ERIC Number: ED509813
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Jan
Pages: 2
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Tips for Mental Health Interpretation
Whitsett, Margaret
Center for Health and Health Care in Schools
This paper offers tips for working with interpreters in mental health settings. These tips include: (1) Using trained interpreters, not bilingual staff or community members; (2) Explaining "interpreting procedures" to the providers and clients; (3) Addressing the stigma associated with mental health that may influence interpreters; (4) Defining the roles of the interpreter and provider clearly; (5) Having the provider discuss their goals for a session with the interpreter before seeing the client; (6) Scheduling time for the provider and interpreter to meet before and after each session to discuss concerns or answer questions; (7) Training providers and interpreters in cultural competency and helping them understand the importance of culturally and linguistically sensitive interventions; (8) Debriefing interpreters so they can process the traumatic stories heard when interpreting the clients' experiences; (9) Building a provider-interpreter team; and (10) Using assessment tools to measure the accuracy of the interpreter.
Descriptors: Mental Health Programs, Mental Health, Health Services, Interpretive Skills, Guidelines, Professional Training, Cultural Awareness, Interpersonal Competence, Sensitivity Training, Role, Definitions, Counselor Client Relationship
Center for Health and Health Care in Schools. 2121 K Street NW Suite 250, Washington, DC 20037. Tel: 202-466-3396; Fax: 202-466-3467; e-mail: chhcs@gwu.edu; Web site: http://www.healthinschools.org
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Center for Health and Health Care in Schools
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A