Working with Interpreters in Mental Health

Book excerpt: Why are interpreters an important part of modern healthcare provision? In today's society, there is an increasing need for mental health professionals to work with interpreters, yet coverage of this subject in the existing literature is scarce. Working with Interpreters in Mental Health gives an insight into the issues and problems of professionals working with interpreters in the mental health field. Informed by theoretical, research and practice considerations, Working with Interpreters in Mental Health helps practitioners to develop better ways of helping service users who need an interpreter. Combining contributions from a number of different disciplines, this book discusses: * interpreters in medical consultations * issues of language provision in health care services * the application of theoretical frameworks to the work with interpreters * the work of interpreters in a variety of practical settings. Whilst the focus the placed within a mental health context, many of the issues raised apply equally to other context where interpreters are needed. This book will be invaluable for practitioners of psychology, psychiatry, social work and other health professionals.