Equip trusted communities to deliver continuous, connected support for youth wellbeing.
Why Sonar exists
Sonar began with a simple belief: young people should not have to face their hardest moments alone
Vision
Every youth can reach wellbeing support whenever and wherever they need it, through the people and systems they trust.
Why Sonar exists
I grew up in a small, rural community in Alberta, Canada, where people cared deeply for one another, but mental illness was rarely discussed and the right support was difficult to find.
Mental illness deeply affected my family. My mom and sister faced serious challenges, and we struggled to access the timely support they needed. In 2017, I lost my mom. That loss will always be part of me, and it is why this work is so personal.
I came to Stanford determined to help build a better way. As we spoke with young people, families, educators, and clinicians, we kept hearing the same thing: people cared, but support was often fragmented, hard to access, or unavailable during the moments young people needed it most.
Sonar began with a simple belief: young people should not have to face their hardest moments alone. They should be able to turn to trusted people and organizations in their community and receive support that continues beyond a single conversation, appointment, or referral.
Today, our team is united by that same conviction. Each of us joined Sonar because we believe the best support is rooted in trust, relationships, and community. Together, we help schools, health systems, clinics, and other community partners stay connected to young people and support them whenever and wherever they need it.
Drew BarvirFounder & CEO
About us
Selected advisors
Our advisors bring deep experience in youth mental health, healthcare, and education. Their expertise informs how we build, operate, and scale Sonar.
(001)Clinical AI
Dr. Sean Young
UC Irvine professor and digital health researcher whose work spans behavior change, prediction technology, and AI
Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Stade
Clinical psychologist and Stanford researcher specializing in AI, mental health measurement, and evidence-based care
(002)Safety & Clinical Governance
Dr. Gabe Kaplan
Child and adolescent psychiatrist and behavioral health leader focused on clinical governance and care delivery
Dr. Brian Ahmedani
Nationally recognized suicide-prevention researcher and leader in health-system implementation of the Zero Suicide model
(003)Healthcare
Dr. Denny Morrison
Behavioral health executive and clinical technology leader focused on care delivery and outcomes measurement
Jake Biscoglio
Senior health-plan executive specializing in commercial strategy, product development, and market growth
Eileen Meehan
Healthcare growth executive focused on scaling behavioral health services and payer-provider partnerships
Sheetal Shah
Digital health executive focused on building and scaling behavioral health partnerships
(004)Youth Services
Dr. Denise Pope
Stanford education researcher and co-founder of Challenge Success, focused on student wellbeing, stress, and engagement
Corey Wise
Former superintendent and longtime K–12 leader spanning classroom, school, and district leadership
(005)
Changemakers
Our national youth advisory group brings together young people ages 12–22 to help shape Sonar.
Their input helps ensure Sonar is built around how young people actually communicate, seek support, and use technology.
About us
Selected investors
We are backed by leading impact investors who share our commitment to expanding access to trusted wellbeing support for young people.
Impact America Fund
HopeLab
Informed Ventures
Nina Capital
Nothing falls throughEvery escalation followed to completion
Reduce delays and connect individuals to the right level of care at the right time
When a young person needs more than coaching, Sonar facilitates a seamless transition into higher levels of care.
About us
Selected partners
We partner with leading organizations to expand access to wellbeing support and strengthen connection across school, community, and care settings.
Akron
CU Anschutz
Healthy Young Minds
Pittsburgh Public Schools
Cristo Rey Network
Marysville
What we do
FAQs
Answers to common questions about who we are and how Sonar works alongside the people and organizations already supporting young people.
Testimonials
Here's what people have to say about working together. Real moments, real experiences, real feedback.
I have been searching for nearly three years
…for the right way to support our students' mental health. Our outstanding school-based mental health professionals can only do so much. I am thrilled to have found Sonar.
Extend support
beyond the school day
See how Sonar can strengthen access, engagement, and continuity across your student-support model.
Talk with our team