psychotherapy

noun

psy·​cho·​ther·​a·​py ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce psychotherapy (audio)
: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or of related bodily ills by psychological means
psychotherapist
ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pist How to pronounce psychotherapy (audio)
noun

Examples of psychotherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even family psychotherapy is typically covered only when it is being used to treat an individual’s mental health. — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026 Treatment options for postpartum depression and psychosis will differ based on severity and type of symptoms and may include medication options, psychotherapy and/or support groups. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Raithel Vargas needed to find preceptors licensed in psychotherapy and medication management. — Colleen Connolly, STAT, 24 Aug. 2026 The American Association of Art Therapy defines art therapy as a mental health profession that combine art-making, creative processes and psychotherapy to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities. — Donnisa Edmonds, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for psychotherapy

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychotherapy was circa 1890

Rhymes for psychotherapy

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Browse Nearby Words

psychotherapeutist
psychotherapy
psychotic
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Cite this Entry

“Psychotherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychotherapy. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

psychotherapy

noun
psy·​cho·​ther·​a·​py ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce psychotherapy (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce psychotherapy (audio)
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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about psychotherapy

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