Barbershops have always been more than just places for a fresh fade or a lineup. For generations, they’ve served as trusted community spaces—where conversations flow freely, where advice is given, and where people feel safe. Now, in Portland, they’re becoming something even more powerful: hubs for mental health support.
Recently, Lines for Life partnered with Queendom Cuts, a barbershop on 17th and Alberta, to host a certification event that’s redefining what these spaces can offer. The initiative trains barbers to be more than just stylists—they’re becoming frontline mental health supporters in their community.
Breaking the Stigma, One Haircut at a Time
In many marginalized communities, mental health struggles are often ignored, misunderstood, or outright dismissed. There’s stigma. There’s misinformation. And there’s often a deep-rooted hesitancy to seek professional help.
That’s why this initiative is so groundbreaking. Instead of waiting for people to come to therapists or clinics, it brings mental health support to a space where people already feel comfortable—their neighborhood barbershop. It’s about meeting the community where they are and having these critical conversations in a natural, familiar environment.
“There’s a lot of trauma and grief in this community and mental health has to be at the forefront when we talk about healing the community. There’s a lot of stigma and there’s a lot of misinformation about mental health in marginalized and communities of color. …Let’s bring this conversation to places like barbershops—natural oases, natural gathering places—where people of color gather and just have this conversation in a natural occurring kind of environment.”
More Than Just Conversations—Health Checks, Too
The partnership between Lines for Life and North by Northeast Community Health Center is going beyond just mental health training. They’re also tackling a critical physical health issue that disproportionately affects Black Americans: high blood pressure.
According to heart.org, Black Americans have some of the highest rates of high blood pressure in the world. So in addition to mental health support, barbershops are now offering free blood pressure checks, giving community members an easy and accessible way to stay on top of their health.
“Black people have elevated heart rates and it’s we need to come together to teach each other how to eat healthy how to help each other when we’re in a mental crisis” says Lasheera Chambers, CEO and owner of Queendom Cuts Barbershop.
A Safe Space, No Judgment
For many, a barbershop isn’t just a place for grooming—it’s a sanctuary. A place where you can speak freely, be yourself, and not worry about judgment.
That’s exactly what this initiative is reinforcing. Whether someone is dealing with grief, anxiety, or just needs a listening ear, these trained barbers are there—not as therapists, but as trusted figures who can help connect people with the resources they need.
“So what I want people to know is this is a safe place,” Chambers says. “If you’re going through something, you can come here and speak with us. Pull me to the side. I’m always here. You can come by in the barbershop just to hang out with us.”
“I think that it’s great to have a place where people can come and speak freely without the judgment of maybe some other places. Barbershops have always been known for that.”
Expanding Across Portland
The success of this initiative isn’t stopping with Queendom Cuts. This is the third barbershop in the Portland Metro area to receive certification, and there are already plans to expand to more barbershops and hair salons across the city.
By integrating mental health support into everyday community spaces, Lines for Life is creating a model that could be replicated nationwide. Imagine a future where barbershops across the country double as safe spaces for mental health—where every haircut comes with not just a fresh look, but also a reminder that support is always available.
Why This Matters
Portland’s Black community faces unique challenges, from gentrification and economic struggles to disproportionately high homicide rates and systemic inequities. Healing must start from within the community itself.
By leveraging the trust and connection that barbershops already foster, this initiative is doing more than just talking about mental health—it’s changing the conversation entirely.
