Abstract
Black men in the United States experience disproportionately poor mental health outcomes yet remain significantly underrepresented in accessing care. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African American adults are 20% more likely to report serious psychological distress and are more likely to experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness compared to their white counterparts. Despite these disparities, less than half of Black men experiencing mental illness seek treatment. Intersecting factors such as racism, stigma, medical mistrust, and traditional notions of masculinity contribute to these gaps, highlighting the need for more culturally responsive and community-based interventions that can address both access and stigma.
Cut to the Chase (CTTC) was developed to address mental health disparities among Black men. The program provides complementary group therapy sessions led by licensed mental health professional in Black-owned barbershops in two historically redlined communities. The barbershop has long been recognized as a vital “Third Space” within Black communities, serving as an informal cultural hub. Medical professionals have long utilized barbershop-based health initiatives to address health disparities specific to Black men. CTTC utilizes this model to bridge the gap that exists between Black men and mental health services.
The purpose of this study is to examine how CTTC effectively engages Black men by utilizing barbershops as alternative spaces for delivering therapy. Specifically, the study aims to (1) explore participants’ experiences with mental health services, (2) assess participants’ perceived value of the program, and (3) understand their views on CTTC’s impact on both personal well-being and the broader community. Preliminary findings from semi-structured interviews indicate that (1) participants had diverse prior experiences with both formal and informal mental health resources, (2) they valued the range of perspectives shared within the group, and (3) gained new personal insights viewing the program as a viable source for mental health services.
By centering the lived experiences of Black men, this study aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting community-driven mental health approaches. Findings inform future models that leverage Black Third Spaces to promote healing, resilience, and wellness in underserved populations.
Notes
Extensive reference list attached as separate document.
Sigma Membership
Zeta Eta at-Large
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Phenomenology
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health, Public and Community Health, Stress and Coping, Mental Health, Black Men
Recommended Citation
King, Aron Anthony; Ackerman, Piri W.; and Fernandez, Patricia, "It Takes a Community: Barbershops as Healing Spaces for Black Men" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 133.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/133
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-08-10
It Takes a Community: Barbershops as Healing Spaces for Black Men
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Black men in the United States experience disproportionately poor mental health outcomes yet remain significantly underrepresented in accessing care. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African American adults are 20% more likely to report serious psychological distress and are more likely to experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness compared to their white counterparts. Despite these disparities, less than half of Black men experiencing mental illness seek treatment. Intersecting factors such as racism, stigma, medical mistrust, and traditional notions of masculinity contribute to these gaps, highlighting the need for more culturally responsive and community-based interventions that can address both access and stigma.
Cut to the Chase (CTTC) was developed to address mental health disparities among Black men. The program provides complementary group therapy sessions led by licensed mental health professional in Black-owned barbershops in two historically redlined communities. The barbershop has long been recognized as a vital “Third Space” within Black communities, serving as an informal cultural hub. Medical professionals have long utilized barbershop-based health initiatives to address health disparities specific to Black men. CTTC utilizes this model to bridge the gap that exists between Black men and mental health services.
The purpose of this study is to examine how CTTC effectively engages Black men by utilizing barbershops as alternative spaces for delivering therapy. Specifically, the study aims to (1) explore participants’ experiences with mental health services, (2) assess participants’ perceived value of the program, and (3) understand their views on CTTC’s impact on both personal well-being and the broader community. Preliminary findings from semi-structured interviews indicate that (1) participants had diverse prior experiences with both formal and informal mental health resources, (2) they valued the range of perspectives shared within the group, and (3) gained new personal insights viewing the program as a viable source for mental health services.
By centering the lived experiences of Black men, this study aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting community-driven mental health approaches. Findings inform future models that leverage Black Third Spaces to promote healing, resilience, and wellness in underserved populations.
Description
Black men face disproportionate mental health challenges yet often underuse care due to stigma, racism, and mistrust. CTTC brings group therapy into Black-owned barbershops, creating trusted community spaces for healing. This study finds participants value the safe environment, shared perspectives, and increased access, highlighting CTTC as a culturally responsive, community-driven model that supports insight, resilience, and improved well-being.