What is the main goal of psychotherapy?

The primary goal of psychotherapy is the treatment of mental disorders through psychological methods. This approach utilizes various techniques and theories to help individuals understand and navigate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Psychotherapy aims to alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions, improve psychological functioning, and support individuals in developing coping strategies for managing life's challenges.

This answer focuses on the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues. Techniques may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic approaches, and more, each tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual.

While improving educational outcomes, enhancing physical health, and increasing social interaction may be beneficial side effects of psychotherapy or goals of certain therapeutic approaches, they are not the main focus of the practice. The heart of psychotherapy is to address and treat psychological distress and promote mental well-being, making it a critical field in the overall landscape of health care.