Frequently Asked Questions

A team of professionally trained mental health counsellors (registered psychotherapists) and masters-level interns who specialize in supporting students who are struggling with academics and mental health.

FITA provides care to full time registered undergraduate or graduate students who are experiencing stress that interferes with their academic progress.

There is no single type of student who usually signs up for this program. However, we have noticed that the groups below really benefit from the type of support we provide:

• Students experiencing a high level of worry based on major stressful life events (i.e. death in family, breakup), transition issues, not understanding program/course expectations
• Students on Academic Warning, or those whose academics are impacted by difficulties with study skills or personal stresses
• Students who are having difficulty maintaining a healthy life balance
• Students who are exploring their degree options but so far nothing feels like a ‘good fit’ and they are feeling unmotivated and lost
• Students who experience difficulty concentrating, whether during class or when doing homework (but do not have an ADHD diagnosis)
• Students who feel they are way too stressed out and need to “get it together” 

FITA offers a high volume of appointments to Carleton students. Cancelling an appointment when you are not able to make it means you are freeing up an appointment spot for others who are waiting and could benefit from an earlier appointment.

If you need to cancel an appointment, please provide at least 24 hours and/or as much notice as possible. Appointments cancelled in less than 24 hours will incur a fee.

Please NOTE: If you have an appointment on a Monday and you wish to cancel it, you must notify us by 4:30 p.m. on Friday if possible.

You can cancel an appointment by visiting the CHR Connect App or through the CHR Connect Website. Once assigned to a coordinator, you are advised to reach out via email to directly notify them. You can also call FITA at 613-520-2600 x1028 during business hours.

Students are responsible for behaving respectfully and following the Students Rights and Responsibilities Policy when accessing any services, including FITA, within Carleton University. Abusive behaviours will not be tolerated.  

The intake appointment is the first step in determining whether FITA is the right fit for a student’s needs. During this one-on-one meeting with a staff counsellor, students will learn more about the program, discuss the challenges they are facing, and identify what they hope to gain from counseling. This conversation helps ensure that the student’s needs align with the support FITA can offer. Please note that not all students who attend an intake interview will be accepted into the program.

Ideal for students looking for focused support on a specific issue or skill area. Over five weekly sessions, you’ll work one-on-one with a Coordinator to develop strategies in areas like stress management, time management, or academic performance. This stream is great if you’re looking for quick tools and a boost in the right direction. 

Designed for students who may be juggling more complex or ongoing challenges. This stream offers more space to explore stressors in depth, develop coping strategies, and build sustainable academic and personal habits. Weekly sessions provide consistent support over the term.

Your stream placement will be discussed during your intake appointment based on your goals and needs. 

Counselling records are confidential and are not included in academic records.

FITA collects information for the purpose of providing counselling services to our students. FITA follows legislated privacy obligations in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and when applicable, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), such as when assisting in an accommodation process.

Our professional staff (management, counsellors and interns)  are committed to collecting, using, and disclosing personal health information responsibly and only to the extent necessary for the services we provide.

FITA currently uses an electronic record keeping system called Collaborative Health Record (CHR). Access to counselling records in CHR is restricted to FITA employees and information is protected through the use of technical and administrative safeguards such as restricted access permissions, multi-factor authentication and use of other industry standard security controls. 

FITA does not release any information without your written permission. However, there are some exceptional situations where FITA is required to disclose your information without your consent. These exceptions include:

1. If you intend to harm yourself.
2. If you intend to harm another person.
3. If you or your counsellor has a strong reason to think that a Carleton University community member may be at risk of harm based on information that you provided in your session.
4. If there is a reasonable suspicion that a child (any individual up to their 18th birthday) is at risk of emotional and/or physical neglect or emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse. We are required by law to report this immediately.
5. If an elderly person in a Long-Term Care Home or Retirement home is at risk of emotional or any form of maltreatment.
6. If your counselling record is subpoenaed by law.
7. If you have a complaint about a regulated health professional (e.g. doctor, nurse, psychologist, chiropractor, or massage therapist, etc.) with respect to their inappropriate sexual behavior towards you, and you provide us with that individual’s name, we are required to report this complaint to their regulatory body.

FITA is a strong believer in creating a positive environment that helps a new generation of therapists gain the necessary skills and experience for a successful career in the mental health field. Many of our counsellors are Masters degree students completing internship/placement requirements for their programs of study, and all of our staff therapists have gone through a FITA internship as well.

We welcome graduate students from a range of programs, including Counselling Psychology, Educational Counselling, Counselling and Spirituality, and Social Work. Our placements currently include students from the University of Ottawa, Saint Paul University, and Carleton University.

• 2 consecutive semesters per placement
• At least 3 days/week
• Fully in person
• Approximately 5 hours of direct client contact per day
• Dedicated 1 hour of individual and 1 hour of group supervision

Beyond scheduled supervision, interns are supported by a collaborative and accessible team. While clinical supervisors remain available during the work week for informal check-ins and brief consultations, interns are also welcome to connect with other staff members for additional guidance, professional insight, or day-to-day support.

FITA offers an internship experience that meets the requirements for professional governing bodies, such as the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

If you are a graduate student and interested in joining FITA as an intern, please contact alleystlouis@cunet.carleton.ca for more information.