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

Most commonly with antidepressants, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025

The plan would have to cover services such as psychotherapy, medication management, family support and casework. —Stephen Simpson, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Other factors may have also played a role in the participants' long-term mental health benefits, such as psychotherapy sessions or other antidepressants, experts agreed. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025

Fewer than half of patients actually complete it, according to the largest-ever study of psychotherapy treatment for PTSD in veterans. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for psychotherapy

• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• sclerotherapy
• immunotherapy
• pharmacotherapy
• physiotherapy
• radiotherapy

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