psychotherapy

noun

psy·​cho·​ther·​a·​py ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce psychotherapy (audio)
: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or of related bodily ills by psychological means
psychotherapist noun

Examples of psychotherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In addition to medication, a clinician may recommend psychotherapy or lifestyle changes to help a patient manage their condition. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 18 Feb. 2025 The transition to online psychotherapy during the pandemic: a qualitative study on patients’ perspectives The American Journal of Psychiatry. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025 This team wondered whether creatine supplementation could enhance the efficacy of psychotherapy, in the absence of any other pharmaceutical intervention. Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 29 Jan. 2025 Of that amount, $11.5 million went to psychotherapy and $3.1 million to surgeries, according to Military.com, citing Defense Department data provided to the outlet. Jo Yurcaba, NBC News, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for psychotherapy

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychotherapy was circa 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Psychotherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychotherapy. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

psychotherapy

noun
psy·​cho·​ther·​a·​py ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce psychotherapy (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce psychotherapy (audio)
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

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