Gary Youssef , LMFT, LIMFT

Gary Youssef is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 22 years of clinical experience, currently based in Ohio. He holds LMFT and LIMFT credentials - LMFT stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and LIMFT indicates a licensed independent marriage and family therapist - and brings a practical, systems-informed approach to behavioral health. Gary works with children, adolescents, adults and families on issues including stress, anxiety, relationships, parenting, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related concerns, sleep and eating challenges, anger, self-esteem, career stress, bipolar disorder, ADHD and coping with life changes.

He spent 14 years as a therapist and administrator in the central outpatient psychiatry clinic at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, where he helped 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 at Naval Medical Center-San Diego in pediatrics, and has volunteered with the San Diego Unified School District and coached little league.

Clinically, Gary integrates cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused methods within a family systems perspective to develop practical, goal-oriented strategies. He values collaboration with clients and with licensed professionals involved in their care. Many clients report positive experiences and describe him as experienced, professional, friendly, kind, helpful and effective. Gary is a father of two sons and in his free time enjoys athletics and cooking. He is not accepting new clients at this time.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Family and Individual Work

Gary uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors - this approach is useful for anxiety, depression, stress and many everyday challenges because it focuses on practical skills and measurable goals. He also applies solution-focused therapy, which emphasizes identifying strengths, setting clear goals and building small, practical steps toward change - this method often helps clients who want targeted, time-limited support for relationships, parenting and life transitions. Additionally, he draws on systemic therapy principles to explore patterns within families and relationships and to support healthier interactions across household and caregiving systems.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Gary collaborates with each person or family to determine which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences. He works together with clients to adapt techniques over time so therapy remains relevant and effective.

Online therapy with Gary is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to connect from home, coordinate across busy family routines and maintain continuity of care when in-person sessions are difficult to arrange.