By Hafeezah Muhammad
Being a foster parent or kinship caregiver comes with its unique set of challenges. From
navigating the legal system to providing emotional support, the journey can be both rewarding
and overwhelming. One area that often requires special attention is the mental health of the
children in their care. Particularly concerning is the mental and behavioral health of youth in
foster care: At ages 17 or 18, they are two to four times more likely to suffer from recent and/or
chronic mental health disorders compared to their peers in the general population. Mental and
behavioral health represents the largest unmet health need for the over 391,000 youth in foster
care.
Addressing the mental health needs of foster families is not just a professional endeavor for me
– it’s personal. My journey began in 2020, during the worldwide pandemic, when my 6-year-old
son desperately needed mental health services and was at risk of self-harm. As a mother, I
faced the frustration and heartbreak of trying to find him mental health care on Medicaid.
Endless waitlists and the scarcity of providers who accept Medicaid made an already
challenging situation even harder.
At times, it felt as though there was no way out, with no light at the end of the tunnel. In those
moments, I resolved that no mother should ever have to experience that sense of
hopelessness. Children in foster care encounter these same obstacles as my son, struggling to
access the mental health services they desperately need. After learning more than 42 million
children are on Medicaid, roughly half struggling with mental health symptoms, but that only a
fraction of mental health providers accept Medicaid patients, my mission was born. In 2021, I
founded Backpack Healthcare, a digital telehealth platform where all providers are in network
with Medicaid.
Take the case of Nicole, an 11-year-old girl in foster care. When she was welcomed home by
her foster parents, Nicole was suffering from multiple mental trauma symptoms. She had high
levels of anxiety and depression that stemmed from witnessing traumatic situations in her
previous home. Her primary goals for therapy were to adapt to the changes in her life, including
her new school and home life, as well as learn to manage heightened emotional states and
trauma reminders. That is when Backpack Healthcare stepped in to arrange weekly virtual
therapy sessions for Nicole.
I have a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of technology and its potential to
revolutionize mental health support for vulnerable children. Recognizing the staggering
statistics, I saw a pressing need for accessible and inclusive mental health services tailored to
the unique needs of foster care families. The challenges these families face are multifaceted,
from navigating complex systems to addressing trauma and emotional distress.
While all youth in foster care are covered by Medicaid, only a small fraction of mental healthcare
providers accept Medicaid plans. There are currently 3.1 providers that accept Medicaid per
1,000 enrollees across all types of healthcare. According to a recent report released by the
Department of Health and Human Services, among people on Medicaid, one in three have a
mental illness, and one in five have a substance use disorder.
Understanding this, I was inspired to develop solutions that address these critical gaps and
provide meaningful support to those who need it most. I named my company Backpack because
we all walk around with an invisible backpack. It carries our emotional experiences, traumas and
unresolved feelings. Similar to a physical backpack, it can become heavy and burdensome
when filled with too many items. We created Backpack Healthcare to help lighten the load.
Funding partners like Hopelab, a transformative social innovation lab and impact investor
working to support BIPOC and LGBTQ youth well-being, have allowed us to better navigate
Medicaid systems in a means of bringing the best care to fostered youth.
Backpack Healthcare is helping deliver mental health services to children and youth in foster
care. With a simple referral process initiated by a case manager, our care coordination team
swiftly responds, scheduling families for therapy within just five days, a stark contrast to the
average wait time of 42 days without our intervention. This expedited access to care not only
reduces the stress on foster families but also promptly addresses the critical mental health
needs of these children, showcasing our commitment to providing timely and effective support
to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. At Backpack Healthcare, our
mission is clear: to empower foster parents and kinship caregivers with the tools and resources
they need to support the mental wellness of the children in their care. We understand that foster
care families require specialized support, and our innovative approach is designed to meet their
unique needs.
Nicole’s progress highlights the value of youth in foster care having timely access to these vital
mental health supports. Through the weekly therapy Backpack Healthcare was able to facilitate,
Nicole has developed effective coping skills to regulate her emotions, including communicating
her wants and needs, recognizing physical symptoms such as stomachaches, freeze response
(inability to move or make decisions) and pressure in her chest. She asks for help when she
needs it and uses hobbies as a motivator. She is now in the final stages of being formally
adopted by her foster parents. Nicole has made significant progress in therapy and is
demonstrating improved emotional functioning and adaptation to her new living situation.
Clinicians will continue to work closely with Nicole and her foster family to ensure a smooth
transition and long-term stability as the adoption is finalized.
Tips for Accessing Mental Health Care
1. Know Your Resources: Familiarize yourself with the mental health services available in
your community. Reach out to local agencies, nonprofit organizations and mental health
professionals who specialize in working with children in foster care or kinship care.
2. Utilize Medicaid Benefits: Many children in foster care are eligible for Medicaid, which
can cover a wide range of mental health services, including therapy and counseling.
Understand what services are covered under your state’s Medicaid program and how to
access them.
3. Build a Support Network: Don’t underestimate the power of support from fellow foster
parents and kinship caregivers. Join support groups or online forums where you can connect with others who understand your experiences and can offer advice and
encouragement.
4. Advocate for Your Child: Be proactive in advocating for your child’s mental health needs.
Attend meetings with social workers, therapists and other professionals involved in your
child’s care. Voice your concerns and preferences regarding their mental health
treatment and support.
5 Tips for Navigating Mental Health Care for Foster Parents and Kinship Caregivers
1. Prioritize Self-Care: Remember to take care of yourself physically, emotionally and
mentally. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make self-care a priority.
2. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about trauma-informed care and evidence-based
interventions for children with a history of trauma. The more informed you are, the better
equipped you’ll be to support your child’s mental health needs. Helpful resources may
include the following:
o Parenting Children and Youth Who Have Experienced Abuse and Neglect
o Parenting After Trauma: Understanding Your Children’s Needs
3. Foster Open Communication: Create a safe and supportive environment where your
child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Encourage open
communication and active listening.
4. Seek Professional Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you
notice signs of mental health challenges in your child. Reach out to therapists,
counselors, or psychiatrists who specialize in working with children in foster care.
5. Be Patient and Persistent: Supporting a child’s mental health journey takes time and
patience. Be prepared for ups and downs along the way and stay committed to providing
the support and care they need.
I am proud of the impact Backpack Healthcare has had on the lives of foster care families. By
leveraging technology and innovation, we have been able to break down barriers to mental
health care and provide families with the support they need to thrive. Our work is far from over,
but I am inspired by the progress we have made and committed to continuing our mission of
empowering foster parents and improving the lives of vulnerable children. As a mother, I have
struggled to find a provider that accepted Medicaid when my son needed it. My personal journey
has strengthened my commitment to ensuring that all children, especially those in foster care,
receive the care and support they deserve.
About the Author:
Hafeezah Muhammad is the CEO and founder of Backpack Healthcare, a dedicated advocate
and mompreneur. She founded Backpack Healthcare to provide essential mental health
resources for foster care families. Muhammad started out as a concerned mother with her back
against the wall when her 6-year-old son started battling thoughts of self-harm. Like many other
parents, she struggled to find a provider to accept his Medicaid plan. Today, Backpack features a digital telehealth platform with a team comprising over 65% BIPOC clinicians and
comprehensive translation services available in over 250 languages. Together, they cater to a
diverse clientele, with over 44% covered by Medicaid. Bolstered by the recent acquisition of
Hurdle Health, Backpack is steadfast in its commitment to narrowing the disparities in youth
mental health care across the nation, fighting for over 25 million children on medicaid that
struggle with emotionally heavy backpacks. Learn more about the company at
https://hellobackpack.com/
