Psychotherapy is a vital component of mental health care, but deaf individuals in Nigeria often face significant barriers to accessing these services due to communication challenges. The use of sign language interpreters has emerged as a critical solution to bridge the gap between deaf clients and psychotherapists. This paper explores the pivotal role of sign language interpreters in psychotherapy for deaf persons in Nigeria, emphasizing their contribution to ensuring effective communication, trust, and therapeutic outcomes. Sign language interpreters serve as the primary medium through which deaf clients can express their emotions, thoughts, and mental health concerns during therapy sessions. However, their role extends beyond mere translation, as they must navigate the complex dynamics of both the deaf and hearing cultures, ensuring cultural sensitivity and maintaining the confidentiality inherent in psychotherapy. The absence of qualified interpreters can result in misunderstandings, misdiagnoses, and ineffective therapy, leading to poor mental health outcomes for deaf individuals. In Nigeria, the shortage of trained mental health interpreters presents a significant challenge. Many interpreters lack specialized knowledge of psychotherapy terminologies, which can hinder the depth of the therapeutic process. This paper highlights the urgent need for targeted training programs for sign language interpreters in mental health settings, as well as the necessity for greater collaboration between psychotherapists and the deaf community to enhance mental health accessibility. The paper also discusses the psychological impact of interpreter-mediated therapy on deaf clients, focusing on the importance of trust and rapport in building a successful therapeutic relationship. By providing insights into the role of interpreters, this study underscores the need for policy changes that support the integration of sign language interpreters into Nigeria’s mental health services, promoting inclusivity and equitable access to psychotherapy for deaf individuals.
