LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A local barber is providing a "shear" way to address mental health issues with Louisville's young people. 

J. Alexander, a barber at The Lab Professional Barbering Services (The LAB Louisville), recently launched an initiative called "Thoughts Out Loud." The idea is to prevent kids from getting a mental health disorder and to help them work through their experiences.

According to The World Health Organization one in seven 10- to 19-year-olds experience a mental health disorder, and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15- to 29- year-olds.

Alexander hopes his new program can turn things around. His shop has partnered with the city's Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods to implement the initiative. 

"Basically, 'Thoughts Out Loud' is a mental health and violence prevention barbershop geared toward the schools and the city at large," Alexander. "So my goal is to combat mental health by speaking and talking to them with active listening, and letting the students be vulnerable, and that's the way we're going to get some healing to our situation." 

Alexander recently expanded into a JCPS school. 

"I'm blessed to be a partner with W.E.B. DuBois High School," Alexander. "Metro United Way is the group that helped me fund this particular work. And the goal is to expand it throughout Jefferson County Public Schools with other barbers. I'm looking for other barbers to help me within the Urban Barbers Network."

Alexander said his own struggles with mental health inspired him to start the program. 

"I suffer from mental health issues, and when I talk to individuals in my barber chair, it gives me a sense of healing when I talk to them," Alexander said. 

If you're a barber interested in taking part in the program, call 502-533-7149. 

The LAB Professional Barbering Services will offer free  haircuts three Mondays a month to students ages 6 to 17 beginning Jan. 8. Appointments can be made between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The shop is located at 1169 Eastern Parkway. 

Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. All rights reserved.