Guiding Paths Counseling is an outpatient substance use and mental health counseling practice in Frederick, Maryland. The practice provides individual, group, family, and couples therapy for teenagers, adults aged 18 and older, and family members affected by addiction and mental health issues. Guiding Paths Counseling takes a cognitive-behavioral approach to treatment and accepts multiple insurance plans as well as self-pay and sliding-scale options.
Areas of Focus and Treatment Approach
The practice addresses a broad range of concerns, including substance use, pregnancy and substance use, chronic pain and substance use, co-occurring disorders, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD (including specialized focus on first responders and active military/veterans), sexual and emotional trauma, childhood trauma, anger management, stress, and marital issues. Treatment is grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy, with an eclectic approach tailored to each client’s needs that may incorporate experiential exercises, goal setting, homework assignments, and involvement of family members in the therapeutic process. Guiding Paths Counseling also offers consultations for friends and family seeking guidance about a loved one’s substance use or mental health, providing a one-time meeting to answer questions, explore treatment options, and offer referrals.
Clinical Drug Testing and Additional Services
The practice provides clinical drug testing through Precision Diagnostics, an independent laboratory that uses NextGen LC-MS/MS testing with lower drug cutoff levels for more sensitive detection. Both urine specimen and oral fluid testing are available, and results are accepted by the court systems. The practice also offers clinical supervision for Licensed Graduate Professional Counselors, Licensed Graduate Alcohol and Drug Counselors, and Licensed Marriage and Family Counselors.
