In a helpful new development, couples who are experiencing issues in their relationship, resulting in depression and other problems, will be offered free counseling by the NHS starting April. The initiative is a part of the Government's talking therapies program, IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies), which was originally aimed at helping people suffering from depression and anxiety get back to work after making sure that they are off sick pay and benefits.

The move will be officially unveiled by Health Secretary Andy Burnham this week, and is being seen as a direct implementation of NICE's recommendation that relationship counseling should be offered under the IAPT program.

"Trouble at home can lead to depression and anxiety - sometimes even children can be caught up in the fallout. When couples hit a rocky patch a bit of help and support can stop it spiraling out of control", said Mr. Burnham.

While many have cheered and supported the move, there are various who have been quick to criticize it, in the light of a recent revelation that NICE had rejected a life-extending drug for cancer patients and a treatment aimed at reducing dementia symptoms, saying that these were too expensive. Critics have been quick to point out that the new drive would require lots of funds as well, and the rejected treatments seem to be more important in comparison.

(via TopNews United Kingdom)