How Timothy Jolliff Uses His Psychology Degree to Advance Community Mental Health

Growing up as an “Army brat,” Timothy Jolliff spent his formative years living all around the world before settling in Seattle. His experiences as a global citizen sparked an interest in people and cultures, which led him to his study of psychology as a two-time Seattle University alum.

Jolliff’s psychology degrees at Seattle University prepared him for a meaningful career in community mental health. To his profession, Jolliff brings many of the skills and approaches that he learned from the Seattle University Department of Psychology.

More than a decade after his graduation, Timothy applies what he learned about person-centered care and the importance of language in his work in community mental health. Today, Jolliff remains rooted in Seattle, where he moves the needle on community health through work with populations that need housing support and human-first compassion.  

Person-Centered and Trauma-Informed Study

Jolliff first pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology before earning a Master of Arts degree in existential-phenomenological psychology in 2013, both at Seattle University. The programmatic approach prepared Jolliff for his work in the community mental health space and shaped how he interacts with both his patients and colleagues.  

Thinking back on his education, Jolliff explains, “I think the SU program aligns with a lot of my personal values in being person centered and trauma informed.”

Jolliff works for King County, where he has spent 16 years supporting those with severe mental illness (SMI) and individuals suffering with chronic homelessness. In his role, he works with individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorder, as well as severe substance use disorder (SUD).  

Working with this population is challenging, but it brings Jolliff deep fulfillment because he knows he is making a difference to people who need it most. “As tough as it has been at times, I couldn’t imagine working with any other population,” he says.

How Language Shapes Patient Care

The training that Jolliff gained at Seattle U taught him the importance of “being with” people without bringing a certain agenda or set of goals. For individuals who suffer from SMI, having an intentional and supportive presence is integral for healing and support. Through both his education and professional practice, Jolliff focuses on how language sets the tone for effective patient care and relationship building.

Working with individuals who have severe mental health conditions means that their spoken language can, at times, be jumbled and difficult to understand. This is why taking the time to be present and listening with empathy is so necessary. Jolliff reflects on what he’s learned through his career: “At some point, the need that this person is trying to convey is going to become clear. It’s just going to take some time.”  

Seattle University grounds its psychology program in responding to individual need, and much of this centers upon the skill of active listening. This helps practitioners remain focused on the “why” behind their work, connecting clients with solutions such as housing or mental health support. The attention to language and listening is especially important when working in community mental health as Jolliff does.  

Meaningful Coursework and Student Connections

Although Jolliff is almost two decades into his career, he still remembers the professors, courses, and colleagues that shaped his education. He recounts a course called “The World of the Clinic” (taught by Dr. Erica Lilelleht) being invaluable to his work in community mental health. While the bulk of his classmates aspired to work in private practice, this course was an example of how he was supported in pursuing work in the public sector.  

Within this class, Dr. Lilelleht gave Jolliff and his classmates some lasting advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, because you never know what people are willing to do for you.” This kind of self-advocacy is necessary for mental health professionals who rely on community support and connections to sustain their work.

Alongside impactful coursework, Jolliff recounts collaborative learning from his Seattle U classmates. He was part of a spirited and opinionated group of students from all ages and backgrounds. The cohort had differing professional aims and goals, yet each of them were united by a desire to improve the systems around them. Several members of his grad cohort remain colleagues to this day.

Why Study Psychology at Seattle University

Jolliff is an active alum of the Seattle U psychology program, often returning to campus to meet with current students. From these encounters, Jolliff is impressed with student readiness and their willingness to think critically about current issues that impact his work, such as housing scarcity.  

When he meets with Seattle University psychology students, Jolliff encourages them to prepare for the challenges they will encounter after graduation. Community mental health work is difficult, but professionals who work with individuals with SMI can enact change and make a difference with those who are often socially marginalized.  

And as he tells prospective and current students, Jolliff finds that the reward of meaningful work lies with the challenge. Bringing passion and persistence is key to finding career fulfillment, and Jolliff is pleased he found a meaningful vocation through his training at Seattle University.  

Undergraduate students in the Department of Psychology can choose from several Seattle University opportunities:  

• Psychology Bachelor of Arts: A humanities-focused degree that prepares students for psychology-adjacent work after graduation  
• Psychology Bachelor of Science: Training in quantitative research that builds on a scientific methodology
• Psychology minor: A course of study that complements careers in human interaction

Graduate students specialize in one of two program specializations:  

Master of Arts in Psychology: A three-year clinical credential that brings together training in psychology, philosophy, and the humanities  

Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy: A tailored two-year program that prepares graduates to diagnose and treat relationships and individuals from a systems perspective  

Explore the Seattle University Department of Psychology offerings and find the right opportunity to drive systemic change in your community.