Beneath the Surface
Every teen has a story we can’t always see.
Beneath the Surface is a youth mental health initiative that uses art and storytelling to equip adults, organizations, and communities to recognize the needs beneath the behavior and respond in ways that help young people feel seen, supported, and connected.
What is Beneath the Surface — Origin Story
It began with a single question asked in middle and high school health classes: 'Draw what your anxiety would look like.” The answers came back in 1,125 drawings and fragments of truth from teens who felt unseen. Those drawings became The Living Gallery—a visual collection of youth artwork revealing pain, pressure, and hope hidden behind their smiles.
Why It Exists
“We believe that beneath the surface of mental health is the rest of the story, the story young people carry but don’t always show.”
What we often call a problem may actually be a signal pointing to something beneath the behavior. Too often, we respond to what we can see while missing what matters most. Beneath the Surface reveals the emotional experiences beneath the behavior, helping adults recognize what young people are carrying and respond with compassion before struggles become crises.
How It's Different
Education → Recognition
Education builds understanding. Recognition changes how we respond.
Curriculum → Connection
Curriculum shares information. Connection changes how we relate.
Traditional youth mental health programs often begin with education and curriculum. Beneath the Surface begins with recognition and connection, weaving education into an experience that changes how adults see and respond to young people.
Explore the Living Gallery
A small window into 1,125 drawings shared by teens.
These images may not be copied, reproduced, or used elsewhere without written permission.
If an image resonates with you, we invite you to share the Beneath the Surface page rather than individual screenshots. This helps honor the artist, preserve the story, and allow the work to grow as it was intended.
What It Offers
Who It's For
Schools &
Families
Helping school communities recognize what students are carrying beneath the surface, so they can respond more effectively to the needs behind the behavior.
Healthcare &
Professionals
Helping healthcare professionals recognize the emotional experiences beneath symptoms and diagnoses, leading to more compassionate, person-centered care.
Communities &
Organizations
Helping community leaders recognize what often goes unseen, creating earlier conversations, stronger connections, and more responsive support for young people.
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Active member and collaborator within national and Arizona-based mental health and suicide prevention organizations.
