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

In that version, Alda’s character, a therapist, is the emotional center, always trying to be the better person. —Belinda Luscombe, Time, 9 May 2025

Other patients reported their therapists acted disinterested or unprofessional, a finding Jo said could be tied to the relatively low pay therapists earn on some apps. —Phillip Reese, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025

The venture—a joint initiative between the telehealth company Revive Health Therapy and the community group Creators 4 Mental Health—will provide people with access to human therapists, with virtual sessions ranging from $60 to $180. —Manisha Krishnan, Wired News, 9 May 2025

Parents report feeling more confident in supporting their children, and therapists appreciate the flexibility and efficiency these tools bring to their work. —Oliver Harrison, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing therapist

• behavioral therapist
• massage therapist
• physical therapist

Rhymes for therapist

• physiotherapist
• psychotherapist

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