Predictors of Confidence in Mental Health Clinicians Interacting with D/deaf Populations: Training, Experience, and Guiding Factors

Authors

• Rachel Franks, Nelson UniversityFollow
• Annie F. Trautmann, Nelson UniversityFollow
• Winston Griffith, George Washington University
• Daniel Trautmann, UT Southwestern Medical School
• Rachel Quintana-Baker, Nelson University
• Emily Spring, Gallaudet University
• Brennen Quintana-Baker, Nelson University
• John Savell, Nelson University

Subject Area

Counseling, Health Care, Psychology

Abstract

D/deaf individuals face significant barriers accessing mental health care due to communication difficulties and insufficient provider cultural competency. This study examined factors influencing clinicians' confidence in serving D/deaf clients. A quantitative survey of 55 mental health professionals assessed demographics, D/deaf experience, education, and confidence using one-way ANOVA tests. Four variables showed highest significance (p < 0.0001): D/deaf client frequency, cultural knowledge, education participation, and professional workshops. Direct D/deaf exposure and cultural knowledge most strongly predicted confidence. Training programs should prioritize hands-on experience and specialized D/deaf cultural education.

Recommended Citation

Franks, R., Trautmann, A. F., Griffith, W., Trautmann, D., Quintana-Baker, R., Spring, E., Quintana-Baker, B., & Savell, J. (2026). Predictors of Confidence in Mental Health Clinicians Interacting with D/deaf Populations: Training, Experience, and Guiding Factors. JADARA, 57(2), 44-70. Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/jadara/vol57/iss2/2