LAS VEGAS - Marriage and family therapists at the UNLV Center for Individual, Couple and Family Counseling have started a new program to treat couples and families affected by unemployment. Demand for counseling services has been very high in recent months as an increasing number of people seek help with emotional issues (including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts and violent emotional outbursts) exaggerated by unemployment.

"Many people define themselves by their job or income," said Gerald Weeks, professor and chair of the UNLV marriage and family therapy department. "When people lose these things, they question who they are and what they're going to do in life."

Interested individuals or couples may sign up for confidential therapy sessions, available Monday through Thursday and by appointment. Additionally, a sliding payment schedule ensures no one is turned away.

The Center for Individual, Couple and Family Counseling provided more than 4,000 hours of assistance to Southern Nevadans in 2009. Members of the public interested in the counseling services may call the center at (702) 895-3106.