HBOT for Mental Wellness: Anxiety, PTSD and Mood Support
Mental health is not something we can afford to push to the side. Anxiety, stress, and trauma-related conditions like PTSD affect not only mood but also sleep, focus, energy, and overall quality of life. While therapy, medication and lifestyle changes still seem to remain the foundation of care, more people are exploring Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a complementary tool for mental wellness.
The Science: Why HBOT Helps the Brain
When the brain is under long-term stress or trauma, two key things happen:
Reduced Oxygen Delivery – Blood flow to certain brain regions can be impaired, which limits the oxygen supply needed for healthy brain activity.
Chronic Inflammation – Stress hormones and trauma can trigger inflammation that makes it harder for neurons to function and communicate properly.
HBOT addresses both.
In the chamber, you breathe in considerably heightened oxygen levels at increased pressure. This allows far more oxygen to dissolve into your bloodstream than normal.
That oxygen-rich blood reaches areas of the brain where circulation may have been reduced.
The result? Cells get the oxygen they need to repair, inflammation is calmed, and the brain’s ability to rewire itself is strengthened.
Research suggests that HBOT may help regulate mood, support focus, and even promote better sleep—key factors for those living with anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Suggested Protocols for Mental Wellness
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here are some general guidelines that we use in our Studio’s:
Initial Phase (Reset):
Frequency: 3–5 sessions per week
Duration: 60 minutes per session
Length: Minimum of 5-10 sessions to kickstart oxygen delivery and reduce inflammation
Stabilisation Phase:
Frequency: 2–3 sessions per week
Duration: 60 minutes
Additional 5-10 sessions to consolidate
Maintenance / Ongoing Support:
Frequency: 1 session weekly or fortnightly
Used for managing stress, supporting sleep, or keeping mental clarity steady
Protocols may be adapted depending on whether someone is focused on PTSD, chronic anxiety, or general mood optimisation. Pressure levels will vary depending on the presenting symptoms and root cause but generally range between 1.3ata to 2ata.
The Bigger Picture
HBOT is not a standard care protocols or lifestyle changes—but it can be a powerful addition to a mental wellness toolkit. By restoring oxygen, calming inflammation, and supporting the brain’s natural repair systems, HBOT offers a safe, drug-free way to help people feel clearer, calmer, and more balanced.
👉 Curious about how HBOT can support anxiety, PTSD, or mood health? Book a consultation at Studio2 HBOT to try and introductory session or explore a tailored protocol designed to support your brain and body.