The US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has confirmed that, effective July 17, the dedicated LGBTQ+ youth option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline known as “Option 3” will be discontinued. This component has been in place since 2022 and was created under a 2020 law to provide tailored crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people.
SAMHSA touts the decision as necessary to preserve the broader 988 service, emphasising that all callers will continue to receive compassionate help, regardless of identity. Officials argue that allocating funds to the LGBTQ+ component would have reduced resources available to support the entire lifeline effectively.
However, the announcement comes amid criticism that the decision stems from opposition to “radical gender ideology.” The US Department of Health and Human Services described the extended LGBTQ+ service as “outside congressionally directed funding”, warning that sustaining it would have risked the integrity of the wider 988 system.
Outcry from Advocacy Groups and Politicians
The Trevor Project, a leading suicide prevention organisation for LGBTQ+ youth, strongly condemned the move. CEO Jaymes Black described it as “devastating,” pointing out that more than 1.3 million young people have relied on the dedicated service. He stated, “Suicide prevention is about people, not politics.” Black also expressed concern that the removal of the “T” and “Q” from official communications erases transgender and queer individuals.
Senator Tammy Baldwin, author of the legislation that created the 988 hotline, also criticised the change. She called it “cruel and needless,” and said it sends a harmful message during Pride Month that LGBTQ+ young people are “less deserving” of support.
A Lifeline Under Strain
The 988 hotline was launched in 2022 to strengthen mental health support across the US and saw usage surge by 40%soon after. The LGBTQ+ Press 3 option was specifically included to respond to data showing LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to consider suicide than their peers, with transgender youth at even higher risk.
The Trevor Project also notes that since 2020, the foundation has raised over 90 million dollars, distributed more than 21 million in grants, and created a $6.5 million fund for local chapters. Still, several local groups have expressed frustration about lack of access to these funds and limited inclusion in decision making.
Broad Implications for LGBTQ+ Rights
This change is part of a wider campaign by former President Trump to roll back LGBTQ+ policies, including diversity and transgender rights. During his presidency, he revoked federal recognition of non-binary gender options on official documents, banned transgender individuals from military service, and restricted DEI initiatives.
With staffing cuts affecting SAMHSA this year and plans underway to restructure parts of the agency, advocates worry this move could limit dedicated mental health support at a time of already heightened need especially as the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ mental health services have looked to American models.
Where to Get Help
If you or someone you know is in crisis and in the US:
- Call or text 988, or use the live chat on the 988 Lifeline website
- The Trevor Project is available 24/7 via 1-866-488-7386, chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or text START to 678678
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support at 1‑800‑950‑6264, Monday–Friday
For UK readers seeking help, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123, or you can visit Samaritans.org.
