Minding Her Business

Meet Dr. Paula Neuman. She owns NE Psychological, LLC, providing neuropsychological and psychological assessment and treatments for adults and children. But Dr. Neuman is much more than the owner—she’s the whole operation.

“I’m the front desk person, the doctor, and everyone else,” she said. “The challenge is growing the business in order to hire the people that are needed to do the other important jobs so that I can do mine.”

Currently, Neuman does all the light and heavy lifting out of her offices at 6343 Constitution Drive in Fort Wayne. She describes herself as a neuropsychologist but says she also does work as a clinical psychologist. Her services extend to chronic pain and pre-surgical assessments, and she works with patients with brain injuries and their families, as well as those with dementia and their caregivers. From a business standpoint, she says, it helps to diversify.

Dr. Neuman found that business planning education helped, too. So, as she was trying to establish her business, she enrolled in classes at Build Institute Fort Wayne.

 “I wanted to start off on a good track,” she said. The networking—the room full of like-minded entrepreneurs—was what she connected with the most. Neuman added, “I was inspired by the leadership of [cohort instructor] Michelle Chambers. She was willing to share herself even though she’s a very busy woman. She shared her personal growth and journey.”

Neuman’s own journey to Fort Wayne began in 1993 with a family job transfer from Tiffin, Ohio. She began her healthcare career as a substance abuse counselor, and earned five master’s degrees and two doctorates.

Although the global pandemic has taken “the wind out of [her] business,” Neuman said she’s been able to continue some of her work. “Fortunately,” she explained, “insurance companies relaxed restrictions to allow telehealth opportunities to grow.” She’s even seen an increase in her business. “It seems that people are recognizing their own needs-increased anxiety and depression, and they are scheduling again.”

For Neuman, it’s all about helping people. “My parents taught me love and respect for nature and humans,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to grow up to help others.”

To learn more about Dr. Paula Neuman’s services, visit her website, NEPsychological.com.