988 Lifeline Ends Specialized LGBTQ Youth Crisis Service July 17

The Trump administration is ending the specialized 'Press 3' option for LGBTQ+ youth on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as of July 17, 2025, eliminating targeted crisis support services for this vulnerable group. The change is part of broader federal spending cuts and a shift to serving all callers without specific silos, a decision that has alarmed mental health advocates and organizations like the Trevor Project, which had relied on federal funding to expand its crisis counseling capacity for LGBTQ+ youth. Critics argue that removing specialized services undermines care for high-risk populations with unique needs, comparing it to the importance of specialized medical care for different groups. The White House defended the budget, stating it maintains overall funding for 988 but opposes taxpayer support for services it claims promote 'radical gender ideology' without parental consent. In response, LGBTQ+ organizations have launched emergency campaigns and highlighted alternative resources to support youth mental health amid these changes. Advocates warn that the timing exacerbates risks during a period of increasing mental health challenges and societal stigma for LGBTQ+ individuals.