Trump Administration Ends Specialized 988 Suicide Prevention Services for LGBTQ+ Youth

The Trump administration officially terminated the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth on July 17, ending a program that had served more than 1.3 million young people since 2022.

The closure means callers to 988 can no longer "press 3," text "PRIDE," or connect with counselors specifically trained to respond to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults under 25. The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced the decision in June, stating it would "no longer silo LGB+ youth services" to focus on serving all help seekers.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from mental health advocates who point to alarming suicide rates among LGBTQ+ youth. According to The Trevor Project's most recent survey, approximately 40% of LGBTQ+ youth considered suicide in 2024, making them more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.

The specialized service was created with bipartisan support when President Trump signed legislation in 2020 establishing 988 as the national suicide prevention number, recognizing that LGBTQ+ youth face heightened suicide risks. Congress had most recently appropriated $33 million specifically for the LGBTQ+ service within the broader $520 million 988 budget.

While the general 988 service remains available to all callers, mental health experts warn that removing specialized support could be "destabilizing" for vulnerable youth who had begun to rely on counselors with shared experiences and specific training in LGBTQ+ issues.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can still be reached by calling or texting 988, with general crisis counselors available 24/7.