US Medical Term · mental-health
Therapist
Terapeuta
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Therapist |
| Spanish (Español) | Terapeuta |
| Chinese (中文) | 治療師 |
| Korean (한국어) | 치료사 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Nhà trị liệu |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Therapist |
| Portuguese (Português) | Terapeuta |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | นักบำบัด |
| Japanese (日本語) | セラピスト |
What it means
A therapist is a licensed mental health professional who provides talk therapy, counseling, and other evidence-based treatments to help people manage mental health conditions, process difficult experiences, and improve their overall wellbeing. In the US, therapists may hold various credentials, including Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). To be covered by insurance, your therapist must be licensed and in-network with your plan. Therapists do not prescribe medication — for medication, you need a psychiatrist or your primary care provider. Many therapists offer telehealth sessions, which can improve access, especially in rural areas.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I need to find a therapist who is in-network with my insurance plan and accepting new patients.
Necesito encontrar un terapeuta que esté en la red de mi plan de seguro y que esté aceptando nuevos pacientes.
What is the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre un terapeuta y un psiquiatra?
Does my insurance cover telehealth sessions with a licensed therapist?
¿Mi seguro cubre sesiones de telesalud con un terapeuta licenciado?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026