Which document must counselors develop to guide their practice according to Maryland law?

Counselors in Maryland are required to develop a treatment plan for each client as a key component of their practice. This document is crucial as it outlines the specific goals and interventions that will be used during the counseling process. The treatment plan serves multiple purposes; it helps structure the therapeutic relationship, guides the counselor in delivering appropriate interventions, and allows for tracking the progress of the client towards their goals.

Moreover, having a well-articulated treatment plan is not only a best practice but also aligns with ethical guidelines and regulations set forth by the state. It ensures that the treatment provided is individualized, intentional, and measurable, contributing to effective and accountable counseling practices.

While other documents, such as confidentiality agreements and codes of conduct, are important in their own right, they do not serve the same guiding purpose in the dynamic of client treatment within counseling practice. A clinical assessment, while valuable in understanding the client's issues, does not create a roadmap for the therapeutic journey in the same way that a treatment plan does. Thus, the emphasis on developing a treatment plan is essential and mandated for counselors working within the state.