A conversation both In English and in German-- yet the two having it understanding each other perfectly. All because of the Mental Health Association of South-Central Kansas's new language translation devices.

The technology is bridging what would typically be a big language barrier by allowing people to speak in their native language to each other-- before that language is translated nearly instantly to the other person, in one that they understand.

Eric Litwiller with MHASCK says "A pretty substantial segment of the Wichita metro area population who speak a language other than English primarily in the home now have access to mental health care, where as they really couldn't have before because of the language barrier."

He adds their clinic, like almost every other field, has struggled getting staff, especially bi-lingual therapists, saying "It's hard enough to find therapists in the first place, especially those who are willing to work in the nonprofit sector."

The effort to improve mental health treatment for minority groups here in Wichita, is something that Yeni Telles supports.

"Mental health services definitely are in high need in our community and lately, we have been having a lot of conversations with the immigrant community, refugee community about mental health."

Telles works with both the International Rescue Committee and Sunflower Community Action, so she interacts with people who speak a numerous number of languages.

She says while she has some concerns about the translators, mainly some of the cultural meanings that could get "Lost in translation."-- she believes ultimately, this addresses a major need. 

"I think it's important for us to be creative, and innovate, you know, bring different instruments that are going to benefit our community."