Veteran Program: Project Gratitude

Healing Invisible Wounds. Restoring Hope. Building Community. Comprehensive care for veterans living with PTSD, TBI, and chronic stress-related conditions.
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A Mission to Serve Those Who Served

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At Charlottesville Hyperbarics, we believe no veteran should be left behind when it comes to healing. Through Project Gratitude, we deliver a powerful, multi-modal protocol to veterans and their families—often at no cost—thanks to partnerships with the Hyperbaric Wellness Foundation, HOW Foundation, Virginia Department of Veteran Services, Gratitude Cville, and private donors.

From hyperbaric oxygen therapy to float, massage, sauna, and red light therapy, every component of this program is designed to support whole-person recovery and lasting resilience.

What Veterans Receive Through Project Gratitude

Most veterans in our program complete 40 sessions of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), complemented by integrative therapies including:
  • Float therapy (REST)
  • Therapeutic massage
  • Infrared sauna
  • Red light therapy (photobiomodulation)

We use pre-, mid-, and post-treatment cognitive assessments using CNS Vital Signs (CNSVS) and RightEye tracking to measure improvements in brain function, emotional regulation, and visual-motor integration.

Commonly Treated:
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Anxiety, depression, and cognitive fog
  • Chronic pain and systemic inflammation
  • Sleep disturbances and dysautonomia
Veteran team at Charlottesville Hyperbarics

Why It Works

HBOT increases oxygen delivery to damaged brain tissue, reducing inflammation and promoting neurogenesis. When paired with supportive therapies like float and red light, veterans often report:

  • Deeper, uninterrupted sleep
  • Improved focus, memory, and decision-making
  • Emotional regulation and decreased reactivity
  • Reduced headaches, pain, and stress load
And most importantly—a sense of hope and momentum.

Meet the Program Coordinator: Jesse Presson

Veteran. Educator. Advocate.
Jesse leads our veteran outreach and intake process. A former U.S. Army soldier and full-time educator for youth with disabilities, Jesse now dedicates his work to helping veterans access the healing tools they deserve. He meets regularly with local veteran organizations and is always open to speaking opportunities and collaborations.
Jesse-Presson - Team Member at Charlottesville Hyperbarics
“We’ve seen veterans walk through our doors struggling to function—and walk out weeks later feeling like themselves again.”
— Jesse Presson

Get Involved or Refer a Veteran

Know a veteran who could benefit from this program? Want Jesse to speak at your organization, VFW post, clinic, or event?

Use the form below to request a meeting or referral information.

Community-Driven Healing

Our program thrives thanks to strong partnerships across the Charlottesville region. We proudly collaborate with:

Click to view local partner organizations

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Program Eligibility & Coverage

Most veterans with a history of PTSD or TBI qualify for fully-funded care through Project Gratitude. Eligibility is based on diagnostic criteria and intake assessment.

This program is available to veterans and their family members, and we offer support navigating documentation, timelines, and scheduling.

Join the Mission

Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, a local supporter, or a medical provider—your involvement matters.

Let’s build a future where every veteran has access to the tools and support they need to heal, grow, and thrive.