Our Story

We are on a mission to destigmatize and demystify mental healthcare for Black families and families who fall within the African diaspora.

At Candlelit, we know you deserve better. That’s why we’re building a new standard of mental healthcare rooted in cultural competence, evidence-based risk assessment and therapy. Nearly two million Black women and women of color give birth each year in the U.S., while a majority of new and expectant families. Our team includes perinatal-trained mental health providers, health equity advocates and clinical advisors from the nation’s leading medical institutions brought together to reduce health disparities among Black women and families. We celebrate all identities, abilities and bodies. We offer a safer, simpler way to find and book culturally responsive mental health information, resources and providers and centers the emotional and mental health needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and the LGBTQIA+ birthing parents.

Our Story

Lauren Elliott, founder of Candlelit Therapy

Candlelit Therapy was created in 2019 once our founder saw a lack of access to culturally-relevant mental health screening, education and support within U.S. healthcare. She felt overwhelmed after an emergency delivery of her son, but she was never screened or asked about her emotional well-being and unfortunately she’s not alone. Less than 10% of women who screened positive for postpartum depression received treatment in the following year after childbirth. She had to quickly become an advocate for her mental health and well-being after an emergency delivery of her son and now dedicates her time to being the much-needed advocate for all moms at-risk of complications during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Whether you’re thinking about having kids, currently pregnant or recovering from childbirth, it’s hard to find time, energy or space to practice self-care. Our goal is to help women experience mental healthcare, which I define as listening to your intuition and responding to your emotions as frequent as you respond to your emails, to serve as a safe space where Black mothers could receive better behavioral healthcare options, treatment and resources.

As a Black woman-founded and operated team, we’re committed to shed light and elevate voices of Black women and families on unique challenges and health complications experienced when screening is absent. We’re here to lift you up and help you shine throughout your pregnancy and your little one’s early years.

Meet Our Team