Care for Veterans and First Responders
Healing the structural and nervous system toll of the uniform. 🇺🇸
A Message from Donna Sandridge-Walker
I started Tranquil Assuage I know exactly what a demanding career does to the human body. As a first responder, I lived with the limited range of motion, the daily aches, and the sometimes crippling pain that comes with the job. I know the physical and mental weight you carry because I carried it, too. My team and I are here to help you restore your mobility, regulate your nervous system, and get you back to living comfortably. You’ve taken care of our community; let us take care of you.
I chose the name Tranquil Assuage because our motto is to calm and reduce the intensity of the tension and pain that is stressing your body.
Donna Sandridge-Walker
Founder, LMT & Retired Master Firefighter-Paramedic
Navigating Your VA & Optum Community Care Benefits
We are proud to be an approved provider within the VA Community Care Network (CCN) managed by Optum. If you are a qualifying veteran, you can receive clinical massage therapy at Tranquil Assuage. Here is the exact step-by-step process to get your referral approved and scheduled:
Speak with your VA Primary Care Provider: During your next appointment, express that you are experiencing chronic pain, limited mobility, or occupational stress, and specifically request a referral for massage therapy.
Request Tranquil Assuage: When discussing your options with the VA or Optum representative, specifically request to be treated at Tranquil Assuage. They will look us up in the Community Care Network provider directory.
Wait for Authorization: Once your referral is approved, the VA/Optum will process the authorization and send the official paperwork directly to our clinic. This dictates how many sessions you are approved for and the timeframe you have to use them.
Schedule Your First Session: As soon as we receive your authorization packet, our team will reach out to you directly to get your initial assessment and first treatment on the books.
Having trouble navigating the VA system? We are happy to help point you in the right direction. Contact our clinic for assistance.
Trusted Local Support Networks
Healing is a multi-faceted process. Below is a curated directory of local and national resources dedicated to supporting the mental and physical well-being of our veterans and first responders.
Crisis & Immediate Support
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255 for 24/7 confidential crisis support. Learn more here.
Safe Call Now (First Responders): A confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, all emergency services personnel, and their family members. Call 1-206-459-3020. Learn more here.
Frontline Helpline: Call 1-866-676-7500 for a crisis line specifically run by former first responders. Learn more here.
Local Charlottesville & Virginia Resources
Charlottesville VA Clinic: For local primary care and VA administrative needs. Learn more here.
Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS): Assistance with filing claims, education benefits, and transition support. Learn more here.
Peer Services and Support Groups: The VVFS Veteran Peer Specialists (VPS) are veterans representing diverse backgrounds, military, post-military and transition experiences. Learn more here.
Supporting Our Own: Local Businesses We Love
The transition from the uniform to civilian life is a unique journey. We are proud to run a clinic founded on the values of service and care, and we love supporting other local entrepreneurs who share that exact same background. Here are a few outstanding local companies either owned by or closely tied to veterans and first responders that we are honored to support.
