About Dr. Michael Schneider

I’m Dr. Michael Schneider—a psychologist, mental health practice coach and consultant, and startup advisor.

3 Key Services: Growth, Advisory & Startup Support

After building and selling my own behavioral health group practice, I now help other founders and owners do the same. Some want to grow sustainably, some want to lead more effectively, and some are starting to think about a successful exit.

Whether you’re growing your business or planning your next chapter, I offer hands-on and personalized consulting. It’s grounded in real-world experience and a deep appreciation for both the clinical and business sides of care.

1. Business Development Mental Health Consultant

I’m a clinical psychologist and the founder of New Directions Counseling Services, LLC, a behavioral health group practice I started in 2004 in Wexford, PA. Over time, New Directions grew into a market leader, offering integrative care that combined counseling, medication management, and nutritional services.

Alongside the clinical work, my management team and I worked hard to build New Directions into a strong business, from early digital marketing in behavioral health to financial forecasting, better hiring and retention practices, and a stronger brand reputation through thoughtful planning and operations.

I hold a B.A. in Psychology from Duquesne University and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) from Wright State University. I completed my predoctoral internship at Fairleigh Dickinson University and spent over 30 years providing holistic, compassionate, trauma-informed care for individuals coping with mood, anxiety, and adjustment disorders.

Today, I provide boutique consulting services for healthcare practice owners and founders. My work is rooted in personalized, hands-on guidance. I avoid templated strategies or one-size-fits-all approaches. Clients turn to me to create or improve operational efficiency. They also value my support in establishing a growth roadmap, creating demand-driving marketing strategies (including Google Ads optimization), and sharpening leadership capacity. My approach integrates deep listening, strategic insight, and data-informed decision-making to align each client’s business goals with their deepest values and long-term lifestyle vision.

2. Sell-Side Private Practice Advisor

In late 2021, I facilitated the successful sale of New Directions to Transformations Care Network. I then served as Regional Market President of the rebranded New Directions Mental Health through September 2023. I led integration efforts across four practices and supported organizational growth before transitioning into a strategic consulting role.

Beyond business development, I offer sell-side advisory services to owners preparing for an exit—whether the sale is imminent or several years away. My process addresses not only transactional logistics but also the emotional and psychological dimensions of letting go, preparing clients for a transition that is both profitable and personally meaningful.

3. Startup Advisor in Mental Health Innovation

I also serve as a startup advisor and selective angel investor focused on innovation in the mental health space. I find great meaning in actively supporting startup founders who aim to improve access, quality, and outcomes in behavioral healthcare.

FAQs about Michael Schneider’s services:

“Michael, my private practice feels chaotic. Can you help me get more efficient?”

Yes, because I help owners build a more sustainable business strategy. Mental health private practices often run on short-term thinking, but I can help you to develop an effective long-term strategy. My experience shows that a more organized approach improves care, increases revenue, and reduces daily headaches. Providers notice the difference fairly quickly.

“I’ve run my practice for 20 years, and I’m ready to sell, but I have no idea what it’s worth or how to start. Can you help?”

Definitely. I can walk you through four steps: 1. valuing the practice, 2. planning the transition, 3. protecting what you built, and 4. getting the best outcome for your years of work. I’ve been there myself. Selling a private mental health practice is exciting, relieving, and very stressful all at once.

“I have an idea that could change how people access mental health support. Would you advise or invest?”

My approach to startup advising covers three areas: 1. strategic support around technology, 2. industry connections, and 3. a founder-focused model. Those three pieces give an idea its best shot at becoming something real. But I’m always open to a conversation. I typically advise first and consider investing later, though both can happen at the same time.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

If you’re an operator, innovator, or investor who shares my commitment to reshaping and enhancing
mental health care, let’s connect.