Option 1: If you wish to claim a Medicare rebate, yes you need a referral from your GP or a psychiatrist. They need to register you for rebates within the Medicare system.
Option 2: If you don’t wish to claim from Medicare, and you are going to claim rebates from your Private Health Insurance Extras cover, please check with your insurer. Policies differ. Some insurers do not need a GP referral. Some insurers will only cover you for psychology after you use up all your Medicare cover (10 sessions per year).
Option 3: If you don’t wish to claim any rebate, you don’t need a referral to work with me.