About CCSD
The mission of the Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) is to foster student learning by promoting psychological wellbeing so that students can be more successful in their academic, personal, and career pursuits. The activities and programs of the Center are intended to help with one or more of the following: reducing psychological symptoms, coping with life events and developmental tasks, improving interpersonal skills and relationships, and increasing self-knowledge and problem-solving ability. Essential to the Center mission is promoting equality and respect for individual and cultural differences. Consultation services are available to the entire University community, whether to enhance student wellbeing, to increase the understanding of student culture, or to improve the ability of faculty and staff to meet student needs.
CCSD is fully accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, Inc.
Counseling and Psychiatric Services
Location:
Wellbeing Center at Warner Hall
280 The Green
Telephone: 302-831-2141
Fax: 302-831-2148
For after hours medical emergencies, call 911 or UD Hotline at 302-831-1001.
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Emergency Assistance
If you perceive an immediate danger or risk of suicide, call 911 for immediate assistance.
Students can also reach mental health support 24 hours a day on the UD Helpline or the Crisis Text Line.
Worried about a student?
Our Staff
Cynthia Diefenbeck, Psy.D, APRN (she/her/hers)
Director and Psychologist
Full Bio
Theoretical Orientation: Biopsychosocial model, humanistic approach; psychiatric evaluation and medication management are provided with a recognition of the client’s intrapsychic, interpersonal and social context.
Special Areas of Interest: Mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, adjustment concerns, trauma, and the mind-body connection.
Favorite quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
Wallesca Castro Rodriguez - Subasic, Psy.D. (she/her/hers/Ella)
Staff Psychologist
Other languages spoken: Spanish
Full Bio
Theoretical Orientation: integrative using a combination of eclectic style of CBT, existential, strengths-based, and expressive therapy approaches in a multicultural framework.
Special Areas of Interest: Multicultural and social justice concerns, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship concerns, trauma, identity development, minorities, health disparities, empowering women and men, and Latinxs.
Fun Facts: I am “Boricua” (Puertorican). Wallesca loves trying new food, is a movie geek, karaoke master-in-training, pet lover, and is learningBosnian!
Favorite Quote: “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.” – Bene Brown
Christine M. Jehu, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Sport Psychologist
Full Bio
Theoretical Orientation: Integrative with a foundation in Narrative Therapy. Sport psychology/sport performance work is largely from a CBT perspective.
Special Areas of Interest: Sport psychology, working with student athletes, identity development, LGBTQ+, training future psychologists.
Fun Facts: I am a psychological ninja – I have a black belt in karate and a PhD in psychology.
Favorite Quote: “You are your best compass. Discover your true north & take action in its direction.” – Christine Jehu
Michele Juarez-Huffaker, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Psychologist
Full Bio
Theoretical Orientation: Integrative, relational/interpersonal, biopsychosocial with feminist and multicultural lens.
Special Areas of Interest: Anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity issues (LGBTQQIA), eating disorders, trauma, relationship issues, multicultural and social justice concerns, training and supervision, international and graduate students.
Favorite quotes: “If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are.” –Zen proverb; “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou
Richard S. Kingsley, M.D. (he/him/his)
Psychiatrist
Full Bio
Theoretical Orientation: Biopsychosocial in which psychiatric evaluation and medication management occur with an understanding of the client’s intrapsychic, interpersonal and social contexts.
Special Areas of Interest: ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and learning disorders.
Favorite quote: “It is our choices that show what we truly are…far more than our abilities.” –J.K. Rowling
Kelly Ozambela, Ph.D. (he/him/his/el/de/el)
Psychologist
Other languages spoken: Spanish
Full Bio
Theoretical Orientation: Integration of biopsychosocial, psychodynamic, existential, interpersonal process, and mind-body therapies in a multicultural framework.
Special Areas of Interest: Identity, existential concerns, relationships and family, diversity issues, coping and management of health concerns, consultation, and training and supervision.
Favorite quote: “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” –Paolo Coelho
Brittany Rivero, Psy.D. (she/her/hers)
Staff Psychologist
Full Bio
Theoretical Orientation: : Integrative using cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and interpersonal approaches all within a multicultural framework.
Special Areas of Interest: Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, LGBTQIA+ related concerns, body image and eating concerns, multicultural issues, identity development, adjustment, and concerns related to religion/religious identity.
Fun fact: My dog and I have lived in five different US States/districts in the last six years. I love to cook, sing, dance, and practice yoga.
Brad Wolgast, Ph.D., CBSM (he/him/his)
Senior Psychologist
Full Bio
Theoretical Orientation: Integrative of interpersonal, CBT and dynamic theories.
Special Areas of Interest: Connecting communities and engaging groups in mental health awareness, healthy and unhealthy sleep, anxiety, social justice, and training new psychologists.
Fun fact: Brad loves hiking the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico. “Never waste any time you can spend sleeping.” –Frank H. Knight
Confidentiality
CCSD strictly protects the confidentiality of information shared during sessions. We are ethically committed to confidentiality and federal/state laws require it. This means that even your attendance in counseling is kept confidential.
State and Federal law states that there are four exceptions to this general rule:
- If you disclose to your counselor that you or another person, were abused or neglected as a child, we are legally obligated to report the information to the Delaware Division of Family Services. Please discuss this with your counselor, if you have any questions.
- You may request (by means of a signed release of information) your therapist to disclose information to other individuals or agencies of your choice.
- In instances where there is imminent danger. (In our judgment, if you are at risk of harming yourself or others, we may be obligated to take action to ensure that you or others are safe.) In the event it is necessary to send you to the hospital for further evaluation regarding your safety, we will need to inform the Office of the Dean of Students. The Office of the Dean of Students will coordinate class absences and other matters and will meet with you when you are ready to return to campus.
- Where otherwise requested by subpoena or mandated by court order or State/Federal law.
The situations described above are extremely rare. If they should occur, however, it is the Center’s policy that, whenever possible, we will discuss with you any action that is being considered. You should be aware that we are not legally obligated to inform you or seek your permission, especially if such a discussion would prevent us from securing your safety or the safety of others. If disclosure of confidential information does become necessary, we will release only the information necessary to protect you and/or another person.
Support CCSD
CCSD supports students through promoting empowerment, advocacy, encouraging growth and change, building resilience, and fostering student connection and engagement. Mental health needs are on the rise nationwide, and CCSD has seen a 30% increase in needs for our services over the last five years. Your support is needed to expand mental health support and suicide prevention efforts, and break down financial barriers to specialized services for UD students in need.