What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
psychiatry
Example
The patient was referred to psychiatry for further evaluation. [psychiatry: noun]
Example
She is a psychiatrist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders. [psychiatrist: noun]
psychotherapy
Example
He has been undergoing psychotherapy for his depression. [psychotherapy: noun]
Example
The therapist used cognitive-behavioral techniques in her psychotherapy sessions. [psychotherapy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Psychotherapy is more commonly used than psychiatry in everyday language. Psychotherapy is a more accessible and affordable option for many people seeking mental health treatment, while psychiatry is often reserved for more severe cases that require medical intervention.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between psychiatry and psychotherapy?
Psychiatry is a more formal term than psychotherapy. It is often used in medical settings and requires specialized training and education. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts and does not require medical training.
