In crisis situations, can counselors provide services unsupervised in Maryland?

In Maryland, counselors are required to operate under supervision until they obtain a certain level of licensure, ensuring that they practice within the bounds of ethical standards and legal requirements. This oversight is vital in crisis situations, where the counselor's actions can significantly impact the client's well-being. Requiring supervision helps to ensure that experienced professionals are able to provide guidance and support to less experienced counselors, ultimately benefiting the clients.

While some states might allow for exceptions or different regulations, Maryland mandates that all counseling practices, particularly in crisis situations, should occur under the supervision of a licensed professional, unless specific licensure and experience criteria, which differ from the general requirement, are met. This structured framework safeguards clients and upholds the integrity of the counseling profession.