Ethical Issues in the Use of Interpreters with d/Deaf Patients

Clinical work with individuals who are culturally and linguistically different from their therapist is a challenge involving ethical and psychotherapeutic issues. Individuals who have been d/Deaf the vast majority of their life and who use American Sign Language as their primary language are culturally and linguistically different from most psychotherapists. Using qualified mental health interpreters in psychotherapy with d/Deaf patients may facilitate the therapeutic process, support retention in treatment, and improve outcomes. A number of ethical and practical issues must also be addressed before and during the use of interpreters with individual patients.