Are counselors in Maryland allowed to provide therapy for family members?

Counselors in Maryland are generally prohibited from providing therapy to family members because it can create a conflict of interest and is considered unethical. This prohibition is aligned with professional standards that emphasize the importance of maintaining clear boundaries in the counselor-client relationship. When a counselor enters into a familial relationship with a client, it can impair their objectivity and the effectiveness of therapy. Ethical guidelines set forth by counseling organizations encourage maintaining professional distance to ensure that the therapist can provide impartial and effective support.

While there may be circumstances where exceptions are made, such as when no other qualified professionals are available, the standard practice is to avoid counseling family members to prevent the potential for dual relationships that could compromise treatment. Thus, the option stating that providing therapy to family members may create conflicts of interest and is generally deemed unethical accurately reflects the prevailing viewpoint in the counseling profession in Maryland.