Dr. Alina Carter, Ph.D., C.Psych.

Clinical and Health Psychologist

Office hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Please note, Dr. Carter works out of a Rideauview Clinic satellite office located at: 1187 Bank Street Suite 201, Unit #4, Ottawa, ON, K1S 1T8 (building entrance is between the pharmacy and physiotherapy clinics and office is located on the second floor). Free parking is available onsite (first come, first serve) and street parking is also available.

I am a Doctoral Clinical and Health Psychologist providing psychological services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. I provide assessment and therapy for a variety of concerns, including:

Services for Children and Adolescents:

  • Adjustment to life events and stressors

  • Anxiety and mood disorders (including depression)

  • Behaviour and/or emotion regulation difficulties

  • Health-related concerns (including chronic pain, chronic health issues, and adjusting to a medical diagnosis)

  • Interpersonal and relationship difficulties

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders (including intellectual disability and learning disorders)

  • Self-image, self-esteem, and identity concerns

  • Sleep difficulties and disorders

Services for Adults:

  • Adjustment to life events

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Health-related concerns (including chronic pain, chronic health issues, and adjusting to a medical diagnosis)

  • Interpersonal difficulties

  • Parent support

  • Self-image and self-esteem

  • Sleep difficulties

I obtained my Master’s of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Clinical Psychology from the University of Windsor. I completed my pre-doctoral residency at the Edmonton Consortium Clinical Psychology Residency. Both of these training settings were accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). During my training, I also worked as a research coordinator in a pediatric sleep disorders clinic in Edmonton, where I obtained focused clinical training in this area.

I have gained clinical experience across a wide range of settings. Before moving to Ottawa in 2016, I worked as a registered psychologist in Victoria, British Columbia, for nearly six years in private practice, university settings, children’s community health centres, and child and youth community mental health centres. Since relocating to Ottawa, I completed a contract position at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) before transitioning fully to private practice.

My theoretical perspective is Integrative, meaning that I consider the biological, psychological, social, and systemic factors that impact my clients. I integrate strategies and techniques that are evidence-based (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy [CBT], Dialectical Behaviour Therapy [DBT], and Interpersonal Therapy) and tailor them to the unique needs of the individual. I value a supportive, collaborative, and respectful approach, and I actively seek feedback from my clients to ensure a strong therapeutic alliance In my current practice, I continue to learn and explore how to adapt clinical work and evidence-based practice to address the needs of my clients.  For example, this includes how the presence of an animal (dog) may compliment and/or facilitate the therapeutic environment and relationship for select clients.

I have been registered with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) since 2016 following nearly 6 years of autonomous practice in British Columbia.