Gary Youssef, LMFT, LIMFT
Experienced marriage and family therapist for individuals and families
- Family systems focus
- Evidence-based strategies
- Children and adolescents
About Gary Youssef
Gary Youssef is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 22 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. He holds the credentials LMFT and LIMFT - licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed independent marriage and family therapist - and specializes in behavioral health for children, school and career stressors, relational challenges, parenting, family systems, and healthy lifestyle adjustments. His practice also addresses a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, grief, intimacy issues, eating and sleeping difficulties, anger, self-esteem, ADHD, and caregiver fatigue.
Gary spent 14 years as a therapist and administrator in the central outpatient psychiatry clinic at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, helping provide behavioral health services to more than 10,000 children, adults, and families. He also supported U.S. service members and their families while working as a military family life counselor in Pediatrics at Naval Medical Center-San Diego. Outside clinical settings he has volunteered within the San Diego Unified School District and has coached youth sports.
Known for a practical, problem-focused style, he blends elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy with systemic perspectives to help clients develop concrete skills and healthier relationships. He is a father of two sons and enjoys athletics and cooking in his free time. The therapist notes that many clients report positive experiences, describing him as experienced, professional, friendly, kind, helpful, and effective.
Gary spent 14 years as a therapist and administrator in the central outpatient psychiatry clinic at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, helping provide behavioral health services to more than 10,000 children, adults, and families. He also supported U.S. service members and their families while working as a military family life counselor in Pediatrics at Naval Medical Center-San Diego. Outside clinical settings he has volunteered within the San Diego Unified School District and has coached youth sports.
Known for a practical, problem-focused style, he blends elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy with systemic perspectives to help clients develop concrete skills and healthier relationships. He is a father of two sons and enjoys athletics and cooking in his free time. The therapist notes that many clients report positive experiences, describing him as experienced, professional, friendly, kind, helpful, and effective.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Systemic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Gary Youssef have?
Gary Youssef has 22 years of experience.
Is Gary Youssef a licensed therapist?
Yes, he holds these credentials: LMFT, LIMFT. License details: CA LMFT 45456, OH LIMFT F.2500504.
In which languages does Gary Youssef provide therapy?
English.
Where is Gary Youssef located?
Ohio.
How can I work with Gary Youssef as my therapist?
You can work with Gary Youssef through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Gary Youssef work with international clients?
Gary Youssef does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Gary Youssef cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic approaches and online care with Gary Youssef
Gary uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; this approach is practical and often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship patterns. Solution-focused therapy is another key tool he employs - it emphasizes identifying strengths and small, achievable steps toward clients' goals, making it useful when people want focused progress on specific concerns. Systemic therapy brings attention to family and relational patterns, helping households and couples understand how interactions contribute to problems and how change in one area can influence the whole system.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Gary works collaboratively with clients and licensed professionals to tailor methods to individual needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques as progress unfolds.
Online therapy with Gary is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules and different comfort levels. These remote options make it easier to maintain consistency in care across work, school, and family commitments while still accessing therapists and licensed professionals able to support clinical and relational goals.