Assertive Intervention Stabilisation Team (ASSIST)
We don't all think, behave, and see things in the same way. Our personalities are what make us individual, and are based on our experiences growing up and the environment we live in.
Personality disorders are a type of mental health condition which mean you may have trouble managing intense emotions.
If you’re currently being treated in our hospital for an Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder or an intense emotional condition, or you're being supported by our Crisis resolution Home treatment teams (CRHT) our Assertive Intervention Stabilisation Team (ASSIST) can help you.
Having difficulties with emotionally intense thoughts can impact your day to day life. It may be that you’ve had troubling thoughts of self-harm, feeling emotionally exhausted and perhaps rely on substances like drugs and alcohol.
We can help you build the skills to manage your situation, keep your independence and focus on your recovery.
We can do this in your home, or local community, and avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital.
Your care plan
Once we have met with you, we will:
- Welcome you to ASSIST and provide information that will help you make choices about how you use the support.
- Help you identify and manage your emotional distress trigger points.
- Teach you the psychological skills to manage emotional intensity, unhelpful thoughts, and challenging behaviours.
- Create a safety plan to help you feel calm and in control.
- Offer you an opportunity to join an open group experience that will develop a sense of belonging and purpose and normalise your emotional experiences.
We’ll agree the best way for us to stay in touch with you, and any other services you’re receiving care from. This could be through text message, email, or regular calls.
Support from our team lasts for a maximum of 12 weeks following your discharge from hospital or support from our CRHT service, but this depends on your needs.
Access to our service is based on your treatment situation, but you will typically need to meet the following criteria:
- Be registered with a GP in the Berkshire area
- Be diagnosed with a personality disorder, or assessed as having an emotional intensity and instability
- Currently admitted as an inpatient, or recently discharged from our hospital, or engaged with our Crisis services
Unfortunately, we do not accept self referrals.
Our ASSiST team is based in Slough, but we work with teams across Berkshire.
We're available for contact 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
| Day of the week | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8.30am to 4.30pm |
| Tuesday | 8.30am to 4.30pm |
| Wednesday | 8.30am to 4.30pm |
| Thursday | 8.30am to 4.30pm |
| Friday | 8.30am to 4.30pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Please do not visit our centre unless you're referred to us and have an appointment.
Erlegh House, Whiteknights Campus
University of Reading
Earley Gate
RG6 6BZ
Our mental health teams and services, including Talking Therapies, are available if you need support.
Find out how to access mental health support
You can also find resources and guides on our website to help you if you need more advice.
Our Neurodiversity Passport can help you communicate your needs to our staff. It covers sensory processing, your communication preferences, and topics that might make you feel anxious and overwhelmed, so that we can support you.
