What communication problems arise when mental health providers and patients do not share a language?

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Global migration has contributed to greater language diversity in many parts of the world. Many migrants experience language barriers in their adopted countries. These barriers hinder access to healthcare, including mental healthcare. Yet little research has examined the extent of communication difficulties in mental health services where participants do not share a language.

A cross-sectional observational study examined the prevalence of communication challenges, use of communication best practices, and training needs among mental health providers and interpreters working with immigrants with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in the United States. Using snowball sampling, researchers recruited 38 providers and 34 interpreters to complete online surveys.

Interpreters reported challenges related to the technicalities of communication, while providers reported challenges related to the content of communication. Providers in the sample infrequently used communication best practices such as pre-session briefings and post-session debriefings. Providers with higher education levels were more likely to endorse some best practices.

Additional training in working with patients with LEP interested 54% of providers and 84% of interpreters. The findings suggest a need for customized training for providers and interpreters to improve the quality of mental healthcare for patients with LEP.