Trump Administration Ends LGBTQ+ 988 Lifeline Option

The Trump administration has announced that the LGBTQ+-specific 'Press 3' option on the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will end on July 17, 2025. The move, described by federal officials including SAMHSA as an effort to consolidate services and serve all callers equally, also terminates a major contract with The Trevor Project, which handled more than half of LGBTQ+ call volume. Since 2022, the option has connected over 1.3 million LGBTQ+ individuals to counselors trained in LGBTQ+ issues. Advocates and mental health professionals warn that eliminating this specialized support could deter vulnerable youth from seeking help, increase suicide risk, and erode trust in the 988 system. Critics argue that general crisis counselors may lack the expertise needed to address unique LGBTQ+ challenges, especially in areas with limited local resources. In response, LGBTQ+ advocates and local organizations are working to fill the service gap created by the change.