Whose ethical guidelines must Maryland counselors follow for clinical services?

In Maryland, counselors are required to adhere to ethical guidelines that align with their specific practice area. The correct answer indicates that counselors are governed by the ethical standards put forth by the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA). These guidelines are designed to ensure that counseling practices promote the welfare of clients and maintain high standards of professional integrity.

By following the AMHCA Code of Ethics, counselors gain access to comprehensive standards that address issues relevant to mental health practice, including client confidentiality, informed consent, professional competence, and the avoidance of dual relationships, among others. This ensures that counselors are not only adhering to legal obligations but also upholding the ethical principles that are critical in fostering trust and effectiveness in the counselor-client relationship.

While other organizations, such as the American Psychological Association and the National Board for Certified Counselors, provide ethical guidelines, those are more specific to their respective domains. Each association targets different professional groups, and while their standards may overlap, they do not replace the necessity for mental health counselors in Maryland to align with the specific ethical guidelines provided by the AMHCA. Adhering to the principles set forth by AMHCA helps counselors in Maryland navigate the complexities of their practice while maintaining alignment with state-level regulations and the expectations of