Research
Finding out what works and why; building the evidence-base through collaborative and independent research
Pioneering research has been part of our history since 1920. Since their inception, both the Tavistock Clinic and the Portman Clinic have independently built a reputation as a testing ground for fundamental new ideas and practices in psychological therapies.
Our research
Our research is organised around four main themes that reflect our longstanding interest in psychological and developmental approaches to mental health:
- psychological therapies
- infancy and early years
- child and family mental health
- educational psychology
We also have a developing research portfolio in a number of additional areas including forensic mental health, patient experience, clinical innovation and child maltreatment.
We are a leading provider of clinical services and postgraduate training and education — a key strength of our research is that it is grounded in clinical practice. Our clinician trainers and researchers work in a variety of settings in health, education and social services.
We are at the forefront of innovation in mental health and in recent years have developed a number of award-winning clinical services.
Research projects
A showcase of current and completed research studies undertaken by our staff and their collaborators
Research centres
In collaboration with our university partners we have a number of research centres and units
Student research
Supporting a community of over 150 students across a range of Professional Doctorate programmes and PhDs at the Tavistock
Our commitment to research
Our commitment to developing new knowledge, methods and techniques through research and clinical innovation has continued to influence the evidence-base and clinical practice around mental health and wellbeing. In some cases this influence has been international, including:
- attachment theory
- systemic family therapy
- child, adult and forensic psychotherapy
- infant observation
- organisational and group dynamics
- the developmental origins of mental health difficulties
In recent years we have developed strong relationships with other research organisations. Most of our current research is undertaken in collaboration with university partners, especially University College London, the University of Essex and the University of East London.
We are members of UCL Partners Academic Health Science Network, the NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care North Thames and the NIHR Clinical Research Network North Thames.