Trump administration to close LGBTQ+ suicide hotline program next month

The federal government announced on Tuesday that it will be discontinuing the specialized support for LGBTQ+ youth on the national suicide hotline next month. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) stated in a press release that the LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program will be shut down on July 17 as part of the closure of the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline’s “Press 3 option.”

According to SAMHSA, the decision to end the siloed services for LGB+ youth is aimed at providing support to all help seekers, regardless of their background. The agency reassured that anyone contacting the 988 Lifeline will still have access to skilled crisis counselors trained to handle suicidal, substance misuse, mental health crises, or any other emotional distress.

The 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline had introduced a pilot program in September 2022 to cater specifically to the needs of LGBTQ+ Americans under the age of 25. By March 2023, the program had expanded to offer round-the-clock services to this demographic.

SAMHSA data revealed that over 1.2 million LGBTQ+ individuals reached out to the 988 Lifeline between July 2022 and February 2025. Organizations like The Trevor Project, which focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth, provided crucial support for the specialized program. However, the Trevor Project expressed disappointment upon receiving notice of the program’s termination.

Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, criticized the abrupt decision, stating that more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people who benefited from the program would now be left without life-saving services. Black also condemned the timing of the announcement, coming in the middle of Pride Month, and pointed out the administration’s exclusion of the ‘T’ in the LGBTQ+ acronym in their communication.

Studies have consistently shown that LGBTQ+ youth face higher rates of mental health issues and suicidal thoughts compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers. A 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that over 60% of LGBTQ+ high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2023. Additionally, 41% of LGBTQ+ youth reported seriously considering suicide in the past year, with one in five attempting suicide.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, remember that free and confidential help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the national lifeline at 988. It’s crucial to ensure that support remains accessible to all individuals in need, regardless of their background or identity.