Undergraduate students with the CUSA Health and Dental Plan are covered for Psychologists/Clinical counsellors/Masters of social work. Graduate students with the GSA Health & Dental Plan are covered for "mental health practitioners," which often include psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, and counsellors. Still, contact your insurer before booking to be sure. 

Private therapy sessions in Ottawa typically run $150–$200, with Registered Psychotherapists and Social Workers usually at the lower end and Psychologists at the higher end. Carleton students can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs by using their student health and dental plan. First Session lists every therapist's session cost upfront (taxes included) so you can consider your budget first. You can also filter for therapists offering sliding scale rates and mention your student status and coverage limit when reaching out.

Carleton University offers a range of mental health and well-being resources to support students. Counselling Services provides 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 University 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. 

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.

Yes, Carleton students can access therapy online. Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for common concerns such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. For insurance reimbursement, it generally doesn’t matter whether the session is online or in person, as long as the provider is covered. Still, check your specific plan to confirm. Many therapists on First Session offer online sessions, with added evening and weekend availability, which can make it easier to fit therapy around a busy student schedule. 

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.

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.