Often rebooked
My name is Gary Youssef and I have been providing mental/behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and families for 25+ years. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing mental/behavioral health issues impacting children and adults such as: career/school stressors, depression, anxiety, relational issues, parenting, family systems, medical challenges, healthy lifestyles, etc. I worked for 14 years as a therapist and program manager at the central outpatient psychiatry clinic at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego which is ranked as one of the top 10 children's hospitals in the United States by U.S. News and World report. I have helped provide behavioral health services for over 10,000 children, adults and families throughout San Diego County. In addition, I helped support U.S. service members and their families while working as a military family life counselor at Naval Medical Center-San Diego in Pediatrics. I also volunteered at San Diego Unified School District and coached little league. I love being a father to my two awesome sons and I enjoy athletics and cooking in my free time. I am practical and eclectic therapist combining elements from theoretical orientations such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to help clients of all ages. The vast majority of my clients report that they had a good experience working with me and describe me as experienced, professional, friendly, kind, helpful and effective.
Our first session will be primarily information gathering while building rapport and developing a solid therapeutic alliance.
Check out the "who I am" section for my greatest strengths.
My ideal clients are motivated to improve their lives despite adversity and strive to be healthy and happy.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals manage problems by changing the way they think and behave. It focuses on current issues and practical solutions, aiming to replace negative thought patterns with more positive and helpful ones.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented, future-focused approach to therapy that emphasizes clients' strengths and resources to create positive change. It differs from other therapies by focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on past problems and their origins. SFBT is a relatively brief form of therapy, often involving only a few sessions.
Eclectic
Eclectic therapy is a flexible, personalized approach where therapists combine techniques from various therapeutic orientations to best suit a client's individual needs. It's not limited to a single method but rather adapts to the client's unique situation and goals.
7 ratings with written reviews
February 26, 2026
Gary is great. Listening and providing alternative insight and perspective on things that I might not be understanding rationally.
January 15, 2026
Although I am scared to open up, after a little while I started to just that and feel like I will be able to be more myself in our next session. Looking forward to it.
December 16, 2025
I have a hard time being real with a therapist. Gary makes it easy. I don't feel like I'm being judged and communication is open. His humor is authentic. He gets me. That is important. He offers suggestions and support. He provides a springboard to my ideas. I appreciate those qualities.