Marieke Jasperse, who studies at the Wellington campus, was responding to comments published last week in the Otago Daily Times from a Dunedin GP about a lack of trauma counselling for refugees.
Ms Jasperse, who is a consultant for Red Cross on refugee matters, said most would not need it.
''Many Westerners assume that resettling refugees requires specialist psychological support.
''Recent research suggests that the majority of resettling refugees do not require, or desire, this type of support.
''When resettling refugees are assessed, practitioners often find that the majority of their distress stems from [stressful factors] such as living in poverty, experiencing prejudice, and being separated from loved ones.
''This runs counter to the assumption that they need specialist psychological support to process their pre-settlement trauma - an extremely Eurocentric concept,'' Ms Jasperse said.
She said counselling should be available for those who want it.
''Resettling refugees are remarkably resilient and resourceful and often come from cultures that do not perceive counselling as a priority or a particularly productive process.
''Furthermore, clinical research consistently reveals that the majority of resettling refugees do not develop post-traumatic stress disorder or other psychopathology.''
Asked about younger refugees, Ms Jasperse said they were resilient and keen to succeed, but they often faced discrimination and isolation.
''And this could be compounded in a relatively new resettlement centre such as Dunedin.
''A lack of diversity and associated discrimination - or indifference -from the local community is a potential issue. A sense of being welcome and supported to participate in their new society of settlement cannot be underestimated,'' Ms Jasperse said.
Ms Jasperse's PhD addresses the assumptions that are often made about refugee trauma.
The Southern District Health Board did not provide a response to questions about the Dunedin GP's comments.
Dunedin is a new refugee centre, and there is uncertainty in the health sector about what special health services will be provided for former refugees.
The Southern DHB is yet to reach a funding deal with the Ministry of Health. Primary health organisation WellSouth is using general funds to provide free GP appointments for refugees.
