The Complete Guide to Online Anxiety Psychologists Without Referral

In Australia, the path to mental health support is often associated with a visit to the GP and a referral or Mental Health Care Plan. However, a growing number of Australians are choosing to bypass the traditional referral system to access online anxiety psychologists directly. While a referral is a strictly legal requirement for claiming Medicare rebates, it is not a requirement to actually see a psychologist.

Choosing to see an online psychologist without a referral, often referred to as private billing, offers distinct advantages in terms of privacy, speed, and clinician choice. This guide explains how the private system works in 2026, the costs involved, and when this pathway might be the right choice for your anxiety management.

The short answer is yes. Psychologists are primary contact practitioners. This means you can book an appointment with them directly just as you would with a dentist or a physiotherapist.

The Difference Between Private Access and Medicare

The referral from a GP, specifically the Mental Health Treatment Plan, is essentially a financial document. Its only purpose is to unlock the Medicare rebate.

• With a Referral: You pay the psychologist's fee and receive a rebate, approximately $98.95 for general or $145.25 for clinical psychologists, back from the government.
• Without a Referral: You pay the psychologist's full fee out of pocket. No Medicare claim is made, and no GP visit is required.

Why Skip the Referral?

Many patients choose the no referral route to avoid the wait times associated with a GP consult. If you are experiencing acute anxiety and need to speak with someone today, platforms like Medmate or Hola Health can facilitate immediate care. These services can also help you get a referral if you decide you want one later.

Going private offers several functional benefits that the Medicare subsidised system cannot always provide.

Immediate Access and No Waitlists

The biggest hurdle in the public system is the Better Access waitlist. Many psychologists who bulk bill or offer high rebate sessions in person are booked months in advance. Privately paying telehealth patients can often secure a session within 24 to 48 hours.

Enhanced Privacy and Discretion

When you use a Medicare referral, a record of your mental health treatment is noted on your My Health Record and Medicare history. For individuals in certain professions or those who simply prefer absolute digital privacy, paying privately ensures that the treatment remains strictly between them and their psychologist.

Unlimited Sessions

Medicare only subsidises 10 individual and 10 group sessions per calendar year. If your anxiety requires long term, intensive support, you will eventually transition to a private paying model anyway. Starting privately allows for a consistent therapeutic relationship without the administrative reset required by Medicare.

Without the Medicare rebate, you are responsible for the full professional fee. In 2026, fees for online psychologists have remained relatively stable but reflect the high level of training required for the profession.

Utilising Private Health Insurance

If you see an online psychologist without a Medicare referral, you may still be able to reduce your costs using Private Health Insurance. Most Extras policies provide rebates for psychology.

• Important Note: You cannot use both Medicare and Private Health for the same session.
• Pro Tip: Check Medicompare to see which telehealth platforms are preferred providers for major funds like Bupa or Medibank to maximise your rebates.

Booking an appointment without a referral is a straightforward digital process.

1. Select a Platform: Choose a reputable Australian provider like Talked, My Mirror or Psych2U.
2. Choose Your Psychologist: Most platforms allow you to browse profiles. Look for specialists who list anxiety or phobias as their primary focus.
3. Book and Pay: You will typically pay the session fee upfront via a secure gateway.
4. Attend via Video: You will receive a secure link to join your session from a private location.

Transitioning to Medicare Later

If you start seeing a psychologist privately and later decide you would like to access rebates, you can simply book a GP consult at any time. Once the GP issues a Mental Health Treatment Plan, your future sessions with that same psychologist can be rebated.

If the cost of a private psychologist is a barrier, but you still wish to avoid the GP referral process, there are alternative digital pathways.

• Online Courses: Platforms like MindSpot offer free, government funded anxiety treatment courses that do not require a referral.
• Digital Coaching: Beyond Blue offers NewAccess, a coach-led program for mild to moderate anxiety that is free and referral free.
• Health and Wellness Integration: Managing anxiety often involves lifestyle changes. Exploring a weight loss program or wellness coaching through Hub Health or Healthy Life can provide support for the physical symptoms of stress without clinical referrals.

If you’re looking for quick access to a psychologist, private telehealth is often your fastest option. It also may give you the greatest choice of specialised and experienced psychologists, as not all of them may take on new patients referred for bulk-billed MHTPs. It may be more expensive in the short run, but cuts some costs compared to in-person visits, the need for a GP visit for a referral as well as wait times for in-clinic appointments. However, if cost is an option, you can always get an MHTP at a later date or shop around.

If you are currently on medication for anxiety and need a repeat, services like Aussie Scripts or ReadyMed can provide digital prescriptions after a quick online review, further reducing the need for traditional clinic visits.

The content created is intended for informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for personal medical advice or treatment.