psychotherapy
noun
psy·cho·ther·a·py
ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē 
: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or of related bodily ills by psychological means
Examples of psychotherapy in a Sentence
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Some major medical groups pushed back, stating that psychotherapy first is the standard approach in gender-affirming care and that additional care, such as hormonal therapies, only occurs after in-depth evaluations between patients and doctors.
—
Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2025
Developmental bibliotherapy occurs in schools, libraries and in programs serving youth, while clinical bibliotherapy is reserved for psychotherapy.
—Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025
It’s best diagnosed and treated by a mental health professional, said Manly; light therapy, medications and psychotherapy are all often part of treatment.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 25 Nov. 2025
Ladapo spent most of his speech expounding on his experience with psychotherapy and his relationship with his wife.
—Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 15 Nov. 2025
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Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2025
Developmental bibliotherapy occurs in schools, libraries and in programs serving youth, while clinical bibliotherapy is reserved for psychotherapy.
—Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025
It’s best diagnosed and treated by a mental health professional, said Manly; light therapy, medications and psychotherapy are all often part of treatment.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 25 Nov. 2025
Ladapo spent most of his speech expounding on his experience with psychotherapy and his relationship with his wife.
—Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 15 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for psychotherapy
Cite this Entry
“Psychotherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychotherapy. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
psychotherapy
noun
psy·cho·ther·a·py
ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē
: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or of related bodily illnesses by psychological means
Medical Definition
psychotherapy
noun
psy·cho·ther·a·py
ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē
plural psychotherapies
1
: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or maladjustment by psychological means especially involving verbal communication (as in psychoanalysis, nondirective psychotherapy, reeducation, or hypnosis)
2
: any alteration in an individual's interpersonal environment, relationships, or life situation brought about especially by a qualified therapist and intended to have the effect of alleviating symptoms of mental or emotional disturbance
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