Andrew Veith & Kendra Timko-Hochkeppel
Improving Outcomes:
The Impact of Deaf Interpreters in Mental Health Care

This workshop is designed specifically for Deaf Interpreters (DIs) working in mental health settings, focusing on strengthening their specialized skills and professional impact. Participants will explore advanced strategies for navigating complex clinical environments, including working with language dysfluency, trauma, and diverse communication needs among Deaf, DeafBlind, and marginalized Deaf clients. The session will highlight the critical role of DIs in ensuring linguistic accuracy, cultural mediation, and ethical decision-making. Through case examples and guided discussion, Deaf Interpreters will deepen their understanding of collaboration with hearing interpreters and clinical teams. Emphasis will be placed on best practices that enhance trust, reduce misdiagnosis, and improve mental health outcomes. This workshop aims to empower Deaf Interpreters with tools, confidence, and strategies to advocate for their role and elevate the quality of care within mental health systems.
