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Counseling Services

The Southern Adventist University Counseling Services are designed to assist with concerns that might interfere with the college experience. Individual counseling services offer opportunities to increase knowledge and develop greater self-awareness, understanding, and independence. Topics that might be discussed include:

  • Conflict resolution
  • Stress and time management
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Learning differences
  • Personal crises
  • 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 undergraduate students. 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday: 8:00 am - Noon; 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 
Tuesday: 8:00 am - Noon; 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 
Wednesday: 8:00 am - Noon; 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 
Thursday: 8:00 am - Noon; 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 
Friday: 8:00 am - Noon

The office closes from Noon - 1:00 pm each day for lunch. 

For After-Hour Emergencies:
If it is a life-threatening situation please call 911 immediately 
On-Campus Help: Contact the appropriate dean on duty at Talge Hall Men's Residence (2994) or Thatcher Hall Women's Residence (2904) or call Campus Safety (2100). 

Additional Help: 
Call | 988 - National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 
Text | HOME to 741-741 for 24/7 crisis help 

Make An Appointment

You can either give us a call or walk over to our offices on the 3rd floor of the Bietz Center for Student Life.

423.236.2782Walk in to Our Office

Meet Our Licensed Counselors

Click on each counselor's card for a short bio.

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A professional image of Amy wearing a red blazer jacket and a black shirt.

Amy Ortiz Moretta

Director, Student Success Center

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. 

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An professional portrait of Loni wearing a blue shirt with a light grey background.

Loni Romero

Mental Health Counselor

Loni Romero, Southern Adventist University alumnus, earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Previously she also completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. 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 lives in Chattanooga with her husband and daughters.

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Headshot of Brandon wearing a striped polo in an outdoor professional setting.

Brandon Grentz

Counseling Services Coordinator

Brandon Grentz completed his education at Southern Adventist University completing a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling preceded by degrees of B.S. in Business Administration and B.S. in 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. He lives in Ooltewah with his wife Alexis. 

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An image of Lisa wearing glasses and a professional white shirt.

Lisa Clouzet

Mental Health Counselor

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.

Counseling Process Preview

What to expect when you make an appointment

New Client Intake

If you are a new client, you will be seen for an initial intake (typically within a day or two) with our intern(s).

Assigned to a Counselor

After the intake we will work to fit you with a counselor based on preference, scheduling, and needs

First Counseling Appointment

The first appointment we talk about the process of counseling, answer any questions, and gain a good background for the start of your counseling journey

Regularly Scheduled Appointments

These every other week sessions are where you work towards your goals in counseling.

Discharge or Referral

Eventually we talk about ending our sessions when we get closer to our goal of mental wellness. If more care is needed elsewhere we will help you find a good fit and look for resources where you need them.

uWill Online Therapy

Sign up for free as a SAU student for online therapy through uWill. This service is supplemental to our offices in person and provides alt. options.

Sign up for uWill Here

A flyer for our uWill online therapy services

A flyer with the information for uWill online therapy services

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is counseling?
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.
Is counseling confidential?

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.

How much does it cost?
Counseling services are included in your tuition and there is no out of pocket expense for seeing a counselor.
How many sessions do people usually have?
Most counseling processes involve between one and seven sessions with the counselor, but this is determined on a case by case basis.
Where is Counseling Services located?
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. 
What are your office hours?
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. 
Southern Adventist University and the Counseling and Testing Services office are not responsible for the reliability, accuracy, timeliness, usefulness, or completion of the information found on the linked sites. A link to a site does not constitute an endorsement of that site. Information found in these links belong to that organization, and that organization is the copyright owner of the information contained on the site.
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.