Revival of 988's LGBTQ+ Crisis Hotline Set for This Year, Yet Founding Organization Faces Exclusion

Overview

The Trump administration is working to restore the LGBTQ+ option for youth on the 988 crisis hotline, which was previously canceled. However, The Trevor Project, a key organization in developing this service, may not be allowed to participate in its relaunch.

Background

The 988 crisis hotline is a critical resource for mental health emergencies, particularly for vulnerable populations such as LGBTQ+ youth, who face higher suicide rates. The specialized 'Press 3' option previously allowed LGBTQ+ youth to access trained counselors, but its cancellation raised concerns about the adequacy of support for this demographic. The ongoing discussions about the service's relaunch highlight the importance of including experienced organizations in providing tailored support.

Data Highlights

The 'Press 3' option fielded 1.6 million contacts while operational, with The Trevor Project managing about half of that traffic.

Key Findings

• The 'Press 3' option for LGBTQ+ youth was canceled due to funding issues.
• The Trevor Project is currently ineligible to apply for the relaunch of the 'Press 3' service.
• Other crisis centers that worked on the LGBTQ+ program remain active in the 988 network.
• Dr. Christine Yu Moutier emphasized the need for psychological safety for marginalized youth.

Clinical Implications

The potential exclusion of The Trevor Project from the 988 service relaunch raises concerns about the quality of care for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.

Conclusion

The relaunch of the LGBTQ+ option on the 988 hotline is critical, but the exclusion of key organizations like The Trevor Project could undermine the service.

Related Resources & Content

1. Associated Press Health, AP News, 2023 -- Removal of LGBTQ+ option from 988 hotline is straining overburdened Texas crisis centers
2. JAMA Network Open, JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Workforce and Staffing at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Centers
3. JAMA Network Open, JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Strengthening the 988 Lifeline Workforce—Policy and Workforce Implications of a National Survey
4. Suicide Mortality Among Adolescents and Young Adults After Launch of a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | Public Health | JAMA | JAMA Network, JAMA Network, 2023
5. Utilization of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ Service | KFF, KFF, 2023
6. The ASCO Post — AMA Foundation Launches New Initiative to Address LGBTQ Health Disparities
7. Suicide Mortality Among Adolescents and Young Adults After Launch of a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | Public Health | JAMA | JAMA Network
8. Lifeline Performance Metrics | SAMHSA
9. Utilization of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ Service | KFF
10. 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results | Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) | CDC
11. 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
12. 2025 National Guidelines for a Behavioral Health Coordinated System of Crisis Care
13. Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide (2024) - VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines
14. AAP Suicide and Suicide Risk and Prevention in Adolescents Clinical Guideline Summary - Guideline Central
15. Stratified Stepped-Care for Reducing Suicide Attempts and Self-Harm in Youth: A Randomized Clinical Trial - PubMed
16. Suicide prevention via telemental health services: insights from a randomized control trial of crisis response plan and self-guided safety planning approaches - PubMed
17. Mobile crisis effectiveness: a systematic review and associated functions and forms framework - PMC
18. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Now 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline): Evaluation of Crisis Call Outcomes for Suicidal Callers - Gould - 2025 - Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior - Wiley Online Library