Who we are

We specialise in the mental health and emotional wellbeing of adolescents and young adults aged 12-24, providing easy access to a range of free evidence-based therapies delivered by an experienced team of therapists.

Rates of mental ill-health double in the adolescent years and 75 per cent of adult mental-health problems emerge by the age of 25. With I in 5 teenagers now experiencing mental health problems, there is a growing consensus that we are facing a crisis in child and adolescent mental health, made worse by the pandemic. Young people have been amongst the most adversely affected in terms of education, employment and mental health.

But the right kind of help can be difficult to access via mainstream services and many young people find them stigmatising and not in-sync with their particular needs.

From a place of pain and darkness, it can be unimaginably hard to ask for help. Without the right help, many emotional difficulties can develop into mental health problems that impact lives and last a lifetime. We are passionate about removing barriers and making the process of getting help as simple as possible; all a young person need do is pick up a phone or send an e-mail. We see young people in a way that suits them – either in person, or remotely by video or phone.

Our team is skilled at working through a broad range of issues, including problems at home, school, or work; difficulties with relationships; problems with anger or violence; depression and anxiety; self-harming and suicidal behaviour; eating difficulties; drug and alcohol misuse and gender identity issues. We are committed to providing culturally competent therapy and are an inclusive service experienced in working with neuro diverse and disabled young people.

Life can feel hopeless. At Open Door we offer hope.

We provide a confidential safe space to think, talk and be heard. Without judgement. And because we understand that young people experience emotional difficulties in their own unique ways, we offer a tailored service that responds to an individual’s circumstance and needs.

For more than 45 years, we’ve been part of the fabric of the local Haringey community, understanding and responding to the diverse needs of the area. Open Door continues to evolve in response to what we learn from listening to young people. Examples of service innovations include: the creation of the Parenting Teenagers Project and Open Door Tottenham, the development of our counselling services for both mainstream and special education schools, and a dedicated project for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Our most recent innovation is our New Narratives Project which works with young people and families affected by serious youth violence: (link to web article) Looking to the future, we will continue to build on our 45 years of experience and dedication to transforming young lives through better mental health.