Alizeti Mental Health and Wellness Services celebrates the certificate ceremony of its newly developed Doula Training Program—a culturally responsive workforce initiative designed to equip aspiring birth and postpartum community doulas with foundational knowledge, hands-on skills, and clear pathways to Medi-Cal certification.

This transformative 16-hour Community Doula Training Program meets California state requirements for Medi-Cal vendor eligibility. It prepares participants to support birthing people and their families with technical proficiency, cultural humility, and compassionate care—especially in underserved communities across the Inland Empire.

Recently, nine women successfully completed the inaugural cohort, marking a significant step toward addressing maternal and infant health disparities in Riverside County.

Program Goals

The goals of the Alizeti Doula Training Program are to:

• Equip aspiring community doulas with foundational knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and essential technical skills.

• Prepare participants for Medi-Cal certification eligibility, enabling them to bill insurance for doula services.

• Empower doulas to become change agents who confront and reduce racial and economic disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

Alizeti Mental Health and Wellness Services was founded by Dr. Angela Gordon-Nichols, a retired social worker, Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, and pre-licensed clinical psychologist. Her leadership blends holistic wellness with advocacy for Black maternal health.

“Our program doesn’t end with training,” says Dr. Angela Gordon-Nichols. “We walk alongside our doulas as they build their businesses, serve their communities, and uplift Black maternal wellness.”

Thanks to funding from the Riverside University Health System – Public Health, MCAH Branch, and its Perinatal Equity Initiative, Alizeti is offers up to $400 in start-up reimbursements and gas cards to graduates, helping eliminate financial barriers to launching their doula careers.

Alizeti Doula Training is more than a certification—it’s a movement to reclaim, restore, and revolutionize birth justice in communities.

Applications are now open for the next training cohort. This opportunity is available exclusively to Riverside County residents. To learn more or to apply, contact alizetiyougotmail@gmail.com.