LGBTQ Community Alarmed Over End of Specialized 988 Mental Health Services

The LGBTQ community is expressing concern following the nationwide removal of the specialized “Press 3” option for LGBTQ-specific support on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The service, which provided trained counselors to LGBTQ+ youth, was officially discontinued as of Thursday — a move initiated by the Trump administration in June.

Seventeen-year-old Maya Leach, an LGBTQIA+ youth advocate, warned that removing access to tailored mental health support could be dangerous. “These are people at extremely high risk,” said Leach. “If they don’t have proper resources, they can easily take their own lives.”

The change has sparked alarm across the country, but in California, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that specialized support will continue through a partnership with The Trevor Project. The California Health and Human Services Agency will increase counselor training for LGBTQ+ issues and provide continued access to services via The Trevor Project’s hotline: 1‑866‑488‑7386.

Leach welcomed the California response but remains concerned for LGBTQ youth in other states. “Forty percent of LGBTQIA+ youth consider suicide. That was data from last year,” she said. “They’re disproportionately affected by mental health crises.”

According to The Trevor Project’s 2024 national survey, 39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, and half who sought mental health care couldn’t get it. For the past three years, the 988 lifeline offered LGBTQ+ youth a direct connection to specially trained counselors, addressing issues like discrimination, trauma, and identity-related stress.

In San Francisco’s Castro District, Sam Hayes echoed the community’s disappointment. “It’s a valuable tool for someone who’s struggling. To take that away is… horrible,” said Hayes, a gay man who feels lucky to live in a supportive area like California.

Though the “Press 3” feature is gone, 988 remains active. Callers in crisis — including LGBTQ youth — can still reach a counselor by calling or texting 988. Veterans can continue accessing specialized help by pressing 1.

For those seeking LGBTQ-specific support, The Trevor Project remains a critical resource, with crisis counselors available at 1‑866‑488‑7386.

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