The importance of having access to qualified ASL interpreters in therapy and counseling sessions 

ASL interpreters create a link between the Deaf community and the hearing community by aiding communication. While the need for ASL interpreting is felt in all areas of life, it becomes especially critical when a Deaf person has to deal with a medical professional. 

Clear communication between a patient and a medical professional is key to getting the right treatment. The significance of communication increases tenfold in a setting where the patient has to describe their mental distress. Expressing deep, and often disturbing, emotions can be extremely unsettling. A bigger barrier is created between the patient and the mental health professional when there is a difference in the preferred language of communication. This is where an ASL interpreter steps in. By providing mental health interpreting services, ASL interpreters ensure that Deaf and hard-of-hearing people get easy access to mental health treatment. 

Access to therapy sessions provides an outlet to vent and regulate emotions, which ultimately leads to improved mental health. The presence of an ASL interpreter in such settings can impact a Deaf person’s experience of the session. 

Battling social isolation

A constant lack of communication and inclusion can be frustrating and can lead to harboring resentment. A general feeling of isolation from society is a common emotion within the Deaf community. While talking to other Deaf people about these emotions can help, seeking a mental health professional’s help is incomparable. However, to have the same communication barrier with medical professionals as with the general public can be disheartening. Having an ASL interpreter in such settings makes access to treatment and the treatment easier for the Deaf. 

Reduced chance of misdiagnosis

A mental health ASL interpreter’s responsibility goes beyond simply helping the patient communicate their issues well. The presence of an ASL interpreter ensures a smooth exchange of clear and accurate information. 

Sometimes, culture may play a role in how a patient views or describes their current situation. Through cultural competence, an ASL interpreter can accurately translate what the patient is trying to convey. This reduces the chance of misdiagnosis due to misunderstandings. 

Full and accurate information about the treatment

Mental Health Interpreters can offer Deaf patients more clarity about the course of their treatment. Medication, side effects,  treatment, and sometimes hospitalization, are subjects that need to be dealt with carefully. The patient can be quite sensitive to these topics and must be made fully aware of what can be expected. 

ASL interpreters can also provide further clarity by becoming a medium through which the Deaf patient can ask questions to the medical professional.

Photo by SHVETS Production

Reduced risk of mishaps

Mental illness can not be taken lightly. It can significantly affect the patient’s quality of life and can hamper growth. In extreme cases, the patient may feel helpless and indulge in self-harm or other dangerous behaviors. To reduce the possibility of such dire situations, it is important for the mental health professional to fully be aware of what the patient is thinking and feeling. This can help them spot signs of warning before it becomes too late. By acting as an aid to communication, ASL interpreters can help reduce the risk of mishaps. 

The need for specialized ASL interpreters

Often, issues related to mental health do not have physical manifestations. This can make it harder for the therapist to diagnose or prescribe treatment. For this, they need to be fully aware of the mental state of the Deaf patient. Due to a general lack of awareness about ASL, therapists usually need to rely on certified ASL interpreters to better understand the problem at hand.  

Since the diagnosis and treatment partially, or fully, rely on the interpretation provided by the ASL professional, this becomes an exceptionally critical responsibility. Mental Health Interpreters are specially trained to deal with the complicated and delicate nature of interpreting involved in such situations. They need to be aware of all the proper mental health terminologies.  

Further, Mental Health Interpreters have to deal with people from all walks of life. They might have to deal with patients with limited language or other skills. In such circumstances, it becomes important for the interpreter to match the language level of the patient while interacting with them. Simultaneously, they also need to be able to translate that limited communication into information that can be useful for treatment. However, this should be done tactfully. It is also important that the interpreter make the patient’s hesitation to talk about a subject apparent to the therapist. 

Settings in which an ASL interpreter may be called in

Mental Health Interpreters’ services are required in multiple mental health settings. These include- 

  • Outpatient appointments
  • Day programs
  • Emergency room visits
  • Self-help groups
  • Inpatient admission

Appointments may include one-on-one sessions or group sessions. To be able to accurately interpret, Mental Health Interpreters should be well aware of each of these settings and the appropriate approach for each.  

Conclusion

The need for easy access to mental health services is undeniable. Everyone should get equal and easy access to it, this includes the Deaf community. Ensuring that a Mental Health ASL interpreter is present in such settings creates greater opportunities for the Deaf to seek help. 

Mental Health Interpreting includes a lot of nuances and professionals need to be specially trained to deal with the complicated nature of such work. They need to have a deep and proper understanding of terminologies, culture, and context. Unspoken Language Services works with highly-trained medical and mental health ASL interpreters who can assist you in creating an accessible and open environment for your patients. Unspoken Interpreters provide their services in multiple settings, including- Interpersonal Therapy, Family Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and Small Group Therapy. 

Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Photo by Andrew Neel