In consultancy, language is the main therapeutic tool used by doctors. To properly diagnose and treat a client, the client must be able to communicate what they are feeling and what symptoms they are experiencing. Clients whose second language is English may need an interpreter because many social workers or counselors speak only English. Many of the people that social workers or counselors work with in therapy are not fluent in English or at all and therefore require the use of an interpreter. The use of an interpreter in counseling can be seen as an advantage or a disadvantage depending on the quality of the interpreter and the type of interpretation model used (Freed, 1988). This article will examine the use of an interpreter in counseling and which model of interpretation is the most effective. The theoretical approach used to research the use of interpreters in counseling was a culturally grounded approach. According to Marseille and Kulis (2009) a culturally rooted approach embraces diversity and multiculturalism and also promotes change that improves the quality of life of an individual or group (p. 102-103). Farooq and Fear (2003) state that counseling is a social service that has been shown to require culturally competent staff and that the use of culturally competent staff improves the quality of service received by the client. Social services are not always culturally competent (Marseille & Kulis, 2009). A culturally grounded approach in research on the use of interpreters in counseling examines how interpreters improve the counseling service provided to clients who speak English as a second language or do not speak English. The use of a...... culturally rooted paper medium....... (2003). Working through interpreters. Journal of Professional Development, 9(2), 104-109. doi:10.1192/apt.01.12Liberato, A. O. (1988). Interview via interpreter. Social Work, 33(4), 315-319. Retrieved from EBSCOhostMarseille, F.F., and Kulis, S. (2009). Social work perspectives: Social context, consciousness, and resilience. In T. M. Meenaghan & I. C. Colby (Eds.), Diversity, oppression, and culturally embedded social work change (87-111). Chicago, Illinois: Lyceum Books, Inc.Westermeyer, J. (1990). Working with an interpreter in psychiatric evaluation and treatment. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 178(12), (745-749). doi:10.109700005053-199012000-00003Whitsett, M. (2008). Tips for Interpreting Mental Health. Center for School Health and Healthcare [Online]. Available: http://eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED509813.pdf; had access 10/02/2011.