Lee Tien-tse says that in countries where the field of psychological counselings more developed and mature, scholars and practicing professionals typically organize themselves into professional associations. Each of these has its own clearly stated list of professional ethics. "On the one hand, these provide guidelines for professionals. On the other, they also serve to protect patients who are seeking counseling.
李天慈指出，心理咨商輔導發展較成熟的國家，心理學者與各種心理專業人員都會組織成立學會，各學會對心理工作的專業倫理都訂有詳細與明文規定，「一方面作為專業人員的工作指引，另一方面也為了保護尋求心理專業幫助的當事人，使專業工作能發揮最大的效益，為當事人尋求最好的服務。」