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Mental & Behavioral Health Interpreting Project

Join the CATIE center at St. Catherine University on a first-class journey launching a 5-year project to increase the number and diversity of trained, credentialed behavioral health interpreters.

Even if you don’t think of yourself as “doing” mental health interpreting, many settings can be affected by a variety of mental health factors. Interpreters who are called to an emergency room may encounter a patient dealing with depression, among other things. Or perhaps the vocational rehabilitation client you’re working with also struggles with PTSD. Adding training about mental health to your toolbox, even if you are not planning to specialize in mental health settings, can be a valuable resource to draw on when you do encounter the unexpected in an assignment.

About our Courses

We’ve been busy developing introductory webshops and online modules on topics in mental health interpreting, interpreting in settings impacted by chemical dependency, addiction and recovery, and domestic and sexual violence. These webshops and modules will serve as a gateway to further training in these specialized areas.

Webshops

Webshops are self-directed, interactive, mini online classes. They require about 1.5 hours of time.

Modules

Modules are interactive online classes, each five weeks long. Participants are expected to invest 20 hours of work over five weeks for each module.

Photo of a desk with some books, a lamp, and an iMac computer showing "Definition of Addiction" in white text on a blue screen.
Mental Health Interpreter Training

This project will also support selected interpreters working towards the Qualified Mental health Interpreter (QMHI) credential offered through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. In 2019, support includes limited funding to support participants for 2019 MHIT. It will include paid registration for the MHIT core curriculum, limited travel reimbursement, and support developing the competencies needed to pass the QMHI written exam.

17th Annual Mental Health Interpreter Training @ Interpreter Institute

August 5th – August 9th, 2019
Troy University: Montgomery, Alabama