Counseling Services
The Southern Adventist University Counseling Services are designed to assist with concerns that might interfere with the college experience. Individual and group counseling services offer opportunities to increase knowledge and develop greater self-awareness, understanding, and independence. Topics that might be discussed include:
- Conflict resolution
- Career interests and abilities
- Stress and time management
- Test anxiety
- Learning differences
- Personal crises
- Depression
- Selecting a major
- Value exploration
- Substance abuse
- Self-esteem
- Loss and grief
- Family issues
- Social concerns
- Adjustment to college
- Referrals for additional services.
The staff of professionally trained counselors is available to provide students with
short-term counseling in a supportive, caring, and confidential environment.
Appointments are free to all currently enrolled students and can be made by calling 423.236.2782.
Amy Ortiz Moretta - Counseling Services Coordinator
Amy Ortiz Moretta completed her Master of Science in Education and Allied Professions with a concentration in Community Counseling from the University of Dayton, in Dayton, OH. She considers it an honor to work with students, faculty and staff and enjoys making new connections in English and Spanish. When she is not working, Amy enjoys reading, nature walks, puzzles, music and spending time with family and friends.
Loni Romero - Counselor
Loni Romero, Southern Adventist University alumnus, earned a Master’s of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is excited to be part of Southern as your counselor.
Apart from her professional career, she enjoys playing ultimate frisbee and volleyball. Loni also loves exploring new cuisine when she gets the chance.
Loni currently lives in Chattanooga with her husband, daughters (twins & toddler), and a Lionhead rabbit who loves to chew on homework assignments.
Brandon Grentz - Counselor
Brandon Grentz completed his education from Southern Adventist University completing a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling preceded by degrees of B.S. Business Administration and B.S. Religion from Union College. He enjoys hearing students unique stories and experiences and utilizing their individual talents, skills, and abilities to meet their potential.
He also uses the powerful message of Christ’s death and resurrection to work in and through each person. His interests include: aviation, acro, sports, drawing, and playing guitar or piano.
Lisa Clouzet - Counselor (Part-Time)
Lisa Clouzet completed two master’s degrees at Southern Adventist University: one in Community Counseling and the other in Religious Studies. She also completed a Doctor of Ministry (chaplaincy emphasis) at Andrews University.
She and her husband recently relocated to Collegedale from Korea, and she is grateful to be able to be around the energy and creativity of students. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling, and learning new things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Counseling is a psychotherapeutic services whereby “normal” everyday people receive help with challenges they may be facing. The basic premise of counseling is that the person seeking help possesses within themselves the resources needed to solve the problems of life. By utilizing their skills and creating a nonjudgmental atmosphere, the counselor is able to facilitate this process of self-discovery, healing and growth. The counseling process involves learning about self, origins of maladaptive behavior, options for changing behavior, and interpersonal and intrapersonal competencies.
The content of counseling sessions as well as the information about clients who seek counseling are kept strictly confidential. The only limits to confidentiality are an immediate and severe threat to the life of oneself or others.
Counseling services are included in your tuition and there is no out of pocket expense for seeing a counselor.
Most counseling processes involve between one and seven sessions with the counselor, but this is determined on a case by case basis.
We are located, as well as the rest of Student Support Services, on the third floor of the Bietz Center for Student Life. You can find our offices across from the reservable study rooms.
Our offices are typically open from 8am - Noon and 1pm - 5pm from Mondays through Thursdays, and from 8am-Noon on Fridays. Hours are subject to change during the summer or during university breaks. If anyone needs immediate assistance in case of emergency or crisis call 911 if safety is a concern or contact a dean or campus safety and they can get ahold of the counselor on-call. On-call is reserved for emergency assistance.
Always consult a trained mental health professional before making any decision regarding treatment. Online resources cannot replace the specialized training and potential judgment of a health care or mental health care professional.