U.S. Government Ends Specialized Support Line for LGBTQ+ Youth This July

In a recent development, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that the dedicated crisis support service for LGBTQ+ youth, known as the 'Press 3' option within the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, will be discontinued starting July 17, 2025. This service, launched in September 2022, provided tailored support for LGBTQ+ young people and handled nearly 1.3 million calls over its existence.

The decision aims to streamline crisis services by integrating all callers into a single, unified platform, rather than maintaining separate lines for specific groups. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) stated that this change is intended to better serve all individuals seeking help through the 988 system. However, critics argue that this move may leave vulnerable youth at increased risk, as specialized services have been crucial in addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth.

The Trevor Project, a leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ young people, expressed concern over the removal of the dedicated hotline, emphasizing that suicide prevention efforts should focus on people rather than politicized decisions. Despite the elimination of the specific 'Press 3' option, the Trevor Project and other organizations will continue to offer 24/7 mental health services to LGBTQ+ youth.

Advocates also criticized SAMHSA for focusing only on 'LGB+' youth, neglecting transgender individuals, who are disproportionately affected by mental health issues and higher suicide risk. Critics have called the move 'callous,' especially given the current high rates of suicide in the U.S., with nearly 49,300 suicides reported nationwide in 2023. Studies show that transgender and gender-questioning youth are significantly more likely to attempt suicide, highlighting the importance of accessible, targeted support.

Funding for LGBTQ+ specific services within the 988 program was approximately $33 million in fiscal year 2024. The proposed federal budget for 2026 suggests maintaining overall 988 funding at $520 million but eliminating designated funds for LGBTQ+ services. This shift occurs amidst broader policies under President Donald Trump’s administration that have rolled back protections and access related to transgender rights.

While the unified 988 system remains operational, the end of the dedicated LGBTQ+ crisis line underscores ongoing concerns about mental health support for marginalized populations, especially during a period of increasing mental health challenges across the country.