All three experts share the same root of the word, "psyche", which originates from the ancient Greek word "psychē" that denotes the soul. The shared denominator of these professional profiles is, in fact, the engagement with the psyche.
PSYCHOLOGIST
A psychologist has completed their education in the field of psychology.A psychologist can work in various institutions such as schools, kindergartens, the military, healthcare facilities, human resources departments, social institutions, etc. The specialty of their work is psychological assessment, using psychological questionnaires or other psychodiagnostic tools. Psychologists can provide psychological opinions, but they cannot prescribe medication. They can offer psychological counseling but not psychotherapy (unless they have additional psychotherapeutic training).
A special profile of a psychologist is the clinical psychologist, who, in addition to studying psychology, has completed a specialization in clinical psychology, culminating in a specialist exam.
PSYCHIATRIST
A psychiatrist has completed education at a medical faculty and then pursued specialization in psychiatry, culminating in a specialist exam.They deal with the treatment of mental disorders. Like other doctors, they diagnose and prescribe appropriate medications when treatment requires it. They are most commonly employed in health centers, hospitals, and psychiatric hospitals but can also operate within a private practice.
PSYCHOTHERAPIST
A psychotherapist usually completes undergraduate studies (or, according to the Bologna system, a master's degree), most often in the social sciences, and then pursues postgraduate studies in one of the psychotherapy approaches.Psychotherapy is within the domain of a psychotherapist, based on a confidential, safe, and empathetic relationship between the psychotherapist and the client. It deals not only with mental disorders but also provides assistance to people whose problems have exceeded their current coping abilities. It can be based on various psychotherapeutic approaches, using different methods and techniques accordingly. A psychotherapist can be employed within healthcare institutions, but often operates within a private practice. As with psychological counseling, it's important to be cautious when choosing a psychotherapist. In Slovenia, the field of psychotherapy is not legally regulated, yet, leading to the presence of therapists who may not have undergone appropriate education.