As transnational migrant workers have become a vital part of the labor force and economic system across countries, their mental health has emerged as a growing focus of global research and practice in psychology. Prior studies indicate that culture and language barriers remain one of the most significant obstacles in delivering effective mental health and social support services. This study adopted an action research design, centering on the training of bilingual interviewers within a migrant worker support initiative in Hsinchu County, Taiwan. Insights drawn from their reflections and feedback underscored the cultural and ethical complexities of interpretation, guiding recommendations for improved practice and training.


The ten interviewers who participated were primarily new immigrants, second-generation immigrants, or Taiwanese participants with English proficiency. While their backgrounds provided cultural and linguistic advantages, they encountered practical challenges such as inconsistent word choices, difficulty with technical terms, and limited sensitivity to ethical concerns. These observations reinforce that linguistic ability alone cannot ensure service quality; interpretation must also incorporate cultural mediation, professional empathy, and standardized terminology to support migrant workers' needs being communicated with accuracy and respect.


Based on these findings, the study highlights the importance of systematic training, clear ethical guidelines, and institutional recognition of interpreters as professional contributors to mental health services. These measures are essential for advancing equity and sustainability in cross-cultural support. Additional recommendations will be presented during the conference, with the aim of demonstrating how applied psychology can contribute to migrant workers' well-being and social justice across diverse contexts.