Second Languages and Second-Guessing: Mental Health Providers Working in Arabic as Their Second Language

Abstract

This qualitative study is focused on understanding the experiences of mental health providers in the United States who speak Arabic as a second language and work professionally in that language. We examine how mental health providers perceive working with Arabic-speaking clients, how they prepare for and evaluate these sessions, and their understanding of successes and challenges. In-depth interviews with four providers were conducted to derive data for this study. All participants were from Arab League countries or were the children of immigrants from Arabic-speaking countries. The study demonstrated that providers who do not consider themselves fluent in Arabic second-guess the strength of the mental health services they provide. However, all participants highlighted the importance of shared cultural familiarity between client and participant and the use of Arabic to build rapport. The study concludes with several recommendations from participants. Future research should include clients and larger numbers of providers from diverse backgrounds and identities working in different environments to continue to fill the gap in research surrounding Arabic-speaking populations and mental health in the United States.