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

The therapist suggested that losing curiosity about a partner can sometimes make attention from someone outside the relationship particularly appealing. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Co-author Kaitlyn Becker, an MIT mechanical engineering assistant professor, said the technology could help therapists compare patient evaluations over time. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Because of this, Fortuna has heard from Latino therapists that many of their patients have opted for telehealth appointments. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

But by the climax, Bela and her parents’ problems have become so bizarre that just leaving the theater felt like trying to shake someone else’s therapist. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

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