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

Treatment typically includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 30 Nov. 2024

Treatments for sweating blood can include managing medical issues, beta-blockers to help stop the sweating, and psychiatric medications and psychotherapy. —Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Medicare does cover psychotherapy, as well as appropriate medication to relieve the feelings of distress. —Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024

Personalized healthcare can vary greatly from solution to solution and can include things such as massage therapy, physical therapy, psychotherapy, exercise classes, nutrition plans and more. —John Graham Harper, Forbes, 21 Oct. 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