It is estimated around 1 in 20 people have Complex Emotional Needs (CEN), which includes Borderline Personality Disorder. There is effective support available in Hertfordshire and we hope you find our list of services useful. Some people with CEN might also experience substance misuse- you can find our guide to substance misuse support in Hertfordshire here. Trauma is common in people with CEN. You can view our list of trauma support services here.

In an emergency, call 999

People with CEN may engage in self-harm or suicidal behaviours. They are also at higher risk of drug and alcohol misuse. If you or someone you know has self-harmed severely (bleeding that won’t stop, burns, jumping from height, poisoning etc) or is at risk of imminent suicide, call 999. People who appear to be suffering from psychosis, alcohol poisoning or drug use also need immediate medical attention.

BPD Dual Diagnosis/Addiction Counselling

Service provided by: Home Counties Therapy

Description:

Specialist therapy for people with Borderline Personality Disorder and Dual Diagnosis, using CBT and DBT.

Other info: Paid service. You can self refer.
Support provided via: Face to face, and online.
Phone: 01296 827049
Email: admin@homecountiestherapy.co.uk
Address: 8 Temple Square, Aylesbury, HP20 2QH
Opening hours: Contact for details

Self-Harm Counselling (Teens and Adults)

Service provided by: Natalie Satur

Description:

An Integrative Counsellor and Physiotherapist with experience working with teens and adults. Supporting people to overcome self-harm, a common concern in people with CEN.

Other info: Paid service. You can self refer.
Support provided via: Face to face, and online.
Phone: 07384 957782
Email: nataliesatur@gmail.com
Address: Based in Bushey, contact for details.
Opening hours: Contact for details.

BPD Counselling

Service provided by: Cedar Counselling

Description:

Chris is a qualified Psychodynamic Counsellor, BACP and WPF Certified. Having CEN can cause distressing symptoms. It can help to talk, in confidence, to someone professional and experienced who won’t make judgements, but will accept you for who you are, hear you, and understand. Chris offers a safe, secure space to help you find your way through to a better space.

Other info: Paid service. You can self refer.
Support provided via: Face to face.
Phone: 07770 971994
Email: counselling@aurore.org.uk
Address: 28 Common Rise, Hitchin, SG4 0HN
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm

Samaritans Crisis Support

Service provided by: Samaritans

Description:

If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans will listen. They won’t judge or tell you what to do. Whatever you’re going through, you can call them any time of the day or night, from any phone, for free. They are always open and never close.

Other info: Free service.
Phone: 116 123
Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Adult Community Mental Health Services- BPD

Service provided by: Herts Partnership NHS Trust

Description:

Adult Community Mental Health Services work with service users within a model of care that aids recovery and enables them to return to their full potential in day to day life. The service use a recovery based approach for 18-65 year olds who have Personality Disorder.

The teams are multidisciplinary teams consisting of doctors, community nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, vocational and employment advisors, specialist personality disorder workers, drama and art therapists.

Other info: Free service. Your GP can refer you.
Support provided via: Face to face, and phone.
Phone: 01727 804700
Email: hpft.spa@nhs.net
Address: Based at 99 Waverley Rd, St Albans, AL3 5TQ. Services are provided in the community.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm

Crisis Helpline for Nights

Service provided by: MIND Herts Network

Description:

The NightLight Crisis Helpline offers emotional support, advice and information if you are feeling distressed and are in crisis.

Other info: Free service.
Support provided via: Phone
Phone: 01923 256391
Email: nightlight@hertfordshiremind.org (In an emergency, phone instead)
Opening hours: 7pm to 1am, every day of the year.

Watford and Stevenage Crisis Cafe

Service provided by: MIND Herts Network

Description:

Crisis Cafés are staffed by a team of crisis support workers and coordinators as well as crisis support volunteers who are on hand to listen to you and work alongside you to support you during your crisis. They understand that everyone’s crisis is unique to them. At the Crisis Café you can access support in a way that suits you, whether that’s through talking to someone or simply having time to yourself.

They won’t make assumptions or judgements about what will work best for you, but will provide you with choices about what sort of support you may like. You must phone first to attend the Crisis Cafe.

Other info: Free service. You must phone before you go to the Crisis Cafe.
Support provided via: Face to face.
Phone: 01923 256391
Email: nightlight@hertfordshiremind.org
Address: Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, SG1 1LZ
Opening hours: 7pm-1am, 365 days a year.

Ware Crisis Cafe

Service provided by: MIND Herts Network

Description:

Crisis Cafés are staffed by a team of crisis support workers and coordinators as well as crisis support volunteers who are on hand to listen to you and work alongside you to support you during your crisis. They understand that everyone’s crisis is unique to them. At the Crisis Café you can access support in a way that suits you, whether that’s through talking to someone or simply having time to yourself.

They won’t make assumptions or judgements about what will work best for you, but will provide you with choices about what sort of support you may like. You must phone first to attend.

Other info: Free service. You must phone before you go to the Crisis Cafe.
Support provided via: Face to face.
Phone: 01923 256391
Email: nightlight@hertfordshiremind.org
Address: Ware- call for service address.
Opening hours: 7pm-1am, Fri, Sat and Sun.

Hemel Hempstead Crisis House

Service provided by: MIND Herts Network

Description:

The NightLight Crisis House has four beds and can be used if an overnight stay would help you resolve your crisis. It is open 365 days a year. It is useful for people who, as a result of their mental health crisis, need support over night.

Other info: Free service.
Phone: 01923 256391
Email: nightlight@hertfordshiremind.co.uk
Address: Call for details.
Opening hours: Open through the night. Call between 7pm-1am for access to the Crisis House.