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Orientation is an ethical, engagement-building process. MAC standards emphasize informed consent and collaboration. The counselor should outline how the plan is jointly created: clarify services (individual, group, family, recovery support), frequency, confidentiality limits, financial expectations, and how progress is monitored (e.g., TLFB, craving scales, attendance, toxicology). Describe that clients can set goals, ask questions, refuse or request alternatives, and that plans are adjusted using measurement-based care and client feedback. This shared decision-making increases autonomy, adherence, and trust. Rigid or opaque approaches (A, C, D) undermine alliance and may reduce retention. Orientation should also cover grievance procedures, accommodation processes, cultural/linguistic supports, and how to authorize/restrict information sharing. Written materials and teach-back (asking the client to restate key points) ensure comprehension. Establishing collaboration early empowers clients to engage actively in their recovery, improves satisfaction, and supports ethical practice across the treatment episode.