For many people in the community, English is the language of work and forms, and Yiddish or Hebrew is the language of home. Therapy often goes better in the language you think and feel in.
Why the language matters
A lot of therapy is putting feelings into words. When you have to translate first, some of the meaning gets lost. People often say they remember a parent's words in Yiddish, or that they can describe a conflict with a spouse more exactly in Hebrew. A therapist who speaks the language hears those words directly and knows what they carry.
It also matters for people who are less comfortable in English: older parents, recent arrivals from Israel, and people who grew up in Chassidish homes and schools. Therapy in a second language can feel like an interview, and people hold back.
Language is also a signal. A therapist who speaks Yiddish has usually spent time in the community and knows its schools, simchas and pressures without having them explained.
Children and teens
For children, the language used at home matters even more. A child who speaks Yiddish at home and English at school may find it easier to talk in Yiddish about family and in English about school. A therapist who speaks both can follow the child. It also makes it easier to include parents who are more comfortable in Yiddish.
How much of the language do they speak
"Speaks Hebrew" can mean fluent, or enough to follow a conversation. Ask on the first call:
- Can we do the whole session in Yiddish (or Hebrew)?
- Is it your first language?
- Can you work with a parent or spouse who speaks only Yiddish or Hebrew?
On FrumHealth.org, providers list their own languages. Some write "some Hebrew" or "conversational Yiddish". Read the listing and ask.
Where to look
- Yiddish-speaking providers on FrumHealth.org.
- Hebrew-speaking providers on FrumHealth.org.
- The directory, with the language filter set, combined with a specialty or city.
- Referral services such as Relief, which can match by language.
- Your doctor, school or rav. They often know which therapists speak Yiddish.
You can also describe what you need to the Wellness Shadchan, for example "Yiddish-speaking therapist for my husband, anxiety, Lakewood or online". It will rank the providers who match.
Online sessions give you more choices
There are fewer Yiddish- and Hebrew-speaking therapists than English-speaking ones, so the right person may not be in your town. Online sessions solve most of that.
The rule to know: a therapist must be licensed in the state where the client is at the time of the session. A therapist in Brooklyn with a New York license can see a client in Monsey online, but not a client in Baltimore unless they also hold a Maryland license. Psychologists in states that joined PSYPACT can see clients in other member states.
Most listings on FrumHealth.org show the states the provider is licensed in. Check this before you book.
In Israel the rules are different. Ask the provider directly whether they can see clients where you live.
If you cannot find one
Sometimes the right Yiddish- or Hebrew-speaking therapist for a specific issue does not exist near you or online in your state. Some options:
- A bilingual therapist for the family and a specialist for the issue. For example, an English-speaking OCD specialist for a teen, with a Yiddish-speaking therapist meeting the parents.
- Sessions mostly in English, with room for the other language. Many clients find it enough that they can use a Yiddish or Hebrew word when English does not fit, and the therapist understands.
- Ask a referral service or a colleague. Therapists who speak these languages know each other, and one who cannot take you may know someone who can.
Using a family member as an interpreter in therapy is not recommended. People speak less openly when a relative is in the room.
Other things still matter
Language is one part of fit. The therapist should also work regularly with what you are dealing with, and you should feel comfortable with them. If you have to choose, a strong therapist who speaks good English is usually better than a weaker fit who speaks your language. See How to find a frum therapist for the rest of the checklist.