“Unlike centers that add wellness as an afterthought, The Guest House has woven functional and integrative medicine into its care model from the very beginning. This whole-person approach restores balance in body, mind, and spirit.” — Dr. Elyaman
The Guest House Approach to Functional & Integrative Medicine
Going Beyond Symptoms for Whole-Person Healing
Substance use and trauma both impact levels and function of various systems in the body. Before we can begin treating these issues, we need to address what’s going on inside the body. That’s why, at The Guest House Ocala, recovery goes beyond traditional therapy. From the day our doors opened, functional and integrative medicine has been a foundation of our care.
This vision is led by our Functional Medical Director, Dr. Yousef Elyaman, MD — a board-certified internist and one of the first physicians certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). He has been with The Guest House since day one, ensuring our program is built around root cause healing: identifying and correcting the underlying physical and emotional imbalances that stand in the way of lasting recovery.
What Makes Our Approach Different
Unlike centers that add wellness as an afterthought, The Guest House has woven functional and integrative medicine into its care model from the very beginning. This whole-person approach restores balance in body, mind, and spirit through:
- Advanced diagnostic testing for nutrient deficiencies, hormone shifts, gut health issues, and inflammation
- Root cause treatment plans with targeted supplements, nutrition strategies, and prescriptions when needed
- Lifestyle foundations such as restorative sleep, movement, and nervous system regulation
- Seamless integration with therapy and experiential healing, so physical health strengthens emotional breakthroughs
This has been our identity since day one. Not an optional add-on, but a core pillar of The Guest House approach.
Yousef Elyaman, MD, IFMCP. Functional Medical Director
Dr. Yousef Elyaman, is a board-certified internist who was part of the first graduating class of the Institute for Functional Medicine’s certification program, making him one of the first IFM-certified functional medicine practitioners in the world. Part of The Guest House team since its very inception, he works in tandem with our medical director (an addiction specialist), nurse practitioner, psychiatrist, and psychiatric nurse practitioner to provide comprehensive medical care to each guest. In addition to their individual roles, this team meets weekly as a group to review every client and discuss their case, collaborating to ensure our guests get the best care.
In addition to his work at The Guest House, Dr. Elyaman trains doctors and healthcare practitioners worldwide in functional and integrative Medicine and serves as the host of the FMP Essentials Show, where he interviews leading experts and shares cutting-edge strategies for practitioners. This global reach brings the latest insights and innovations directly into our residential program.
As a founding medical leader, Dr. Elyaman:
- Helped design The Guest House with functional and integrative medicine as a central pillar
- Oversees comprehensive testing and personalized treatments for guests
- Meets weekly with psychiatry, therapy, and addiction specialists to coordinate care
- Brings his international teaching experience and media presence to keep The Guest House on the leading edge of functional medicine
Why Root Cause Medicine Matters in Recovery
Guests often arrive feeling drained, anxious, or physically unwell. These symptoms are often tied to deeper imbalances, including:
• Fatigue, brain fog, or mood swings
• Anxiety, depression, stress overload
• Digestive problems, nutrient deficiencies
• Hormonal or thyroid concerns
• Sleep disturbances and low energy
By addressing these root causes, guests experience:
• Renewed energy and clarity
• Emotional stability to fully engage in therapy
• A stronger body for long-term recovery
• A foundation for lasting resilience
A Whole-Person Path to Lasting Change
Since day one, The Guest House has recognized that recovery must be root cause, whole-person, and integrative. Under Dr. Elyaman’s leadership, functional and integrative medicine is more than a program — it is a cornerstone of our care, helping guests fully heal.
Contact us today or follow us on social media to learn how our root cause model can support you or your loved one.
Reach out below for more information on functional medicine here at The Guest House.