Synapse integrated therapy will bring the first of its kind TBI treatment for Military to Virginia Beach
The Warrior for Life Fund (WFLF), in collaboration with Cortex Initiative and Balanced Growth Therapy & Consulting, is proud to announce the launch of the Synapse Integrated Therapy Center at the Human Performance Center (HPC) in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Scheduled to open September 22nd, 2025, it is the first interdisciplinary outpatient Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) treatment center dedicated to the military, with a special focus on the special operations community.
“Our goal is to deliver streamlined, cost-effective care for veterans and active-duty service members diagnosed with conditions requiring multidisciplinary treatment,” said Ryan Croley, a retired Navy SEAL Captain with 26 years of service and the Executive Director of the Warrior For Life Fund. “By leveraging a combination of insurance and benevolence funding, we’re committed to providing these services at no cost to the patient—ensuring that those who’ve served receive the comprehensive care they need without financial burden.”
Synapse provides evidence-based, integrated care across three core domains. Physical Therapy (Orthopedic & Vestibular), Mental Health Therapy (Trauma & Suicide Prevention), and Speech-Language Pathology (Neurological & Cognitive Communication Rehabilitation) are delivered in a streamlined three-hour cohort model to reduce time away from work and the burden of multiple appointments at different locations.
Services will be delivered by fully licensed, vetted providers with experience and competency in treating the unique needs of combat veterans. The center will function as a continuum-of-care resource for service members and veterans transitioning out of TBI assessment programs within the warrior care network or Intrepid Center of Excellence, while also supporting those facing service gaps in local care.
“Too often, veterans return home after world-class TBI assessment and initial treatment only to face a maze of providers, locations, and schedules,” said Jessica Branham, LCSW, Owner of Balanced Growth Therapy and Consulting LLC.
“Synapse Integrated Therapy brings the three most recommended therapies together under one roof, in one block of time. Our hope is that by streamlining their care we will reduce stress, attendance will improve, and the chances of lasting recovery will be higher, ” Branham added.
The Synapse Integrated Therapy Center will also serve as a key resource for Home Base patients who require additional services.
“The Synapse Integrated Therapy Center in Virginia Beach, developed by Warrior for Life Fund, Cortex Initiative, and Balanced Growth Therapy and Consulting will serve as a key resource for Home Base patients who need continued care after discharge, said HomeBase Communications Director Kelly Fields.
“Offering Physical Therapy (Orthopedic & Vestibular), Mental Health Therapy (Trauma and Suicide Prevention), and Speech-Language Pathology (Neurological and Cognitive- Communication Rehabilitation) in one coordinated visit, the center ensures seamless transition and ongoing support for service members and veterans with a history of brain injury,” Fields added.
Using advanced virtual technology, patients can strengthen mental, physical, and cognitive performance through Sense Arena, an immersive training platform. Originally developed for athletes, Sense Arena can also be used for post-concussive therapy and neurocognitive rehabilitation with software designed to challenge reaction time, decision making, focus, and cognitive flexibility.
“Sense Arena is proud to support the Synapse Integrated Therapy Center in advancing innovative, evidence-based care that strengthens cognitive resilience, said Andrew Alberts, Sense Arena Hockey Development Director. “The Synapse Integrated Therapy Center supports the well-being of combat veterans and active-duty service members.”
Partner Expertise
- Cortex Initiative – Founded by Annie Tamburello Croley, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS, Cortex brings advanced clinical expertise in speech-language pathology and cognitive rehabilitation for acquired brain injuries, neurologic conditions, and military-related blast exposures. Cortex also provides physical therapy for orthopedic, neurologic, and vestibular conditions—ensuring warriors receive comprehensive, coordinated care tailored to their operational demands.
- Balanced Growth Therapy & Consulting – Led by LCSW Jessica Branham, Balanced Growth specializes in trauma-informed mental health services addressing TBI, anxiety, depression, and performance challenges common among elite athletes and tactical military personnel. Their approach integrates resilience-building and mental performance coaching with physical and cognitive rehabilitation.
- Human Performance Center (HPC) – Operated by the Warrior for Life Fund, the HPC is a veteran-focused hub that hosts Synapse services alongside complementary programs, including cognitive skills training, mental performance coaching, adaptive fitness, and peer-based engagement such as Veteran Coffee Socials. The facility is ADA-compliant and designed for multi-modal care delivery.
Learn More or Express Interest: Synapse Interest Form
About Warrior for Life Fund
The Warrior for Life Fund is committed to supporting active-duty service members, veterans, and their families—especially those in the Naval Special Warfare community—through sport, rehabilitation, and community programs that address both physical and mental recovery.
