Inklingo

How to Say "therapist" in Spanish

English → Spanish

terapeuta

teh-rah-PEH-oo-tahte.ɾaˈpeu̯.ta

nounB1
This is a good general term for any professional providing treatment, especially when you want to emphasize their role as a healer or practitioner.
A drawing of a friendly professional, likely a therapist, sitting in a comfortable chair with a notepad on their lap, listening intently.

Examples

Necesito una cita con la terapeuta para hablar de mi estrés.

I need an appointment with the therapist to talk about my stress.

El fisioterapeuta me dio ejercicios para la rodilla lesionada.

The physical therapist gave me exercises for my injured knee.

Busca un terapeuta que se especialice en terapia familiar.

Look for a therapist who specializes in family therapy.

Gender is in the Article

This word is the same for men and women. You use 'el' for a male therapist (el terapeuta) and 'la' for a female therapist (la terapeuta).

Don't Change the Ending

Mistake: “Usar 'terapeuto' para un hombre.”

Correction: The correct form ends in '-a' for everyone: 'el terapeuta' and 'la terapeuta'. The word itself is fixed.

analista

ah-nah-LEES-tahanaˈlista

nounC1formal
Use this word specifically when referring to a psychoanalyst, someone trained in psychoanalysis, often in a more formal or specialized therapeutic setting.
A person sitting in a comfortable chair taking notes while another person lies on a soft green sofa.

Examples

Mi analista me recomendó escribir un diario.

My psychoanalyst recommended I keep a journal.

Llevo tres años viendo al mismo analista.

I've been seeing the same analyst for three years.

Shortened Version

In many Spanish-speaking countries (especially Argentina), people say 'analista' as a shorter, more casual way of saying 'psicoanalista'.

General vs. Specific Therapy Terms

The most common mistake is using 'psicólogo' for all types of therapists. While it's often understood, remember that 'terapeuta' is broader and 'analista' is specific to psychoanalysis. Choose based on the professional's specialization and the context.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.