Mental Health Services
Obtaining mental health services is a personal and private decision. It can also be very challenging – and especially challenging for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
There are many reasons to seek mental health services. Mental health care is provided by mental health services and qualified professionals. Each professional has specific skills For example, a psychiatrist is specially trained to administer medication to people who need it. Professionals work directly with people and can provide counseling and therapy. Mental health professionals are licensed by the state where they work. All professionals have codes of ethics that require certain behavior, for example, confidentiality.
Direct communication with a mental health care professional in your language and in a mode of communication that is accessible to you is almost always preferred. However, the mental health care provider may need to provide the services of a qualified interpreter or have other accommodations to communicate effectively with you. The use of appropriate accommodations is essential for accurate and sensitive communication between you and the mental health professional.
You have the right to:
- Ask for a referral from your insurance company or social service agency to a qualified mental health professional who has experience working with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Communicate with a mental health care professional in a confidential and safe environment.
- Communicate with a mental health care professional in the language and mode of communication that is effective for you.
- Clearly understand the problem you have and the recommendations being made for your care.
- Clearly understand what medication you are being asked to take, what the possible side effects are, and what the medication will do.
In 2008, the NAD approved a new position statement on Mental Health Services for Deaf Children. The NAD also approved a supplementary position statement on Culturally Aff