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

Jimenez’s union, SEIU-UHW, represents thousands of frontline health care workers including nursing home caregivers, respiratory therapists and hospital staff. —Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2025

There was no majordomo or maid or gardener or cook, no conditioning coach or groomer or therapist or secretary. —Joy Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Staff will team for an interdisciplinary approach involving physical, occupational and speech therapists, medical teams, nursing and case management. —Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025

These feelings are understandable—expected even—as mothers are often emotional anchors for their daughters during this transition period, says Kiana Shelton, LCSW, a licensed therapist with Mindpath Health. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 23 Oct. 2025

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