Another (personal) reason we desperately need MORE health care reform

[DanaC]

To address the more political point: I agree. Help should be available free at the point of need in my opinion. The most anybody should have to do to access care is register with a doctor and make an appointment.

Unfortunately, mental health is the Cindarella service in nationalised and private health systems alike. For serious problems care is often inadequate and inconsistent and the lack of corresponding social services (help with housing supported living etc) often undermines even that care.

For less critical (though at times no less disabling) conditions though, such as depression, it seems an important point that people are less likely to be prevented from seeking help in the first instance, much of which can be done through ordinary GPs, if there are fewer hurdles in the way of them doing so.