Training Needs in Refugee Mental Health Interpreting in Utah

Recognizing the unique challenges that interpreting in the mental health setting presents to both the clinician and interpreter, the Utah Refugee Health Program within the Utah Department of Health sought to gain a better understanding of and address the specific challenges faced by interpreters and clinicians. Specifically, the project aim was to (a) gather information on the training and professional development necessary to prepare interpreters for working within the mental health setting and (b) improve communication between interpreters and clinicians with regard to addressing secondary trauma. Using these findings, the Utah Refugee Health Program plans to develop and implement trainings, professional development activities, and curriculum specific to interpreting in the mental health setting. Jelena Pasalic from the UDOH, Refugee Health Program developed the project with the name of "Training Needs in Refugee Mental Health Interpreting in Utah" and presented the project at the 7th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health held in Los Angeles, CA on June 23 - 27, 2013. In the poster competition among over 100 posters from all over the world her poster presentation got the 3rd place!