Fathers in CAMHS Study (FIC)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What is the experience of being a father to a child undergoing treatment in a generic Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)? An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) Study
IRAS ID
361543
Contact name
Miriam Creaser
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 15 days
Research summary
This study aims to explore the experiences of fathers whose children are currently receiving support from a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). Existing research highlights that while fathers play an important role in their children’s emotional development and wellbeing, their perspectives are often less represented in mental health settings. CAMHS assessments and treatment plans have historically relied more heavily on maternal input, leaving fathers’ voices and experiences less visible.
The purpose of this research is to understand how fathers perceive their involvement in their child’s mental health care—how they experience being included or excluded, what helps them engage, and what they would like professionals to understand about their role.
The study is being carried out by a trainee Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist as part of a doctoral qualification. Fathers of children receiving treatment within a generic CAMHS team at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust will be invited to take part. Participation will involve one confidential, semi-structured interview, conducted either in person or online according to participant preference.
An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach will be used to explore how participants make sense of their experiences and the meanings they attribute to them. Findings will be used to inform clinical understanding and may contribute to improving how services engage with fathers in future CAMHS practice.
All data will be treated in strict confidence. Interview recordings will be transcribed and anonymised, with all identifying information removed. Participation is entirely voluntary, and fathers may withdraw up to three weeks after their interview without giving a reason. The anonymised results will form part of the researcher’s doctoral thesis and may be shared with CAMHS professionals and through academic dissemination.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
25/WA/0337
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion