Interpreter and Multicultural Support
GV Health Mental Health and Wellbeing Services welcome people from all cultures, languages, faiths and backgrounds. We want everyone to feel understood, respected and safe when they use our services.
Understanding your care, and being able to express what matters to you, is an important part of good mental health support. If English is not your first language, or you feel more comfortable speaking in another language, a qualified interpreter can help. Interpreters are free, confidential and available to you and your family.
This page explains how to access an interpreter, the translated information and culturally responsive care available at GV Health, and trusted Victorian and national services that support people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities
How do you support people from diverse backgrounds?
We aim to provide culturally responsive care — care that respects your culture, language, faith, identity and the things that matter to you.
This may include:
- arranging interpreters and translated information
- taking time to understand your cultural and spiritual needs
- respecting your beliefs, values and ways of understanding health and wellbeing
- welcoming your family and community, with your consent
- connecting you with culturally specific supports where helpful.
Our goal is for you to feel safe, respected and understood throughout your care.
Learn more: Embrace Multicultural Mental Health • Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH)
Is there support for refugees and people seeking asylum?
Yes. People from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds may have experienced trauma, and may need care that recognises these experiences.
With your consent, we can connect you with specialist services that support the recovery, wellbeing and settlement of people from refugee backgrounds.
Learn more: Foundation House (Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture) • Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY)
Can my family and community be involved?
Yes, with your consent. We recognise that family, community, faith and culture are an important part of wellbeing and recovery for many people.
With your agreement, we can involve the people who matter to you in your care, provide them with information, and connect them with support. Your privacy, consent and choices are always respected.
Using a professional interpreter for care conversations helps make sure your family can support you, rather than having to translate complex or sensitive information.
Can I get an interpreter?
Yes. Qualified and accredited interpreters are available to assist people who do not speak English as a first language.
An interpreter helps make sure you can:
- understand your treatment and the options available
- ask questions and share what is important to you
- make informed decisions about your care.
Interpreters are provided free of charge. If an interpreter cannot be provided in person, a telephone interpreter is available.
Learn more: GV Health Language Support
How do I ask for an interpreter?
Just let us know. If you or a family member would like an interpreter, please tell a GV Health staff member and they will arrange it for you.
A few things that help:
- ask for an interpreter as early as you can – some languages need up to 48 hours’ notice
- let staff know your preferred language or dialect
- tell staff if you would prefer an interpreter of a particular gender, where possible.
Outside of GV Health, you can also reach mental health and other services with the help of a free interpreter through TIS National on 131 450 (available 24 hours a day, covering more than 100 languages).
Contact: TIS National — 131 450 — tisnational.gov.au
Why is an interpreter important for mental health care?
Talking about your thoughts, feelings and experiences can be difficult and it is even harder in a language you are not fully comfortable with.
Using a qualified interpreter helps to:
- make sure you are properly understood
- avoid confusion or mistakes in your care
- support you to be fully involved in decisions
- protect your privacy, as interpreters are professional and confidential.
We encourage you to use a professional interpreter rather than relying on family members or friends, so your family can focus on supporting you, and so information is accurate and private.
Is information available in my language?
Yes. GV Health has developed a range of materials and information sheets in different languages, in consultation with community. You can ask a GV Health staff member to provide these.
There are also large libraries of translated health and mental health information available online in many languages.
Learn more: GV Health Language Support • Health Translations Directory (Victoria) • Embrace — mental health information in your language
How do I access mental health support in my language?
Access to mental health services across the region is arranged through a central Mental Health Triage service. You can ask for an interpreter when you call.
Mental Health Triage
1300 369 005
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you would like help to call in your language, you can contact TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be connected to the service you need.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. Interpreters can be arranged for emergency and crisis services too.
Resources and useful links
- TIS National (Translating and Interpreting Service) — free interpreters, 100+ languages, 24/7 — 131 450 — gov.au
- Embrace Multicultural Mental Health — mental health information in many languages (Mental Health Australia) — org.au
- Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) — supporting culturally responsive mental health care in Victoria — org.au
- Health Translations Directory (Victoria) — translated health and wellbeing information — vic.gov.au
- Foundation House — support for people of refugee background who have experienced trauma — org.au
- Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) — support for young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds — net.au
- Beyond Blue — multicultural support — mental health information and support — org.au
- Head to Health / Medicare Mental Health — free advice and connection to services — 1800 595 212 — gov.au
What if I need help right now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 now.
For urgent mental health advice or support, call: GV Health Mental Health Triage
1300 369 005
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
You can also contact:
- Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis support)
- Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467
- 13YARN — 13 92 76 (crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
If you need an interpreter, let staff know and one can be arranged.
- ADDRESS
Goulburn Valley Area Mental Health Service
Monash Street
Shepparton, 3630
Beta Street
Seymour, 3660
- CONTACT
- REFERRALS
For referrals please contact Mental Health triage 1300 369 005