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
Recent Examples on the Web
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and its symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, but also with medication and, sometimes, intensive outpatient programs.
—
R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
The actress portrayed a psychotherapy patient with a mysterious connection to murderous creatures that terrorize a community.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
Advocates and backers of the Colorado law believe the dispute is about whether standards can be placed for psychotherapy, rather than claims that viewpoints are being censored.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2025
There is a belief drawn from the world of psychotherapy that every behavior has a good intention.
—Josh Davis, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for psychotherapy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
The actress portrayed a psychotherapy patient with a mysterious connection to murderous creatures that terrorize a community.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
Advocates and backers of the Colorado law believe the dispute is about whether standards can be placed for psychotherapy, rather than claims that viewpoints are being censored.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2025
There is a belief drawn from the world of psychotherapy that every behavior has a good intention.
—Josh Davis, Fortune, 17 Sep. 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 4 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share