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Faculty

Tony Dice

PhD, CSAC
Owner / CEO
Bishop & Dice Defense

Dr. Tony Dice is a clinical therapist, author, and nationally recognized counselor, trainer, and presenter specializing in addiction recovery, trauma, and mental health. A former firefighter, paramedic, and U.S. Navy SEAL, Dr. Dice brings firsthand insight into the pressures faced by those in high-stress professions, enabling him to build strong therapeutic connections with clients navigating personal loss, trauma, and life transitions.

He leads an intensive outpatient program in Virginia Beach, VA, serving individuals and families coping with addiction, post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and emotional recovery. Dr. Dice is widely respected for his expertise in trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and resilience-building practices.

Previously, he served as Mental Health Director at the EVMS Ambulatory Care Center, where he designed behavioral health training focused on evidence-based trauma recovery. He regularly presents at national and international conferences, including those hosted by the American Counseling Association and the International Association for Counseling.

Dr. Dice also serves as an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University, teaching addiction and human services courses. His lived experience as a survivor of PTSD and substance use disorder adds depth and authenticity to his work. He holds degrees in social sciences, human services, and counselor education and supervision, and has been honored for his professional contributions to behavioral health and service to the broader community.

2026 Sessions

Traumatic Brain Injury and Substance Abuse: How it is Way Worse Than You Think

<b>Session Description</b>: This presentation examines the complex and often under-recognized relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and substance use. Designed for behavioral health professionals, it explores how TBI can influence substance use patterns and complicate recovery by affecting cognition, mood regulation, impulse control, and behavior. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how brain injury can increase vulnerability to substance use and how substance use can worsen neurological and psychological symptoms.<br><br> Key topics include neurobiological effects of TBI, symptom overlap with mental health conditions, and elevated risk factors such as chronic pain, sleep disruption, emotional dysregulation, and social isolation. The session highlights practical clinical considerations for screening and treatment planning, including targeted history-taking for head injury, differentiating TBI-related symptoms from PTSD and substance-related effects, and making treatment adaptations (e.g., pacing, repetition, memory supports) that improve engagement.<br><br>Drawing on current research and clinical experience, the presentation reviews evidence-informed approaches relevant to co-occurring TBI and substance use, including trauma-informed therapies, medications for addiction treatment (when indicated), and recovery support/peer approaches. Special consideration is given to high-risk groups such as veterans, law enforcement, and first responders, while remaining applicable to any setting serving individuals affected by head trauma and substance use disorders.

Presenter

Friday, August 07 4:15–5:45 PM
Room 552AB
Substance Use Disorders
Faculty

Tony Dice

PhD, CSAC
Owner / CEO
Bishop & Dice Defense

Dr. Tony Dice is a clinical therapist, author, and nationally recognized counselor, trainer, and presenter specializing in addiction recovery, trauma, and mental health. A former firefighter, paramedic, and U.S. Navy SEAL, Dr. Dice brings firsthand insight into the pressures faced by those in high-stress professions, enabling him to build strong therapeutic connections with clients navigating personal loss, trauma, and life transitions.

He leads an intensive outpatient program in Virginia Beach, VA, serving individuals and families coping with addiction, post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and emotional recovery. Dr. Dice is widely respected for his expertise in trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and resilience-building practices.

Previously, he served as Mental Health Director at the EVMS Ambulatory Care Center, where he designed behavioral health training focused on evidence-based trauma recovery. He regularly presents at national and international conferences, including those hosted by the American Counseling Association and the International Association for Counseling.

Dr. Dice also serves as an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University, teaching addiction and human services courses. His lived experience as a survivor of PTSD and substance use disorder adds depth and authenticity to his work. He holds degrees in social sciences, human services, and counselor education and supervision, and has been honored for his professional contributions to behavioral health and service to the broader community.
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