Home/ Career Paths / Specialization / Mental Healthcare Interpreting

Are you fascinated by human behavior, emotions and interpersonal dynamics? If so, the rewards of interpreting in mental health and substance abuse settings may be the perfect career choice for you.

The range of settings where mental health interpreters are required is diverse, including group and individual psychotherapy and counseling, psychological testing, and substance abuse treatment, among others.  These settings can take place in clinics, hospitals, in-patient or outpatient sites, peer led settings (such as Alcoholics Anonymous), private clinicians’ offices and long-term residential treatment facilities.

There are a number of specialized skills needed to work in these settings. At times patients’ or clients’ language and modes of expression may be impaired or distorted, either by their illness, or by strong emotion, or both. Thus, the mental health interpreter needs excellent spoken and signed language skills as well as superior interpreting skills. Part of this language ability requires knowledge of the specialized techniques of speaking used in therapeutic relationships in order to determine and convey the therapeutic intent of the clinician’s interventions. Knowledge of mental disorders and medications commonly prescribed is also crucial for optimal interpreting in these settings, along with familiarity with a wide range of psychotherapeutic approaches (such as Jungian, art therapy, Rogerian, and so forth).

Mental health and substance abuse interpreting requires an individual to have a strong sense of ethics along with the ability to set appropriate boundaries. Strategies for self-care are vital in order to avoid being overly affected by the crises and struggles of others. Good team work skills are also needed, to work effectively with clinicians in providing effective treatment.

The clients and patients you will meet in mental health and substance abuse settings will open doors to personal and intimate aspects of their lives. It is a privilege to be allowed access to these aspects, and the rewards of seeing individuals grow and live happier, more fulfilling lives, are immeasurable.  Is this the field of specialization for you?