Accessing mental health treatment can be a daunting task, as we may not know where to go to get the help we need. We know something isn’t quite right and we are willing to take the first step but we may not know what path to put our foot on. Given our recent discussion on stigma, the decision making process may be a solitary one for the person seeking services.
In thinking about the system of care that is available to us, there are a host of entry points, including:
- Healthcare facilities (ex hospitals, clinics, HMOs)
- Community mental health organizations
- Non-profit organizations with a specific area of focus (ex. YWCA-domestic violence; Rape Crisis Center-sexual assault)
- Health Department (large network of services for different mental health needs)
- Private Practice Clinicians
- EAP (through employer, if offered)
- Faith-based organizations (ex. Catholic Charities, Christian Counseling Center)
- Academic institutions (counseling services department)
Sources of other referrals may come from:
- Primary care physician
- Insurance carrier
- Professional directories (ex CAMFT, BBS)
A significant barrier to treatment for LEPs is the availability of skilled, bilingual clinicians. It is a supply and demand issue where the demand, oftentimes, exceeds the supply. This supply and demand issue is further compounded if the availability of skilled interpreters is limited.
As such, professional development for interpreters becomes all the more significant. In future posts, we will explore specific areas within the mental health arena that interpreters can research, in order to familiarize yourselves with the scenarios and vocabulary that may arise in a clinical setting.
In a parallel fashion, an awareness of what services are available in your community will broaden your knowledge base. I encourage you to explore local resources for two reasons: 1) it expands your awareness of what current, community mental health needs exist and how they can be met and 2) it provides you a window into locations where you may be able to offer your language services.
Here is an example of a comprehensive guide to services from the Monterey County Health Department. It is called SAM’S Guide. Check in your local area for a similar one-stop reference guide for services. An added benefit to doing this is that you become familiar with organization names and services which might prove otherwise challenging during an interpretation.
Please forward any comments or questions that you may have.
Kind regards
Diane
Through My Mind's Eye 