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

The bill was opposed by business and technology trade groups along with major medical organizations, including the California Hospital Association, which argued the measure would get in the way of AI use that supports therapists. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The leaders viewed the therapist approach as effective because employees’ decisions to support or resist change often stem from deeply personal reasons. — John Radman, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

According to Toews’ plea agreement, the therapist installed a video recording device in a women’s bathroom stall at his workplace in January 2023. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Extreme makeovers via a team that included a personal trainer, therapist, dentist and multiple cosmetic surgeons. — Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 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