This is not an article about a psychiatric condition, but rather one about a particular population of people, some of whom may present with special needs whereas others may have no psychiatric problems at all. This article begins with the legal definition of a refugee, an account of the scale of the problem worldwide and in the UK, and proceeds to consider mental health and cultural implications. Assessment and diagnosis should be undertaken in the usual way, but there may be a need to learn more about diverse cultural backgrounds and to work with interpreters in assessment and treatment. In the intervention, a phased approach is often appropriate, engaging different professionals at different stages of treatment. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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