[Interpreter-Aided Psychotherapy for Deaf and Hearing-Impaired Patients - a Systematic Review of Research and Recommendations for Psychotherapists with Normal Hearing and Sign Language Interpreters]

In Germany, deaf patients undergoing psychotherapy have the right to have the costs of a sign language interpreter covered by the insurance since 2001. The effectiveness of interpreter-aided psychotherapy worldwide is disputed. A systematic literature review was conducted on sign language interpreter-aided psychotherapy. Six scientific databases were searched. Two independent raters conducted a 2-step rating process. Out of 1,184 identified publications, 10 studies in German and English language were included. These 10 studies examined between 1 and 85 deaf patients (7-60 years) in different psychotherapeutic settings (8 ambulatory, 4 family therapy). Nine studies reported therapy success. Relevant knowledge (e. g. about culture of deaf people), attitudes (e. g. openness), abilities (e. g. sign language) and general conditions (e. g. declaration for professional secrecy, light conditions) were recommended for psychotherapists with normal hearing and sign language interpreters. Empirical data on psychotherapy with sign language interpreters is low and methodologically limited. The present study can be considered as a starting point for further research.