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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
Examples of psychotherapy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are effective treatments, including three medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, along with psychotherapy and community support groups.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024
The escitalopram group received what is considered the current ‘gold standard’ treatment for depression: drug therapy combined with psychotherapy.
—New Atlas, 22 Sep. 2024
The trick of psychotherapy lies in the fact that each of those therapies may be equally productive.
—Eugene Klishevich, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
The company notes that this type of psychological support is not psychotherapy.
—Emily Mullin, WIRED, 15 Aug. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
circa 1890, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near psychotherapy
Cite this Entry
“Psychotherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychotherapy. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on psychotherapy
Nglish: Translation of psychotherapy for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of psychotherapy for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about psychotherapy
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