Like Myself said, you don't need a referral... I only mentioned it because you already have a "relationship" with the Uni counselling center and thought it might be easier for you to start there.

I also don't know about insurance in Canada or how that works. Here I start by referring to my insurance, and they give me a list of doctors (they have a website but some only offer a book) that take my "brand" of insurance... I search the list for someone close by me and pick one. When I was looking for a private T I actually picked two, saw both for one session and picked the one that I thought was a better "fit" for my needs. Don't forget these are people, so if you just don't "gel" with one, don't like their therapy style or don't feel you are getting benefit, you can always choose another.

Also like Myself said, if it weren't for my insurance, I would just pick a name from the phone book, make an appointment, and try 'em out.