Migration, cultural identity and mental distress are linked. In addition, social support can provide a buffer against mental illness. Other vulnerability factors in migrants include the type of society they originate from and the type of society they settle in. Societies and cultures have been described as being individualistic or collectivist (also called ego-centric or socio-centric). Similarly, individuals are idiocentric or allocentric. When individuals migrate from one type of culture to another it is likely that, depending upon their own personality traits (along with their biopsycho social vulnerabilities), they may develop psychiatric disorders. It is possible that response to stress as a result of migration will depend upon the type of culture people migrate to. However, the cultural identity of the individuals will also determine their coping strategies. Under these circumstances, it is crucial that clinician are aware of the impact cultural identity has on the expression of distress and coping among individuals The cognitions and idioms of distress will be influenced by cultural factors. The clinicians must take into account cultural background when planning any interventions to enable a stronger therapeutic alliance.