The paper discusses the ethical and methodological issues related to gatekeepers in social work research, often represented by social service professionals. This collaboration brings specific challenges, dilemmas, and benefits. A qualitative research strategy was used to explore research fatigue in the context of gatekeeping and its implications for ethics in social work research, particularly as it relates to marginalized and vulnerable groups. Eighteen interviews were conducted with researchers and gatekeepers. Constructivist grounded theory was used to analyze the data and the computer software program Atlas.ti was used to process the data. The results of the analysis are presented through three main themes: the specifics of gatekeeping in social work research; the time, emotional and ethical burden of research; and the search for new forms of collaboration and overcoming research fatigue. The research suggests that identifying the dynamics of research fatigue is key to minimizing the negative impacts on research practice and bridging the gap between research and practice in social work. In future studies, time dedicated to transparent communication, feedback, sharing research findings and building partnerships with social work practitioners and their clients could be an important element in preventing research fatigue.