Dr. Chaim Nissel, Psy.D. is Yeshiva University’s Dean of Students and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. He was recently recognized for the completion of 20 years of service to the YU community. He holds a master’s degree in education and a doctorate in School-Clinical Psychology from Pace University. He has lectured extensively on the topic of college mental health and has a specialty in suicide risk assessment and prevention. He has trained over 1200 clinicians about suicide risk and has presented at various international conferences, hospitals and universities in the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Nissel resides in New Hempstead, NY with his wife and five children.
1. What is your favorite aspect of your job at YU?
Without a doubt it is working with our students. I am continually amazed by our students’ positive energy, creativity and giving spirit. Despite their super busy days, they find time to volunteer in both the larger Jewish community and in local public schools and hospitals. Their commitment to everything they do, religiously, academically, socially and with the community, is inspiring.
2. What are some of your proudest accomplishments in your current role?
I’m most proud of the YU Counseling Center- which I helped start and served as its director for 7 years. Besides offering quality professional individual care to students, the counseling center also facilitates countless programs during the year on a range of topics including time management, healthy relationships, substance use prevention and healthy living. I am proud of the student supports available on campus and how the vast majority of students experience genuine caring in their daily interactions with Roshei Yeshiva, faculty and staff.
3. Do you maintain relationships with your students once they graduate?
Graduation is often the time that students share their appreciation for the support which helped them successfully complete their formal studies at YU. At that point, the healthy thing for them to do is to begin the next chapter of their lives. Students are frequently in touch in the years after graduation when they want to share positive news and accomplishments in their life. They regularly recount how they miss their days at YU. Wherever I travel, I inevitably meet former YU students and always enjoy seeing how they have progressed in life beyond their days as a student.
4. What would your colleagues be surprised to learn about you?
Probably that I used to ride a motorcycle.
