EVERYONE has heard of computer dating now computer counselling is set to hit the big time.

Depression sufferers in Swindon will soon be treated by a PC-based system following the introduction of a revolutionary programme, called Beating The Blues.

Swindon Primary Care Trust is to be the first in Britain to use the course in all 30 doctors' practices, at a cost of £45,000.

Unlike conventional treatment for depression when patients visit health professionals for a consultation, people will now unburden themselves to a female, English voice emitted by a computer.

It is hoped Beating The Blues will mean more sufferers will receive help for depression which strikes one in five people in the UK alone and reduce counselling costs.

The course, which can be used in conjunction with traditional methods, is being piloted at one of Swindon's most innovative surgeries, Taw Hill Medical Practice.

Dr Peter Crouch, a partner at the surgery, said people often felt more at ease talking to a computer screen than a health professional in the flesh.

He said: "Beating The Blues offers a way of working through issues. The computer asks patients about stressful situations.

"It asks questions and picks up anxiety levels and worries in the patient's response."

Dr Crouch added counsellors were not threatened by the hi-tech software. He said: "We have a great counselling service here in Swindon. People don't have to wait to see a counsellor."

The software uses the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy transformed into an easy-to-use computer programme.

CBT encourages sufferers to think differently about everyday situations to help them control the links between behaviour, thoughts and mood.

Ros Hartley, the PCT's director of primary care and commissioning, said the service will support GP services, enabling counsellors to concentrate on patients requiring more intensive support.

"We haven't calculated how much the programme will save financially yet, but this will be monitored for a year," she said.

GPs will still see patients initially to determine whether the programme is suitable for them.

Other PCTs are expected to adopt the new methods when depression guidelines are published by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence in November.

Depression now costs the NHS more than £1billion a year and accounts for a further £6bn in lost productivity. GP consultations for depression have more than doubled in the last 10 years.