Dr. Alina Carter, C. Psych.
Not currently accepting new clients
I provide psychological services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. In addition to providing psychological consultations and intervention, I also complete psychological assessments primarily with children to young adults, such as psychoeducational assessments and mental health diagnostic assessments. I have worked with clients who have struggled with a variety of concerns. For example, this has included various mental health diagnoses, such as anxiety and depression, intellectual, developmental or learning disabilities, autism spectrum, as well as behavioral concerns, emotion regulation, chronic pain and health issues, sleep disorders, and relationship difficulties. My approach is supportive, collaborative, integrative, and evidence-based.
Psychologist Expertise
I provide service to children, adolescents and their families related to a variety of concerns, such as:
- Adjustment to life events
- Anxiety
- Behaviour and/or emotion regulation difficulties
- Health-related concerns, such as chronic pain, chronic health issues, adjusting to a medical diagnosis
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Mood disorders
- Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability, learning disorders, autism spectrum
- Self-image, self-esteem and identity concerns
- Sleep difficulties and disorders
- Stress and coping
In addition to providing adults with parent support, I also work individually with adults related to concerns, such as:
- Adjustment to life events
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Health-related concerns, such as chronic pain, chronic health issues, adjusting to a medical diagnosis
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Self-image and self-esteem
- Sleep difficulties
My theoretical perspective is integrative, in that I consider the biological, psychological, and social and systemic factors that impact clients. I consider how my clients’ difficulties impact their identity, their self-esteem, and also how their difficulties have developed. Since my training included learning different theoretical perspectives, I use strategies and techniques that are evidence-based (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness) and relevant for the individual. To help with overall well-being, the focus is on helping clients with their concerns as well as building upon their strengths. Taking a supportive, collaborative, and respectful approach, I value and seek feedback and active involvement from my clients.
I am registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario to practice clinical and health psychology with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I completed my M.A. (2004) and Ph.D. (2010) in clinical psychology at the University of Windsor. My residency year was completed at the Edmonton Consortium Clinical Psychology Residency. Both training settings were accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). I have specialized training working with children, adolescents, and their families, but I have also worked with young to older adults. I have also worked as a research coordinator in a pediatric sleep disorders clinic in Edmonton and gained specialized knowledge and experience within the area.
Before moving to Ottawa in 2016, I worked as a registered psychologist in Victoria, BC for almost 6 years. During that time, I worked in various settings, including a children’s community health centre, private practice, university, and child and youth community mental health centre. Before settling into private practice in Ottawa, I completed a contract position for the chronic pain service at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).
I have also been involved in program development, research, as well as the training of clinical psychology graduate students in psychological assessment and treatment. I have also provided presentations and/or workshops to other professionals, as well as families. To maintain my knowledge and competency, I regularly attend conferences and workshops, in addition to reading research and clinical literature.