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
The societal costs of psychotherapy would presumably be significantly reduced.
—
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
At the time, Busfield begged the family not to report the incident to law enforcement and promising to participate in psychotherapy, according to the motion.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 14 Jan. 2026
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
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.
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
At the time, Busfield begged the family not to report the incident to law enforcement and promising to participate in psychotherapy, according to the motion.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 14 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for psychotherapy
Cite this Entry
“Psychotherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychotherapy. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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
