Patient is a term in the medical model which refers to a person who receives treatment.
In the psychology context, a patient refers to a person who is seeking treatment or therapy for a mental health condition or problem. Patients may be seen by psychologists, psychiatrists, or other mental health professionals, and may receive treatment in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, clinics, or community centers.
Patients may be referred to mental health treatment for a variety of reasons, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, eating disorders, or other mental health conditions. Treatment may include a variety of approaches, such as talk therapy, medication, or other interventions.
In the psychology context, patients are often referred to as "clients" or "service users," to reflect the idea that they are receiving a service from the mental health professional. The term "patient" is more commonly used in medical settings, where it refers to someone who is receiving treatment for a physical health condition.