Qualified mental health professionals include social workers, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, or substance abuse counselors. 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. A qualified professional is an individual who has earned a Masters or Ph.D. degree in a specific mental health profession, such as those noted above. Mental health professionals are licensed by the state where they work.
All professionals have codes of ethics that require certain behavior, for example, confidentiality.
Even though the deaf community is small, confidentiality can be maintained. You may also have to use the services of a professional, qualified interpreter in your community if the professional cannot sign. A professional, qualified interpreter is an individual who is certified by the NAD, the RID, or by some states that have an interpreter certification process. The use of a highly skilled, professional interpreter is essential for accurate and sensitive communication between you and the mental health professional. You may want to suggest the names of interpreters you know to be competent and reliable.