Department of Mental Health Interpreter and Translator Services

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is committed to providing services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate at all times. Each facility must provide competent interpreter services for every non-English speaking, deaf or hard-of-hearing client. M.G.L. Chapter 123 Section 23.

DMH is committed to providing services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate at all times.  Each facility must provide competent interpreter services for every non-English speaking, deaf or hard-of-hearing client. 

Competent interpreter services means interpreter services performed by a person who is:

• fluent in English and in the language of a non-English speaker; and
• trained and proficient in the skill and ethics of interpreting; and
• knowledgeable about the specialized terms and concepts that need to be interpreted for purposes of receiving care or treatment.

Non-English speaker means: a person who cannot speak or understand, or has difficulty understanding the English language because the speaker primarily uses a spoken language other than English.

How to Request an Interpreter

• Complete the Interpreter Services Request Form and email it to DMH Office of Race, Equity and Inclusion (OREI) at [e-mail]
• If the client has a preferred interpreter (such as female or male interpreter), type this information into the request form.
• Send requests to OREI at least 3 business days in advance of the appointment time.
• OREI is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.
• Urgent requests can be accommodated.  Email urgent requests to OREI immediately. 
• Email OREI with schedule changes and cancellations as soon as possible to help DMH avoid a cancellation fee
• Interpreters will ask staff to sign their timesheet at the end of each appointment.  Please make sure the interpreter’s name as written on the timesheet matches the name on the interpreter’s photo ID badge. If the appointment is cancelled or the client refuses to attend, write this information on the timesheet and then sign.

How to Use Phone Interpreters

Over-the-phone interpreter service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in more than 200 languages. Contact OMCA to get the phone number: [e-mail].

How to Request Document Translation

Email documents in Word document or PDF format to OREI at [e-mail]. Translations are usually completed within 5 business days. Handwritten documents can be translated. 

Feedback, Questions & Comments

NOTE: These services are for internal Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) use only. 

Contact the Department of Mental Health's Office of Race, Equity, and Inclusion (OREI) with feedback about interpreters’ job performance and for information about interpreter and translation services available for DMH staff.  Email [e-mail].