Interpretation Services in Behavioral Health: Best Practices, Recommendations, and Requirements

Course Summary

Interpretation services are life-changing and sometimes lifesaving services that help to bridge the gap of communication and language barriers in many critical areas of life. Interpretation services are severely underutilized and overlooked in many settings, including in behavioral healthcare spaces. During this course, we will look at the current reality of interpretation services and their usage in behavioral healthcare, while exploring deficiencies and areas for improvement in providing and using interpretation services in care practice. An emphasis is placed on regulatory requirements, holistic care, and diagnostic approaches.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Distinguish between interpreters and translators, and explain the extent of usage of interpreter services in various settings. Describe the current roles, requirements, benefits, and cultural considerations for interpreter services in behavioral healthcare settings. 
2. Identify the barriers to using interpreter services for behavioral health professionals and clients, and explain the potential outcomes of improper implementation and failure to adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
3. Discuss how government agencies, state agencies, community organizations, and behavioral healthcare facilities can increase the accessibility of interpreter services in the state of Colorado. 

Learning Audience

This course is intended for behavioral health professionals, social workders, substance use disorder counselors, and other behavioral health service providers.

Course Duration

• 60 minutes