My Reflections on the Behavioral Health Interpreter Course

by Yoshimi Hiramatsu

Regarding the Behavioral Health Interpreter course, it was challenging for me. I studied harder, reviewed and prepared for the classes, learned new vocabulary, and even sang English songs to improve my pronunciation.

By the end of the course. I felt different. I felt wiser than before and more eager to move forward to the next challenge, rather than just feeling accomplished. Surprisingly, in Japanese, we don’t have a direct equivalent for “Behavioral Health”. I now understand that there are not only language barriers between English and Japanese but also cultural differences. This course taught me what language means to us, why learning about culture is so important, and what rights we have in the US.

Of course, we also learned what a “Behavioral Health Interpreter” does, as well as about mental health issues, abuses, medications, and counseling. Behavioral Health Interpreter serves as a bridge language and culture, and helps an individual healthier, easier, and more comfortable live in the U.S.. —That is what I learned from this course.

How has this helped me move forward in the community? That’s a great question! I’ve been reflecting on that since I finished the course. I want to help others who are struggling by sharing the information that I’ve learned such as the rights to request an interpreter free of charge, and the availability of organizations, facilities, groups, and systems for a non-English speaker in the U.S.. I also hope to help foreigners in my own country, and if possible, I serve as an interpreter. I will continue improving my knowledge of both English and Japanese while also working to broaden my horizons.