What is the role of the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists?

The Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists primarily serves to regulate and license professional counselors in the state. This regulatory body is responsible for ensuring that counselors meet specific educational and ethical standards before they can practice. By overseeing the licensing process, the Board helps maintain the integrity of the profession, ensuring that practitioners are qualified and adhere to legal requirements.

The Board also investigates complaints against counselors and may take disciplinary actions when necessary, further safeguarding the public's welfare. This regulatory role is essential for fostering public trust in mental health services, as it assures clients that licensed counselors have been vetted and are competent in their field.

While creating counseling programs for schools, providing financial support for counselors, and training counselors in clinical practices are valuable functions in the field of mental health, these responsibilities do not fall under the primary role of the Board. The Board's focus is specifically on the regulation and licensing aspect, making option B the correct choice.