psychologist
seye-KAHL-uh-jihst
Psychologist (noun) means a specialist who studies the mind and behavior, often providing therapy or counseling. Example: “She started seeing a psychologist to help manage her anxiety.”
noun
1
A specialist who studies the mind and behavior, often providing therapy or counseling.
"She started seeing a psychologist to help manage her anxiety."
"The school psychologist talked with the pupils about handling exam stress."
"A child psychologist observed how the toddlers played together."
How to use psychologist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn expert in how people think, feel, and behave, often providing talk therapy.
Common mistake
Unlike a psychiatrist, a psychologist usually can't prescribe medication.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
clinical psychologist
child psychologist
sports psychologist
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Word forms
- Plural
- psychologists
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She started seeing a _____ to help manage her anxiety.
Etymology
From psychology plus the agent suffix -ist.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for psychologist
geologist
zoologist
biologist
urologist
oncologist
genealogist
radiologist
neurologist
pathologist
seismologist
cardiologist
gynecologist
See all rhymes for psychologist →
Frequently asked questions
What does “psychologist” mean?
The word “psychologist” means a specialist who studies the mind and behavior, often providing therapy or counseling. In plain terms, an expert in how people think, feel, and behave, often providing talk therapy.
How do you pronounce “psychologist”?
“Psychologist” is pronounced seye-KAHL-uh-jihst (/ˌsaɪˈkɑl.ə.d͡ʒɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “psychologist” in a sentence?
Here is “psychologist” used in a sentence: “She started seeing a psychologist to help manage her anxiety.”
What part of speech is “psychologist”?
“Psychologist” is a noun.
Is “psychologist” a common word?
“Psychologist” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychologist studies the mind and behavior and often provides therapy or counseling, while a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental illness and prescribe medication. Psychologists generally cannot prescribe drugs, focusing instead on talk therapy and behavioral assessment.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?
Psychologist is a specific professional title requiring advanced training in the study of the mind and behavior, while therapist is a broader term that can apply to various licensed counselors, social workers, or psychologists who provide therapy. Not all therapists are psychologists, but many psychologists do work as therapists.
What does a psychologist typically do in a session?
A psychologist typically talks with clients to assess their mental and emotional state, identify patterns in behavior, and provide strategies or therapy to address psychological difficulties. Sessions may involve various therapeutic approaches depending on the psychologist's specialization.
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