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 therapist who led me though this treatment was empathetic, her voice soothing, her touch gentle. —Tasha Zemke, Outside Online, 15 Nov. 2024

Once a child is connected with a therapist, the provider is expected to see the child within seven business days, Bishop said. —Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024

These include mental health professionals, occupational, physical, or respiratory therapists, cardiac specialists, primary care physicians, and more. —Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024

For example, there is bound to be a rush to seek assistance from counselors, therapists, mental health professionals, and all the customary avenues for garnering cognitive and psychological coping assistance. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing therapist

• behavioral therapist
• massage therapist
• physical therapist

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