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

Child psychologists and therapists are available to help your child build a healthier relationship with food. — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 3 July 2026

Employees say their managers have a greater impact on their mental health than a doctor or therapist. — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Philip Lewis, a relationship therapist specializing in gay men's mental health, says finding a community can be one of the most beneficial things when faced with a diagnosis of HIV or any chronic health condition. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Behavioral health therapist Mackenzie Brees provides free assessments to clients at an HIV testing event organized by the Empowerment Resource Center on June 25, 2025. — Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 1 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