The answer to this question will vary depending on who is answering it.  A professional marriage counselor may suggest that counseling is needed and necessary for any strain in a relationship that has gone unresolved.  Others may say that minor relationship riffs can be handled between the couple themselves.  If they cannot reach a resolution to the problem and it is causing a strain in the relationship then marriage counseling is needed.

Minor to moderate relationship problems can usually be solved between two people involved in a relationship, married or not.  How well you communicate to your partner will, in part, dictates the success of resolving the problem.  If needed couples can always solicit the advice and assistance of family, friends or their priest or minister.

If you have tried to work out your problems without professional help and are not succeeding in reaching a resolution then you may want to consider seeking professional help.  Marriage counseling is likely needed when you are not able to reach an agreement concerning whatever relationship problems you are having.  Espcecially when these problems are affecting the relationship in a negative way.

Here are several indications that you may need the help of a marriage counselor:

1.  Alcohol or drugs play a role in the relationship problem.
2.  Physical, verbal or emotion abuse is part of the relationship.
3.  One or both of you have significant mental health issues.
4.  One or both of you is suffering from depression.
5.  One or both of you is experiencing decreased libido for a  prolonged time.
6.  Extramarital affairs are part of the equation.
7.  Tension between the two of you is growing rapidly.

It is always worthwhile to try and resolve your relationship problems yourselves.  At least in this way you are both making an effort to save the relationship.  As stated above if you find that you are unable to resolve your issues on your own then marriage counseling is likely needed.