In This Blog Post
Most people don’t realize how hard interpreting is, or how much focus, heart, and stamina it takes to do it well, day after day. But the majority of interpreters aren’t getting the support they need to maintain a high level of performance. Are yours?
Interpreters aren’t just passing along messages. They’re highly skilled professionals who’ve trained for years to master the skills required. Even then, every session brings new challenges.
And while innovative technologies simplify work in many fields, interpreting remains as intellectually and emotionally demanding as ever.
It’s no surprise, then, that interpreters need real support to maintain such a high level of performance. What is surprising, according to the CCHI Global Workforce Survey, the first-ever survey of practicing healthcare interpreters (conducted from January to March 2025), is that most interpreters in the industry aren’t getting it. At Language Services Associates (LSA), we’re changing that narrative.
When Laura K.T. Schriver founded LSA, she set out to create the kind of community she wished she’d had as an interpreter herself. And for over three decades, we’ve been empowering interpreters with the tools, training, and care they need to thrive.
Our approach blends genuine empathy for people with strong quality standards and smart use of technology to create better experiences for both interpreters and the clients they serve. Our goal is to build an environment where interpreters get the respect they deserve and the tools to embrace challenges and succeed in their careers.
The benefits of this approach extend far beyond the interpreters themselves, resulting in better experiences for our customers and the people with limited English proficiency (LEP) who rely on them.
This post takes a closer look at the challenges interpreters face and how LSA helps them be their best selves and do their best work.
Prioritizing Interpreter Well-Being
The CCHI survey revealed that less than 10% of interpreters have access to debriefing or mental health counseling, and more than a quarter aren’t permitted breaks after emotionally challenging sessions.
With such a mentally and emotionally demanding job, that lack of recovery time takes a real toll. Burnout can come from vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue, and interpreters need support in managing this.
At LSA, we recognize that interpreters face cognitive and emotional demands that few others experience. That’s why we’ve built multiple avenues of support:
Interpreters can request peer discussions from LSA Interpreting Experts for personalized coaching and feedback
LSA understands interpreters need to request breaks to avoid burnout and process the realities of high-stress calls.
The bottom line? You can’t pour from an empty cup. That’s why we give our interpreters the space and resources they need to provide clear and compassionate communication, even (or especially) when the stakes are high.
Raising the Bar for Quality and Professional Standards
Providing empathetic support does not mean lowering standards. In fact, when your job is this important, support and accountability go hand in hand.
Yet the same survey found that:
26% of organizations don’t require qualification testing, and more than half of interpreters don’t receive regular performance evaluations.
Even among those who do, only 37% said their evaluations were tied to professional standards.
At LSA, quality assurance is integral to what we do. Every interpreter in our network undergoes qualification testing before joining. On average, only one in 40 interpreter applicants meets LSA’s strict quality standards during the vetting process.
After they’re signed on, we maintain a meticulous system of ongoing evaluations, incorporating client feedback, call monitoring, and compliance checks so that interpreters consistently meet or exceed industry benchmarks.
That commitment is what keeps our clients confident in every interpretation we deliver.
Empowering Interpreters Through Technology and Resources
Technology is changing how the language services industry works. Yet too many interpreters still don’t have access to the digital tools and terminology resources they need to benefit from these changes. The CCHI survey shows that only 12–13% of interpreters receive such support, and 18% of freelancers receive none at all.
LSA provides our interpreters with an integrated system of resources.
Interpreter Resource Library
To support ongoing professional development, LSA offers interpreters access to a comprehensive online library of reference materials. This includes general and client-specific documentation, so that interpreters are prepared for the nuances of each engagement. These include:
- Glossaries with terms in both English and various foreign languages, both vertical-specific and client-specific.
- Client-specific documents, such as commonly used forms, policies, and procedures.
- Compliance documentation for adherence to industry standards. Refresher materials covering interpreting fundamentals, including protocol, glossary building, and ethics.
- Refresher materials covering interpreting fundamentals, including protocol, glossary building, and ethics.
- Professional resources like a calendar of relevant industry events, links to resources for pursuing certifications in medical and legal interpreting, and information on continuing education opportunities to help interpreters maintain and expand their skills.
And if questions arise, we have a support team available to help them overcome any challenges they encounter, 24/7/365.
Proprietary Technology
Our own software development team has created specialized applications custom-designed for over the phone and video remote interpretation. This gives our interpreters access to secure, reliable, and user-friendly systems tailored to their specific needs.
Continuous Learning/Education
LSA provides interpreters with online education modules that adhere to adult learning standards and reinforce interpreting fundamentals. Annual compliance training covers topics such as HIPAA, CMS regulations, fraud prevention, and general security, ensuring interpreters are equipped to handle sensitive information securely and professionally.
A Holistic Approach to Language Access
Interpreting is about human connection. Understanding. Meaning. It’s more than just the translation of words from one language to another. LSA’s comprehensive model recognizes that connection thrives when interpreters are supported emotionally, equipped professionally, and empowered technologically.
As the years go by, we set the standard for quality and keep raising the bar for what excellence looks like in interpreting. We not only measure our success by the high-quality services we deliver to clients, but also by how we support the interpreters who make it all possible. If our interpreters aren’t happy, our clients aren’t happy.
Don’t Take Our Word for It
Here is what interpreters have to say about LSA:
“My whole experience with LSA has been great. Everything has been clear and professional, from the recruitment process to getting on board. The staff is always there to help when needed, and everyone is friendly and very professional.”
“LSA is the crown jewel of interpreting! The staff is absolutely phenomenal, skilled, educated, and considerate. With LSA, I have overcome a fear of long-term financial commitments. It is that level of security that the company provides because it’s not just another business community. LSA is family, the company you can trust. I am proud to be part of the team! Four years and still going strong.”
“I’ve been working for LSA coming on 12 years, and I have only experienced professionalism and very helpful and happy staff. Thank you, LSA, for your help in providing the languages needed to bridge the language barrier.”
“I have worked for LSA full-time for over 16 years and have only had a positive experience… Excellent company to work for. I love the work that I do. Working as a Spanish interpreter in the medical field is very rewarding. I hope to continue offering my service for many years to come.”
“It’s a great place to work, and the staff is kind and respectful. I love working for LSA.”
Are you an Interpreter? Join Us!
If you are looking for a place where your skills are valued, your work makes a real difference, and you are supported every step of the way, we’re here for you.
At LSA, we are proud to have a diverse network of interpreters from over 50 countries, working in hundreds of languages and helping millions of people connect and understand each other. Whether it’s healthcare, finance, entertainment, or legal settings, your work can change lives.
Take a look at our opportunities page and see what makes LSA different. Join a company that gets you and values everything you bring to the table!
Partner with Us!
Want access to a team of interpreters that has the support, training and technology to provide you with a stellar experience every time?
Partnering with LSA can improve your organization’s language access program, expand your reach, and deliver measurable results. With the right mix of technology, quality, and care for our interpreters, we help organizations make every interaction and outreach effort count.
Let’s talk, contact us today or visit www.lsa.inc.
