therapist

noun

ther·​a·​pist ˈther-ə-pist 

1

: an individual specializing in the therapeutic medical treatment of impairment, injury, disease, or disorder

especially : a health care professional trained in methods of treatment and rehabilitation other than the use of drugs or surgery

These simple range-of-motion exercises are often prescribed by physical, occupational, or hand therapists for people with hand OA [=osteoarthritis].

—Food & Fitness Advisor

To help the baby interact with his family, a speech therapist taught everyone—including Justin's twin brother, Jeffery—hand signals and games.

—Michele Blecher

2

: a practitioner of psychotherapy : a psychotherapist

Again, it is important for the therapist to recognize that regression is normative due to the extreme stress of separation and divorce.

—Nathan W. Turner

Examples of therapist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The therapist Esther Perel has a theory about America’s eroticism shortage. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Citing the Supreme Court case, Kobach also argued the city laws effectively proscribe what views a therapist may or may not express, restricting speech. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Even less of that information has reached the adults best positioned to support them in a crisis, such as parents, pediatricians and community therapists. — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

The streamer has recruited world-famous couples therapist and The Invite consultant Esther Perel to lead documentary series The Last Person on Earth, Apple’s first foray into the relationship genre. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing therapist

• behavioral therapist
• massage therapist
• physical therapist

Rhymes for therapist

• physiotherapist
• psychotherapist

Kids Definition

therapist

noun

ther·​a·​pist ˈther-ə-pəst 

: a person who specializes in therapy

especially : a person trained in methods of treatment other than the use of drugs or surgery

a speech therapist

Medical Definition

therapist

noun

ther·​a·​pist ˈther-ə-pəst 

: a person specializing in therapy

especially : one trained in methods of treatment and rehabilitation other than the use of drugs or surgery