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How it works

Getting started is simpler than you think.

Most families have their first appointment within 3 days. Here's exactly what happens — and what it costs.
The Backpack process

Seven steps. Most happen in the first week.

Tell us about what’s going on 5 minutes
Fill out a short form, call us, or use our app. We'll ask what's going on, your insurance, and your state. No medical
history quiz. No judgment.
We match you with a clinician 1–2 business days
Our intake team finds a clinician who fits — based on age, what's going on, language, scheduling, and personality.
You'll see their bio before you book.
We check your coverage We handle it
We confirm your insurance and tell you what — if anything — you'll owe. For most Medicaid families, it's $0. We never
start care without telling you the cost first.
Schedule your first visit Evenings + weekends
Pick a time that works. We send reminders and a one-page guide on how to prepare.
Meet your clinician
First visit is mostly about getting to know each other. Share what's going on. Ask anything.
Build a plan together Session 2–3
You and your clinician agree on goals and cadence (usually weekly to start).
Keep going
Most patients meet weekly or every other week. Reschedule easily through our app. We're with you for as long as you
need us.
What it costs

Most people pay $0

Medicaid
Most families pay nothing

$0

We accept Medicaid in GA, IL, MD, MI, and VA. Most families pay nothing per visit.
No copay
No referral needed (most plans)
Therapy + psychiatry included
Commercial Insurance
In-network with
major plans

$15–$40

Typical per-visit copay range, depending on your plan.
Aetna · Cigna · UnitedHealthcare
BlueCross BlueShield
We verify before your first visit
Self-pay
Transparent rates

$96

Individual therapy, 60 minutes. Sliding-
scale and group rates available.
Group sessions from $44
Sliding scale available
Get in touch — we'll figure it out
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No surprise bills.
We tell you what you owe before you owe it. If anything changes, we tell you before the next visit.
What we treat — and what we don't

Honesty about scope.

We provide

Yes

Online therapy and psychiatry
Care for kids, teens, and young adults — ages 4+
Medication support, when it's the right call
Family-involved care
Coordination with schools and pediatricians (with your permission)
We don't provide

Not us

24/7 crisis care — in a crisis, call or text 988
Inpatient or residential treatment
Intensive outpatient (IOP) or partial hospitalization (PHP)
Court-ordered evaluations or custody assessments
In-person care
Bottom line: If we're not the right fit, we'll help you find who is.
What you need for your first visit

Pack light.

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Insurance card
Or your Medicaid ID
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Device with camera
Phone, tablet, or laptop
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A quiet space
Where you’re comfortable
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Past records
Evaluations, IEPs
— optional
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Your questions
Bring them all
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States we serve

Five states. Growing.

We’ve provide care for thousands of people in Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, and Virginia. Not in one of our states yet? Join our waitlist — we're growing fast.

Maryland
Virginia
Michigan
Georgia
Illinois
Arizona · soon
New York · soon
Join the waitlist
Languages & accessibility

Care that meets you where you are.

Languages our clinicians speak
We match you to a clinician who speaks your family's language whenever possible.
English
Español
中文
Français
Tagalog
ASL
Spanish-language intake
Intake support in Spanish from your first call. No need to translate for your family.
Accommodations
Live captions, screen reader-friendly portal, large-text materials, neurodivergent-friendly sessions. Tell us what you need.
Logistics FAQ

The practical questions.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can sign up and schedule to see a provider without a referral.

How long are sessions?

Therapy sessions are typically 45 to 60 minutes. Psychiatry intake appointments are usually 60 minutes, and follow-up med management visits are shorter, around 20 to 30 minutes.

How often will we meet?

Most start with weekly sessions. Frequency adjusts as you progress. On average, people complete about 16 sessions with us, but treatment length is individualized.

Can we switch clinicians?

Absolutely. The relationship matters a lot. If something is not working, tell us and we will help find a better match with no awkwardness or penalty.

Do you offer in-person care?

We offer virtual therapy and psychiatry across all of our states, and in-person care in select locations. Many families choose virtual for convenience and stick with it long-term.

What if my child has an emergency?

If your child is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For urgent mental health support, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Backpack is not an emergency service, but we can help with follow-up care after a crisis.

What ages does Backpack serve?

We serve patients 4 years and older.

What kinds of therapy do you offer?

We offer individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Our clinicians are trained in evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT skills, trauma-informed care, and play therapy for younger children.

How do I cancel or reschedule?

You can reschedule through your patient portal, our chat assistant, or by contacting our care team at 866-968-6342. We need 24 hour notice so the slot can go to another family who needs it.

Do you offer psychiatry and medication management?

Yes. Our psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can evaluate, prescribe medication when clinically appropriate, and manage ongoing medication needs alongside therapy.

Ready when you are

A first appointment can happen this week.

The first step takes five minutes.
In crisis? Call or text 988.
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