Our Approach
Candlelit Therapy is a virtual perinatal mental health service that connects new and expectant Black parents who are trying to conceive, currently pregnant or recovering from birth with access to affordable, quality mental health treatment, regardless of race, education or geography.
Our Mission
Black women are at a higher risk of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) before, during and up to a year after pregnancy. We’re dedicated to making sure Black women and women of color are valued, seen and respected in healthcare. When we feel off balance mentally, it can feel easier to suffer in silence at work or home rather than seek help from professionals. That’s why we’re changing how women are screened, monitored and treated, especially when starting a family, to reduce their overall risk and symptoms of burnout, anxiety and depression through virtual consultations with licensed therapists.
Our Values
We’re on a mission to create a new standard for mental health care where all mothers and birthing parents have the support they need to thrive before, during and after birth.
Accessible
Diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of our program as we aim to close the gap between mental health care providers and the marginalized communities that we serve. Our providers strive to understand the importance of culture, cultural identity, and intersectionality to provide the best level of care possible
EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE CARE
This virtual program will help empower you to more confidently navigate everything from pregnancy through early parenthood. We know it take a village It takes a village doesn't it? Gain access to the Spora Village, an online community of other Spora Mommas for support, connection, and fellowship.
Judgment Free
At Candlelit, we provide kind, nonjudgmental care that acknowledges your unique makeup as a patient. This holistic care treats and recognizes your spiritual, cultural as well as physical needs, that modern medicine alone can’t meet. With nonjudgmental, holistic care, it affirms your dignity and helps you have a voice in their healthcare.
WHOLE PERSON CARE
Our whole person care model is rooted in integrative medicine, which promotes mental wellness by nurturing the delicate equilibrium between mind, body, and spirit through evidence-based conventional and complementary treatments and services.
SUPPORTING PATIENT CHOICE AND AUTONOMY
Personal autonomy is widely valued. We allow or enable you to make their own decisions about which health care interventions you will or will not receive.Respecting your choices seems to be a way of recognising your moral status as individuals and your capacity for self-determination.
COLLABORATIVE
Our care coaches and therapists closely work together to ensure that your mental health and wellness is achieved. There is a seamless collaborative, individualized health plan for you to improve your health status.
Our Founders
Lauren Elliott, MA, MHFA
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Ajeet Matheth
Founder and Chief Technical Officer
Pooja Umathe, MS
Data Scientist
Nicole Gathany, MPH
Backend Software Engineer