Timothy Popanz

Timothy Popanz, Ph.D.

Partner since 1997

  • Treatment of anxiety disorders, including social phobia, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Treatment of substance abuse, dependence, and other impulse control disorders
  • Treatment for trauma and abuse, including PTSD
  • Couples counseling
  • Group therapy
  • Gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender affirmative psychotherapy

Orientation

My training has been cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic. As a therapist I also draw from a broad range of conceptual approaches, including developmental, systemic, social, and biological. My approach to any given patient and his/her problem is tailored for the person while following general principles of social learning and developmental-interpersonal theory. I am particularly interested in patterns of thinking, behaving, and relating that may impede emotional growth, successful relationships, educational or vocational success, intimacy with loved ones, or job satisfaction. In addition, I have specialized training in treating persons who have experienced trauma, those suffering with anxiety, those who are struggling with substance abuse, dependency, and/or other impulse control problems or are dually diagnosed, and in providing couples counseling. Biological concerns may also play a role, and in some cases referral to a physician for a medical evaluation or for pharmacological treatment may be advised.

In therapy we may discuss current problems, as well as family history, and memories of past events as they relate to present distress. The first several sessions will focus on your history and on developing psychotherapeutic goals. My style tends to be active/directive, which means that I may point out many behaviors or thought patterns that appear to hinder your emotional growth. I may suggest alternative perspectives to how you interpret various situations and events. I also may prescribe behavioral "homework" assignments for you to complete outside of the therapy session. There are many other times, however, when I will simply listen in order to gain a better understanding of your situation and personal style.

I believe that patients should be actively involved in therapy and that our relationship is one of a joint working partnership with a goal toward empowering you to transfer what skills you may learn in sessions to your "real" life. My job is to be a "participant/observer" in your life process and to help you to overcome difficulties or to achieve greater self understanding.

Background

Dr. Popanz earned his doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology in 1991 from Howard University in Washington, D.C. He completed his internship at the Veteran's Administration Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1992. Dr. Popanz served as Clinical Director of Stonewall Recovery Services in Seattle, Washington for five years (1992 - 1997) before opening his private practice and joining Associates in Behavioral Health.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Popanz is a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington. He taught a graduate course on Psychotherapy with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Patients and has supervised psychology graduate students since 1998. Dr. Popanz has also been active with the Washington State Psychological Association. He served for two years as co-chair of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns Committee (1998 -1999) while also serving as a consultant to the Legislative Concerns Committee, followed by four years as chair of the Membership Committee (2000 - 2004) and two years as co-chair of the Social Issues and Human Rights Committee (2006 - 2008). He is currently on the Executive Board, serving as President of the association in 2009.

Dr. Popanz has written several articles and lectured extensively across Washington on substance abuse treatment; Harm Reduction interventions with substance abusers and their families; methamphetamine abuse, dependence, and treatment; psychotherapy with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender patients; psychotherapy with HIV positive patients; and HIV prevention. Dr. Popanz created Project NEON in 1994 as Clinical Director of Stonewall Recovery Services. This Harm Reduction program targets methamphetamine users and is an HIV prevention and substance abuse treatment program. Dr. Popanz has also served on the Board of Lambert House in Seattle, Washington, a multi-purpose support program for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender youth. Dr. Popanz also served on the Board which developed Gay City in Seattle, Washington, an HIV prevention program targeting Gay men.

Insurance

Dr. Popanz is a preferred provider on the following insurance panels:

He also accepts Cigna, Group Health Options and other coverage as an out-of-network provider. If you have questions about whether he accepts your particular insurance plan, please ask during your initial contact. You may also check with your insurance provider to see what mental health services are covered under your plan and what the out-of-pocket costs will be to you. Dr. Popanz also offers a sliding fee for a limited number of patients with financial need.

Forms

Please read the Privacy Policies and the Disclosure Statement. Please print, fill out, and bring to your first session the Consent for Treatment Form, New Client Registration Form, and Symptom Checklist.