Which term is used for treatment of mental disorders through talking and psychological techniques?

• A. Drug therapy
• B. Group therapy
• C. Cognitive therapy
• D. Psychotherapy

Answer: (D)

Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental disorders through talking and psychological techniques. It involves working with a trained therapist to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and to develop healthier coping strategies and ways to change patterns contributing to distress. This umbrella term covers many approaches, including cognitive therapy and other forms of talk therapy. Drug therapy uses medications to affect brain chemistry, not talking-based processes, so it isn’t psychotherapy. Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves working with others, but the general term being described is psychotherapy. Cognitive therapy is a specific method within psychotherapy that focuses on changing distorted thoughts to improve emotions and behavior.