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

psychotherapist

ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pist 

noun

Examples of psychotherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

The future of mental-health treatment may involve both psychotherapy and nutrition. —Lauryn Higgins, Time, 4 Nov. 2025

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

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for psychotherapy

• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• sclerotherapy
• immunotherapy
• pharmacotherapy
• physiotherapy
• radiotherapy

Kids 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