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 most cases, seeking treatment looks like making an appointment with a healthcare provider and getting a referral to a mental health provider, such as a therapist or psychiatrist. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025

The couple got married in August, and Bret, now a practicing therapist, saw a major boost in his business. —Ryan Ermey,valentina Duarte, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025

In her memoir, Shari also touched on her mother's relationship with Jodi, the family therapist and her mom's business partner. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025

One of the biggest commercial and critical horror hits of the decade, Smile is about a therapist who discovers something supernatural stalking her patients. —Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025

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