As a mom-preneur, speaker, and former mental health executive, Hafeezah Muhammad is working to address health needs for residents across the state.

In this C-Suite Insights, we discuss Hafeezah’s journey to providing healing, her focus on pediatric populations and Medicaid patients, and why her business is located right here in Maryland.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your company.
I bring nearly 20 years of experience leading high growth teams and harnessing cutting-edge innovations in mental health and technology. I founded Backpack Healthcare in 2021 to solve the children’s mental health epidemic. Our company offers comprehensive services for everyone involved in your child's mental health healing journey, regardless of your background, identity, or circumstances.

Backpack Healthcare is a technology-enabled pediatric mental health provider that offers a comprehensive suite of services, including virtual therapy and psychiatry services and a self-care platform, powered by cutting edge AI-solutions. We are focused on delivering high-quality, equitable mental healthcare to underserved youth, particularly those on Medicaid.

Where in Maryland do you live?
Hanover, MD.

Where in Maryland is your office located?
Elkridge in Howard County.

What is your favorite activity to do/place to visit in Maryland with your family/friends?
I cherish the moments where we are within the community we serve. We love going to community events to better understand their needs and hear their stories.

Why is your business based in Maryland?
Maryland is integral to Backpack’s story and our 95 employees. It is where I started this journey to address the mental health needs of children and families. After my personal experience during the pandemic, I realized that there was a significant gap in mental health services for children, especially those on Medicaid. Moreover, the unique yet diverse needs across Maryland allowed us to develop our now community-based model that could effectively support an array of children and families facing mental health challenges. By starting in Maryland, Backpack Healthcare aims to make a meaningful impact and provide accessible, inclusive mental health care to those who need it most. As the business grows, there are plans to expand to other areas, but Maryland remains the foundation of this important mission.

What inspired you to start Backpack Healthcare?
Backpack was born out of a deeply personal story. I was a mother who struggled to find mental healthcare for my young son. I also learned I was not alone. There are 42 million children on Medicaid, with more than 20 million struggling with mental health symptoms. Alarmingly, only 14% of mental health providers accept Medicaid patients. This gap in services fueled my desire to create a solution to get care into the hands of those who need it most.

What has your experience been like with Maryland's workforce?
Maryland boasts a vibrant and diverse workforce, encompassing both white-collar and blue-collar professionals. There’s a shortage of mental health therapists in many places across the U.S., which presents a significant challenge. However, we see this as an opportunity for Maryland to take the lead in addressing this critical issue.

In partnership with Johns Hopkins, we have developed the first accredited program aimed at increasing the number and diversity of therapists in our community. Our goal is to position Maryland as a frontrunner in tackling the current mental health crisis and ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need.

Technology has changed a lot in the last decade. How is your business keeping up and preparing for the future?
Technology has the potential to revolutionize behavioral health, especially in accessibility and quality. We are pleased to be at the precipice of cutting edge innovations in youth mental health, while working with the Biden Administration through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to shape the responsible use of AI in mental health and pediatric populations. As a company, we have a suite of solutions – our self-care app, telemedicine therapy and psychiatry, and powerful AI tools – all with the goal of delivering tailored, high-quality, and accessible care to youth, young adults, and families.

What’s on the horizon for your company?
Backpack Healthcare has been experiencing significant growth, particularly as it expands its services and reach within the pediatric mental health sector. The recent $14 million Series A funding round has been pivotal in supporting this growth trajectory. This funding will enable Backpack to enter into new markets, enhance its technology-driven care model, further develop its proprietary AI solutions, and expand its clinical residency program. The investment underscores the confidence in Backpack's innovative approach to delivering accessible and high-quality mental health care to underserved communities, particularly among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) populations and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Maryland’s 12,400 square-miles are full of diverse professionals who span a variety of industries, sectors, and backgrounds. With our C-Suite Insights series, we’re shining the spotlight on some of our state’s leading executives in Q&A format and giving them a chance to share their thoughts on business and life in Maryland.