psychotherapist

A psychotherapist is a professional who provides psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups to alleviate psychological distress and treat mental disorders through talk-based interventions and the therapeutic relationship. The term is used internationally for practitioners from various disciplines who offer structured talk therapies; requirements and protections for the title vary by jurisdiction.

Training and regulation vary by country. Typically, practitioners hold graduate degrees in psychology, counseling, social work, or medicine and complete supervised clinical practice. Licensure or registration is common, and many places require ongoing continuing education and adherence to ethical codes.

Modalities and practice include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic or person-centered therapy, interpersonal therapy, and family or couples therapy. Techniques range from guided conversations and cognitive restructuring to exposure therapies and trauma-focused approaches. Psychotherapists work in private practice, clinics, hospitals, schools, and community agencies, treating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, trauma, and behavioral change.

In many systems, psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders and may prescribe medication, while psychologists, social workers, and counselors provide psychotherapy with varying scopes of practice. Ethical responsibilities include confidentiality, informed consent, risk assessment, and cultural competence. The therapeutic alliance—the collaborative and trusting relationship between client and therapist—is central to most approaches.

Evidence supports several modalities for specific conditions, notably cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression and exposure-based therapies for OCD. Treatment selection is individualized, and outcomes depend on client needs, therapist competence, and the fit between therapist and client.