2026 VAAP Annual Meeting & Training
Brain-Informed Care:
Neurobiology of Trauma, Addiction, and Recovery
6 Continuing Education (CE) Hours

March 27, 2026 | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Richmond Marriott Short Pump
Exclusively for VAAP Individual Members
Registration Deadline: March 20, 2026
 
Join us at the 2026 VAAP Annual Meeting & Training, where education meets community! This event offers a unique opportunity to network with colleagues, connect with exhibitors, and gain valuable insights through our featured training sessions.  Additionally, members will have the opportunity to speak with VAAP Board Members and participate in VAAP's Annual Business Meeting.
 
Training Sessions (6 CEs total):
  • Some Wounds Can't Be Seen: Trauma and Neurobiology
  • Substance Use and the Brain: From Initial Experience to Recovery
Presenter: Fredrick Dombrowski, PhD, LMHC, LPC, LADC, MAC
 
Description: This full-day training provides clinicians with a comprehensive, neurobiologically informed understanding of trauma and substance use disorders, emphasizing how brain functioning influences behavior, treatment engagement, and recovery. Throughout the day, participants will explore how adverse experiences and ongoing substance use shape neurological responses, impact emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning, and contribute to treatment challenges.

The training highlights the importance of understanding each client’s unique brain-based responses in order to develop personalized, effective treatment interventions. Participants will examine how trauma and substance use affect specific brain regions, how these changes manifest in behavior and decision-making, and why recovery can be difficult even after substance use stops. The day concludes with a focus on evidence-based, brain-informed clinical strategies that support healing, improve treatment outcomes, and promote long-term recovery.
Where to Stay: VAAP has reserved a small block of rooms at the Richmond Marriott Short Pump for attendees at the special rate of $161 per night (+tax). Space is limited.
  • Reservation Deadline: March 5, 2026
  • To make a reservation, CLICK HERE or call 888-236-2427. The discounted rate cannot be guaranteed after the deadline.

Important Information
  • The VAAP Annual Meeting & Training is open only to current Individual Members of VAAP.  Prior to registering, please be sure your membership is current and will be active on the day of the event.
  • Registration Deadline: March 20, 2026. Registrations will NOT be accepted after the deadline or on-site.
  • Payment: All payments must be made at the time of registration. Any registration made without payment will be cancelled.
  • CE Credit Requirements: To receive CEs, attendees must arrive on time and stay for the entirety of the event.  No partial credit will be given.


Date:
March 27, 2026

Where:
Richmond Marriott Short Pump
4240 Dominion Blvd
Glen Allen, VA


The registration deadline for the 2026 VAAP Annual Meeting & Training was March 20, 2026, and registration is now closed. We hope to see you at a future VAAP event. Questions??? Please contact David Semanco, Annual Meeting Registrar at dsemanco@vaaddictionpros.org.
 
Site close date: 3/28/2026
 
If you have any questions contact David Semanco, Registrar by email at
 


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