About the Training:

The Mental Health Interpreter Training (The MHiT) is a joint project between the National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA) and the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA).

The purpose of the MHiT is to support mental health providers working within communities where concentrated numbers of monolingual Spanish speaking or Limited English Proficient (LEP) clients often do not receive adequate care due to a lack of bilingual/bicultural staff. With the tremendous growth of LEP populations nationally and the lack of bilingual/bicultural mental health professionals who can serve these communities, developing and enhancing capacity to address these populations is essential. Thus training interpreters is a critical step in eliminating disparities.

The MHiT was successfully pilot tested in California in 2007. Outcomes were very positive with participants indicating that the training added significantly to their knowledge and skills. Evaluations have continued to be consistent in terms of overall satisfaction with the quality and usefulness of the training.

Benefits of Mental Health Interpreter Training

1. Increases the organization’s capability to provide appropriate
2. cultural and linguistic services to culturally diverse communities.
3. Increases the number of qualified skilled interpreters within the organization.
4. Enhances the skills and knowledge of interpreter staff.
5. Improves communication between client and service provider.
6. Improves capacity to gather accurate background information.
7. Increases the accuracy of diagnosis, treatment and intervention.
8. Lowers the risk associated with using untrained interpreters.
9. Enables providers to partner effectively with their interpreters in the communication process.
10. Improves Quality of Care.