General 

The Language Assistance Services coordinated by the ARISE Division – Language Assistance Services (LAS) Team  
include: 

1. Threshold language interpreter, ASL and Communication Access Real Time Transcription (CART) captioning for LACDMH Stakeholder Meetings/Events 

2. ASL for Clinical Appointments for Directly Operated (DO) and LE/Contracted providers 

3. Document translation for LACDMH Directly Operated and Administrative Programs 
 

A. Language Assistance Services Procedures by the ARISE Division
 
1. Requests for threshold language interpreter services including ASL and CART for LACDMH stakeholder meetings/events 

-The requestor program must complete and submit the online request or QR code listed under the Policy Section VI.  Online Links. 

-Incomplete form submissions will delay the process of scheduling services.
 
-Processing of requests submitted to the ARISE - LAS Team requires a minimum of 15 business days for processing prior to needed services.  Do not contact vendor. 

-For meetings with multiple breakout rooms and more than one team of interpreters, the ARISE - LAS Team requires a minimum of three (3) weeks. 

-Requestor programs must report cancellations at least three business days (72 hours) before the scheduled service to the ARISE-LAS Team at ARISELAS@dmh.lacounty.gov 
 
 2. ASL clinical appointment scheduling for DO and LE Providers 

-LACDMH coordinates and funds ASL services for DO and LE providers for clinical appointments, which include psychotherapy and psychiatric services. 

-Submit a request for ASL services via our designated mailbox ARISEaccessibility@dmh.lacounty.gov.   Contact us to learn the information we require by to book the desired ASL clinical service 

-Requesting programs should not initiate contact with a vendor to arrange for services from any vendor without submitting a request to the ARISE Division (inbox mentioned above) to avoid confusion and budgetary issues. 

-Early/timely submission of LAS requests maximizes the likelihood of successfully fulfillment. 

-Once the ASL interpreter information is provided, the requesting program is responsible for all logistical coordination.  

-Requestor program must report cancellations at least three (3) business days (72 hours) to ARISEaccessibility@dmh.lacounty.gov before the scheduled service.  This will prevent DMH from incurring vendor expenses for services not provided. 
 
3. Document Translation Services by hired vendors for DO Providers 
 

Requestor LACDMH DO program must complete and submit the online request using the provided link or QR code (Refer to Policy Section VI. ATTACHMENTS)
 

Requestor LACDMH program provides a link to the document(s) to be translated 
 

The document(s) to be translated must be in finalized version 
 

The ARISE Division will notify requestor program and details regarding vendor hired for translation work to begin. Requesting programs must not contact vendor to arrange services independently from the ARISE - LAS Team. 
 

Requestor program is expected to pursue an independent review of the translation completed by the hired vendor to ensure the accuracy and cultural appropriateness via field testing or back translation  
 

Requestor program will pursue completion of any edits identified during the field testing or back translation process 
 

Translated materials shall be written at a 6th grade reading level 
 

B. Language Interpreter Services for Over the phone (OTP) services for DO Providers only 

1. General 

This resource shall only be accessed by DO sites to communicate with a walk-in or potential new client in a language not available at the site.   
 

DO providers shall utilize one of the approved contractors listed on the Language Interpretation Services Master Agreement (LISMA) governed by ISD. 
 

DO providers shall contact the LA County phone number for request OTP services at (866) 516-7731 
 

The designated LACDMH staff coordinating interpreter services shall provide the operator the following information for accurate tracking of LAS and billing:  
 

1. Language needed 
2. County Department Name  
3. Six-digit Employee Number  
4. Provider Cost Center Number (please note: cost center is not the same as the provider number) 
5.  

Requestor program must report changes or cancellations at least three business days (72 hours) before the scheduled service to the ARISE-LAS Team (ARISELAS@dmh.lacounty.gov).  
 

C. LAS Procedures for Legal Entities and Contracted Providers 
 
- Other than ASL services for clinical appointments, Legal Entities and Contracted Providers are responsible for the procedural and fiscal procurement of Language Assistance Service
  
-Find a local language translation/interpreter service vendor of choice. 

-Obtain cost estimates for the desired services.  

-Schedule the language assistance services with the vendor. 

-LE/Contracted Providers are responsible for ensuring that the in-person venue or virtual platform can accommodate the space, power, and technology needed for successful service delivery. 





Procedural attachments:

A. LAS Request Forms

1. To request interpreter services, LACDMH Directly Operated programs shall access and submit the online form to the LAS Team via this link: Language Assistance Services Online Request Form (NOT for client appointments) or the QR code below.  

 

1. To request interpreter services, LACDMH Directly Operated programs shall access and submit the online form to the LAS Team via this link: Language Assistance Services Online Request Form (NOT for client appointments) or the QR code below.  

 

2. For ASL services for DO and LE/Contracted providers clinical appointments.  To submit, use the ARISE Division’s designated mailbox: ARISEaccessibility@dmh.lacounty.gov.   Following your initial contact, the ARISE Division will notify you of required information to book the requested ASL clinical service.

B. Service Satisfaction Forms  

3. Utilize the Language Interpreter Services Survey:  LIR-SSS   to report any issues or concerns with the interpreter service received during LACDMH meetings and events and submit to ARISELAS@dmh.lacounty.gov
4. Utilize the ASL Services Survey: ASL-SSS to provide feedback on the quality of interpreter services received and submit to ARISELAS@dmh.lacounty.gov

C. Other
Provider Directory - Department of Mental Health (lacounty.gov)