Let me take you back to 2020, a year that threw us all a curveball. It was during this time that I faced a challenge that would redefine my path. As a mom, my son’s well-being was my top priority. When he needed mental health services, I dove headfirst into finding help. But what I found was disheartening — a shortage of providers willing to accept Medicaid. That realization hit me hard, sparking a fire within me to make a change.
Fast forward to 2021, and Backpack Healthcare (formerly Youme Healthcare) was born. My goal? To provide personalized, accessible, and inclusive mental health care to the most vulnerable and underserved children nationwide. The numbers painted a bleak picture: over 42 million children rely on Medicaid, yet only a fraction of mental health providers accept Medicaid patients. Half of all lifetime cases of mental disorders begin by age 14, and for about 1 in 4 adolescents, they result in severe impairment. It was clear that something had to change.
Nurturing hearts and minds to transform care
At Backpack Healthcare, we’re rewriting the rulebook on mental health care delivery. Our AI-powered app helps monitor emotions and utilizes custom bibliotherapy education and tools, helping to determine those who would benefit from entering therapeutic services. We provide individual and family therapy and medication management (psychiatry) through telemedicine to children, teens, and families. Live parent training sessions and coaching for small groups are another resource and cover topics such as cyberbullying and substance abuse. My mission is simple: to revolutionize mental health care, ensuring no child gets left behind on their journey to wellness.
Backpack Healthcare is dedicated to providing inclusive and holistic care, with a focus on enhancing mental health access and impact for children, adolescents, and families. Our mission is centered around delivering individualized treatment plans, crafted by clinicians highly skilled in working with youth. We believe that prevention and early intervention are fundamental components of effective treatment.
The Backpack care model
Embedded within our approach to pediatric care are four foundational pillars that underpin our care model. These principles, encompassing inclusivity, accessibility, cultural intentional care, and an unyielding dedication to quality care, provide the bedrock for our transformative solutions. Together, they form a seamless integration, guaranteeing that each child, adolescent, and family receives the tailored support they need.
Inclusive Care: Providing care that resonates with the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our clients.
Accessible Care: Addressing how funding and investment funding policies impact pediatric health care.
Cultural Intentionality: Cultivating a care model with a multicultural framework.
Quality Care: Delivering personalized clinical services from trained and certified professionals.
Learn more about how Backpack works by downloading our White Paper: Equity in Action – Revolutionizing Pediatric Mental Health.
Teamwork is the heartbeat of success
Being an entrepreneur is no walk in the park. I’ve faced challenges and setbacks, but through it all, I’ve learned some valuable lessons. Staying true to my passion, building a supportive network, and embracing resilience have been key. And let me tell you, there have been moments of pure pride — like when I’ve seen the real impact Backpack Healthcare has on a child’s mental health journey.
As I look back on my journey, I’m grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received. Mentorship programs and networking opportunities have been lifelines. As we celebrate our wins, I’m reminded of the incredible team behind Backpack Healthcare — their dedication, empathy, and unwavering commitment to our cause.
My journey is far from over. As I continue to lead Backpack Healthcare forward, I’m determined to champion mental wellness for all children. In May 2024, we announced $14M in Series A funding to revolutionize the way we approach mental health care for children and adolescents across the nation. With this substantial investment, Backpack Healthcare is poised to expand our reach to more communities and states and is committed to making our platform accessible to a wider audience. Plus, we’re doubling down on our research and development efforts to ensure that our solutions remain at the forefront of AI innovation. We’re ready to rewrite the story of children’s mental health together and create a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.
About the Author:
Hafeezah Muhammad, a dedicated advocate and mompreneur, founded Backpack Healthcare to provide essential mental health resources for foster care families. Her visionary leadership has revolutionized mental health support, setting new standards for accessibility and inclusivity. By prioritizing empathy and collaboration, she ensures her team is fully committed to supporting vulnerable children and families. Hafeezah’s mission extends beyond technology; she inspires others to address pressing societal challenges, fostering a brighter future for the next generation.
