The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced last week that it will phase out the “Press 3” option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which had previously directed LGBTQ+ youth to specialized counselors. The change is part of a broader restructuring aimed at integrating services and providing a unified response for all individuals seeking mental health support.
In a statement, SAMHSA said it would no longer silo services for “LGB+ youth” and instead consolidate resources to support all help seekers through a single point of access. Notably, the agency’s updated language referred only to “LGB+” individuals, omitting the “T” that typically stands for transgender, drawing scrutiny from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
“Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress,” the agency said. “Anyone who calls the Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help.”
Prior to the “Press 3” option was introduced, the Trevor Project—an organization focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ young people—was the sole provider of the service. It has since become one of seven organizations that make up the LGBTQ Youth Subnetwork.
Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project, called the decision “devastating” and criticized what they described as a politically motivated rollback of an evidence-based, bipartisan support system.
“Suicide prevention is about people, not politics,” Black said in a statement. “The administration’s decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible. The fact that this news comes to us halfway through Pride Month is callous — as is the administration’s choice to remove the ‘T’ from the acronym ‘LGBTQ+’ in their announcement. Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased.”
The lifeline has served more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ youth since its inception, according to the Trevor Project. Black emphasized that the organization’s own counselors remain available around the clock and encouraged youth to reach out directly.
“I want every LGBTQ+ young person to know that you are worthy, you are loved, and you belong – despite this heartbreaking news,” Black said. “The Trevor Project’s crisis counselors are here for you 24/7, just as we always have been, to help you navigate anything you might be feeling right now.”
The Trump Administration’s change to the 988 lifeline will take effect in less than 30 days. In the meantime, LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and advocates are being urged to explore alternative mental health resources, and for Angelenos there’s various options available.
Local resources for LGBTQ+ mental health support
For those in the Los Angeles area, the following organizations provide inclusive, culturally competent mental health services for LGBTQ+ individuals. The following list was curated by the Los Angeles Times.
- Los Angeles County’s Alternative Crisis Response: Access the county’s 24/7 helpline at (800) 854-7771 for culturally responsive mental health professionals trained to serve LGBTQ+ individuals.
- The Trevor Project: Offers nationwide crisis services and peer support. Reach out by texting “START” to 678-678, calling (866) 488-7386, or visiting thetrevorproject.org for live chat support.
- Trans Lifeline: A nonprofit staffed by trans individuals, providing emotional and financial support. Call (877) 565-8860, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT.
- Desi LGBTQ+ Helpline (DEQH): Offers support to South Asian LGBTQ+ individuals. Call (908) 367-3374 on Thursdays and Sundays, 5 to 7 p.m. PT, or submit a request online.
- Los Angeles LGBT Center: Provides housing, legal aid, healthcare, and mental health services. Visit lalgbtcenter.org or call (323) 993-7400.
- APLA Health: With eight locations in LA and Long Beach, APLA offers comprehensive health and support services. Appointments available online.
- Yellow Chair Collective: Specializing in culturally responsive, LGBTQ+-affirming counseling, especially for Asian American and multicultural clients. More info at yellowchaircollective.com.
- Planned Parenthood: Some centers offer gender-affirming care and mental health support groups for queer youth ages 14 to 21. Visit plannedparenthood.org for locations and services.
- CalHOPE: A state-run resource offering free mental health support and links to LGBTQ+-affirming services. Call (833) 317-4673 or visit calhope.org.
As national infrastructure shifts, mental health professionals and advocates emphasize that timely, culturally competent care remains essential—particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, who continue to face elevated risks of depression, anxiety and suicide.
