This paper presents the findings of a systematic review of the current evidence for the effectiveness of stress management interventions for those working in the mental health field. Research articles from 1966 to 2000 which reported studies undertaken in the United Kingdom and which specifically identified participants as mental health workers were included in the review. Studies from other European countries and from the USA were examined as potential models of good practice. The review demonstrated that a great deal is known about the sources of stress at work, about how to measure them and about their interaction and impact on a range of outcome indicators. What was found to be lacking was a translation of these results into practice, into research that assessed the impact of interventions that attempted to moderate, minimize or eliminate some of these stressors. Three papers were retrieved which reported intervention strategies for workers classified as working within the mental health arena. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.