Meet Timothy Coy, Ph.D.

Dr. Timothy Coy is a licensed psychologist in the State of Washington specializing in presurgical psychological evaluations for surgery candidates. With nearly 30 years of clinical experience, he has conducted hundreds of evaluations, working closely with surgical teams throughout the region to support patients on their path toward life-changing health outcomes.

Education and Clinical Expertise

Dr. Coy earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from the San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program.  He completed his specialized clinical training at the University of Washington School of Medicine, where he developed an expertise in health psychology and behavioral medicine.  As a researcher, he has published numerous articles in medical journals, ensuring his practice remains at the forefront of the latest clinical research and surgical outcome data.  He is the founder and owner of Creekside Psychology and Creekside Behavioral Medicine.

Specialized Approach to Your Care

Dr. Coy focuses exclusively on presurgical psychological evaluations. This specialization allows him to bring refined assessment methods and deep knowledge to every patient.   His process integrates evidence-based psychological testing with a thorough clinical interview, providing meaningful insights for both the patient and the referring surgical team.  Every evaluation is informed by the latest research evidence and established clinical guidelines to ensure the highest level of professional care.

Supporting Your Journey

Evaluations at Creekside Psychology are designed to be thorough yet comfortable. Dr. Coy provides clear, timely, and actionable recommendations to your surgical team, helping you feel prepared and confident as you prepare for your procedure. By identifying your strengths and addressing potential barriers early, he helps you build a foundation for lasting success after surgery.

Presurgical Psychological Evaluations

Understand The Presurgical Psychological Evaluation

Many surgical procedures, including bariatric surgery and spinal interventions, require a psychological clearance. It is important to know that this is not a test you pass or fail. Rather, it is a comprehensive assessment required by most insurance providers and surgical programs to ensure you have the support, resources, and mental preparedness necessary for a successful recovery and lifestyle transition.

As a leading provider of presurgical psychological evaluations in Washington, Creekside Psychology examines your readiness for surgery and helps identify factors that will support your long-term health and wellness.

Patient-Centered Approach

Many of our patients share that they feel nervous before the appointment but relieved and empowered afterward.  We have designed our approach to be thorough yet comfortable, providing a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you can share your story. Our goal is not to "clear" or "block" you from surgery, but rather to identify your personal strengths and provide recommendations that will help you achieve your goals.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Following the established guidelines of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), our evaluations are evidence-based and aligned with current best practices. The process typically includes:

• Clinical Interview: A discussion regarding your medical and mental health history, health behaviors, coping skills, and social support resources.

• Standardized Questionnaires: Self-report inventories to provide a clearer picture of your cognitive and emotional readiness.

• Detailed Reporting: Following your appointment, a comprehensive report with clear recommendations will be prepared for your surgical team.

• Direct Guidance: If additional support is recommended before surgery, we will discuss this with you directly and help connect you with appropriate resources.

Convenient Telehealth Appointments To make this process as accessible as possible, all evaluations are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. You can complete your appointment from the comfort and privacy of your own home using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.