In July, the federal government’s dedicated support line for LGBTQ+ youth within the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was abruptly terminated, leaving many advocates concerned about the growing mental health crisis among vulnerable populations. The cessation of the ‘Press 3’ option, which connected callers to specially trained staff for LGBTQ+ specific issues, has prompted states like California, Colorado, Illinois, and Nevada to implement new measures to bridge the service gap.
The move was announced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which stated that it would no longer segregate services and would instead serve all help seekers through a unified platform. Critics argue this decision disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ youth, who face higher rates of suicidal ideation—up to 39% considering attempts annually, with transgender and nonbinary individuals at even greater risk.
The dedicated LGBTQ+ line had seen increasing usage, with nearly 1.6 million calls, texts, or chats since its October 2022 launch, out of approximately 16.7 million contacts on the broader line. Advocates warn that the general line’s staff lack the specialized training needed to effectively support youth navigating issues like coming out, family rejection, or gender identity struggles.
“Without proper training, counselors may not grasp the nuances of coming out or the stressors LGBTQ+ youth face, which can hinder trust and effective intervention,” explained Mark Henson, interim vice president of advocacy at The Trevor Project. The organization, which provides crisis support to LGBTQ+ youth, has expressed concern over the diminished capacity following the loss of the dedicated line.
The Biden administration’s decision has been widely criticized, with some officials citing concerns over potential misuse of the service and ideological conflicts. The White House’s Office of Management and Budget has indicated that funding for the specialized ‘Press 3’ line was cut due to government priorities to avoid encouraging what they term ‘radical gender ideology’ among minors.
In response, several states have taken proactive steps. California has partnered with The Trevor Project to train crisis counselors specifically on LGBTQ+ issues, allocating $700,000 for this initiative. Colorado’s crisis hotline is actively informing the public that support remains available, with staff trained to support LGBTQ+ callers.
Nevada has committed $50 million toward expanding call center capacity and training, while Illinois is enhancing training for existing counselors and increasing outreach efforts. North Carolina is also working to ensure its call center staff are well-equipped to serve diverse populations, despite ongoing legislative restrictions on healthcare for transgender youth.
Meanwhile, federal lawmakers from both parties have voiced opposition to the shutdown, emphasizing the importance of accessible mental health services for all youth. Some have called for the reinstatement of the dedicated LGBTQ+ line or the creation of permanent, targeted services funded through federal or state budgets.
The ongoing developments highlight the broader challenges facing mental health infrastructure in the U.S., especially for marginalized groups. As states step in to fill the void, advocates warn that sustained support and dedicated resources are essential to effectively address the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ youth.