The startup operates a perinatal mental health clinic that provides culturally relevant therapy for mothers experiencing stress, depression, or anxiety during conception, pregnancy, and postpartum. By offering affordable mental health support and community resources, the clinic enhances maternal well-being and promotes emotional resilience throughout the parenting journey.
Funding
$240K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Black women and birthing parents experience disproportionately high rates of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), often exacerbated by a lack of culturally relevant mental healthcare and support systems. Traditional mental healthcare options may not adequately address the unique challenges and lived experiences of this demographic during conception, pregnancy, and postpartum. This can lead to delayed or inadequate treatment, impacting maternal well-being and family health.
Solution
Candlelit Care is a digital health platform designed to prevent and manage perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) specifically among Black women and birthing parents. The platform provides culturally-affirming, evidence-based virtual coaching, AI-driven screening, and psychoeducation modules led by trained peers and clinically-backed by reproductive psychiatrists and psychologists. Candlelit Care offers personalized care plans, symptom tracking, and connections with relevant healthcare professionals, all accessible through a user-friendly mobile app. By integrating mental health support into the perinatal journey, Candlelit Care aims to reduce the stigma around mental healthcare and improve maternal mental health outcomes.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes Black women and birthing parents experiencing or at risk of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), as well as employers, health systems, and insurance plans seeking to improve maternal mental health outcomes for this demographic.
Features
- AI-driven screening for early detection of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)
- Personalized care plans developed in collaboration with a dedicated perinatal mental health coach
- Culturally-tailored psychoeducation modules addressing the unique needs of Black women and birthing parents
- Virtual coaching sessions with trained peers experienced in perinatal mental health
- Symptom tracking and analytics to monitor progress and identify potential triggers
- Referral network of licensed therapists of color offering cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatments
- Mobile app for convenient access to resources, coaching sessions, and support
- Integration with existing maternity care teams, including OB/GYNs, midwives, and doulas
- Support for individuals throughout the fertility journey, pregnancy, and up to one year postpartum