In Elkridge, Maryland, where tight-knit communities navigate the complexities of modern life, access to quality mental health care for children and families is essential.



Backpack Healthcare, a pioneering mental health provider based in Elkridge, is transforming the landscape of pediatric mental health services.

With a mission to deliver accessible, inclusive, and comprehensive care, Backpack Healthcare is making a profound impact on the youth of Elkridge and surrounding areas, addressing the growing mental health crisis with innovative solutions.

Meeting Elkridge’s Mental Health Needs

The youth mental health crisis is a pressing concern, with over 2.5 million American children struggling with depression and suicide ranking as the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-24.

In Elkridge, a diverse community in Howard County, families often face barriers to accessing timely and culturally sensitive mental health care, particularly for those enrolled in Medicaid.

Backpack Healthcare, founded in 2021 by Hafeezah Muhammad after her personal struggle to find care for her son, is dedicated to bridging this gap.

With only 14% of mental health clinicians accepting Medicaid, Backpack’s focus on Medicaid-enrolled youth ensures that Elkridge families have access to the care they need.

Innovative Mental Health Solutions for Elkridge

Backpack Healthcare combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to serve Elkridge’s youth and families. Their services are designed to be engaging, accessible, and tailored to the unique needs of children as young as three years old. Key offerings include:

Hello Backpack App: Launched in 2024, this AI-powered app uses advanced algorithms to monitor emotions and match users with specialized therapists for personalized treatment plans.

Featuring interactive tools like mood tracking, journaling, and bibliotherapy workbooks with animated characters, the app makes mental health care engaging for young users.

Available on iOS and Android, it’s a vital resource for Elkridge families seeking convenient support.

Teletherapy Services: Backpack offers individual, group, and family therapy via telehealth, utilizing modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, and trauma-informed care.

With bilingual clinicians and services in 250 languages, appointments are available in under five days, ensuring rapid access for Elkridge residents.

Psychiatry and Medication Management: Virtual psychiatric services provide comprehensive care for children and teens requiring medication, reducing the need for in-person visits and making care more accessible for busy Elkridge families.

Parent and Caregiver Support: Backpack offers virtual workshops and live training sessions on topics like resilience and substance abuse, empowering Elkridge parents to support their children’s mental health.

Community Impact in Elkridge and Howard County

Backpack Healthcare’s commitment to Elkridge extends beyond individual care. In 2024, the organization secured a $1.1 million grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission to expand mental health support in Howard County Public Schools.

This initiative includes caregiver wellness workshops, individual therapy, and educator self-care sessions, directly benefiting Elkridge’s schools and families.
Backpack’s participation in Back to School Nights at schools like Hammond and Long Reach further strengthens their community presence, providing resources and information to parents and students.

Since its founding, Backpack Healthcare has served over 2,000 families across Maryland, completing 30,000 counseling sessions with a 77% reduction in anxiety symptoms among patients, as measured by the GAD-7 score.

Their acquisition of Hurdle Health in 2023 enhanced their ability to provide culturally sensitive care, with 60% of their therapists identifying as BIPOC, ensuring that Elkridge’s diverse youth receive support that resonates with their experiences.
Why Elkridge Chooses Backpack Healthcare

Accessibility: By accepting Medicaid and major insurances, Backpack removes financial barriers for Elkridge families. Competitive self-pay rates further ensure that care is within reach.

Inclusivity: With a focus on culturally intentional care, Backpack addresses the unique needs of Elkridge’s diverse population, particularly BIPOC youth.

Innovation: The Hello Backpack app and teletherapy platform make mental health care engaging and convenient, meeting Elkridge’s youth where they are—on their devices.

Community Engagement: From school partnerships to community events, Backpack is a visible partner in Elkridge, fostering resilience and well-being.

A Bright Future for Elkridge’s Youth

With a $14 million Series A funding round in 2024, led by PACE Healthcare Capital, Backpack Healthcare is expanding its reach beyond Maryland to states like Georgia and Michigan.

Yet, their roots in Elkridge remain strong, with plans to deepen school partnerships and enhance their AI-driven platform.

This growth ensures that Elkridge’s youth will continue to benefit from cutting-edge mental health care.

Start Your Journey with Backpack Healthcare

For Elkridge families seeking mental health support, Backpack Healthcare is a trusted partner. Visit www.hellobackpack.com to explore their services, download the Hello Backpack app, or schedule a teletherapy session.

Whether addressing anxiety, depression, or behavioral challenges, Backpack Healthcare is dedicated to lightening the emotional load for Elkridge’s children, teens, and families.

Together, Backpack Healthcare and the Elkridge community are building a healthier, more resilient future for the next generation.