Background: Qualitative research methodologies play an essential role in mental health research. At times qualitative research methods are undervalued or actively de-valued by researchers who focus predominantly on quantitative methods. These behaviours may arise from limitations in the understanding of the relevance of qualitative research, and of standards of quality in qualitative research.

Objectives: This presentation will explore: (i) the role of qualitative research in the field of mental health; (ii) how quality in qualitative research is understood; and (iii) provision of practical guidance to novice researchers interested in commencing a qualitative research project.

Methods: A narrative synthesis of the literature.

Findings: Qualitative research plays an essential role in the field of mental health, including enabling and augmentative quantitative approaches. Doing qualitative research well requires planning and preparation.

Conclusions: Qualitative research is necessary and important. Further efforts to bridge the divide between quantitative and qualitative approaches should be encouraged.