Interpreter Mediated Psychological Assessment: A Three-Step Practice (Before-During-After)
The need for the services of a healthcare interpreter to treat allophone patients is, today, indisputable. The scientific literature demonstrates such a need in all medical specialties. In mental health, the situation is particularly sensitive when a psychological assessment requires the services of an interpreter. Objectives To explore the best practices highlighted in the previous literature for working with an interpreter in mental health and apply them to the specific context of psychological assessments. Methods A synthesis of key research recommendations for communicating through an interpreter was conducted. Results A compilation of best practices for ensuring quality psychological assessment when working in partnership with an interpreter is provided, focusing on key issues to consider when assessing linguistically and culturally diverse patients. This compilation is organized in 3 stages: before, during and after the consultation. For example, the need to prepare for the consultation with the interpreter (briefing), the impossibility of requesting “word-for-word” interpreting (except in very special cases), and the need for a debriefing with the interpreter to complete the assessment. Discussion Mental health professionals can optimize their collaboration with interpreters in psychological assessment by applying this three-step model, which will improve cross-cultural communication.