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

Having a completely new way to address these conditions, in addition to psychotherapy and medications, could eventually help more people to find interventions that work for them, and could even help more people experience more durable success in managing their mental illness. —Alice Park, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024

This might all sound too preachy for country fans who prefer to keep their music and their psychotherapy separate… or maybe not quite preachy enough for anyone who would like Jelly Roll to be a perfect role model for recovery. —Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2024

Several different types of psychotherapy may help with bipolar disorder. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024

Look beyond the infusion Seek out a clinic that includes psychotherapy as part of the treatment plan. —Andrea Kane, CNN, 31 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

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