The Trump administration will end specialized services for LGBTQ+ youths through the 988 lifeline.
In a June 18 statement, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said it will “no longer silo LGB+ youth service,” as it aims to “focus on helping all help seekers.”
The “press 3” option connected LGBTQ+ youths who called the 988 Lifeline to specially trained counselors. The service was established in 2022, when the central suicide and crisis lifeline launched.
In a statement, SAMHSA said the funding allocated to the “press 3” option has been spent, and the program will sunset July 17.
“Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress,” SAMHSA said. “Anyone who calls the Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help.”
According to NPR, 100,000 people contacted 988’s LGBTQ+ service in January and February of 2025.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who wrote the legislation creating 988, said in a June 18 news release the administration is “cruelly and needlessly” taking away specialized services for LGBTQ+ youths.
“This is not the final chapter of this story, and I’ll fight tooth and nail to protect these children,” Ms. Baldwin said.
