therapist
THEH-ruh-pihst
Therapist (noun) means a professional who provides treatment for physical, mental or emotional problems. Example: “After the accident, a speech therapist helped him talk clearly again.”
noun
1
A professional who provides treatment for physical, mental or emotional problems.
"After the accident, a speech therapist helped him talk clearly again."
"She has been seeing a therapist to work through her anxiety."
"A physical therapist helped him recover after the injury."
How to use therapist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone trained to help treat mental, emotional, or physical problems.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
see a therapist
physical therapist
speech therapist
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Word forms
- Plural
- therapists
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After the accident, a speech _____ helped him talk clearly again.
Etymology
From therapy plus the agent suffix -ist.
Related words
Rhymes for therapist
See all rhymes for therapist →Frequently asked questions
What does “therapist” mean?
The word “therapist” means a professional who provides treatment for physical, mental or emotional problems. In plain terms, someone trained to help treat mental, emotional, or physical problems.
How do you pronounce “therapist”?
“Therapist” is pronounced THEH-ruh-pihst (/ˈθɛɹəpɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “therapist” in a sentence?
Here is “therapist” used in a sentence: “She has been seeing a therapist to work through her anxiety.”
What part of speech is “therapist”?
“Therapist” is a noun.
Is “therapist” a common word?
“Therapist” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a "therapist" and a "psychiatrist"?
A "therapist" is a broad term for a professional who treats physical, mental, or emotional problems, often through talking therapies. A "psychiatrist" is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health and can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication, which most therapists cannot.
What is the difference between a "therapist" and a "psychologist"?
"Therapist" is a general label for someone who provides treatment for various problems, while a "psychologist" has specific training in the study of the mind and behaviour, usually to degree level. Many psychologists work as therapists, but not every therapist is a psychologist.
What is the difference between a "therapist" and a "counsellor"?
The terms overlap, and both help people with emotional difficulties through talking. "Counsellor" often suggests shorter-term support focused on a specific issue, while "therapist" can cover deeper or longer-term treatment, though usage varies widely.
Does "therapist" only refer to mental health treatment?
No. A "therapist" treats physical, mental, or emotional problems, so the word also covers roles such as physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist. The type of therapy is usually made clear by a describing word placed in front.
