LGBTQ+ Mental Health Alternatives to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Because mental health is a right, not a privilege
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Background
It was a somber Thursday when the Trump administration officially shut down the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ Youth Specialized Services program. This program provided life-saving support to LGBTQ+ callers under the age of 25 by connecting them with trained, culturally competent counselors. Since its launch in 2022, it has served an estimated 1.5 million LGBTQ+ people, according to SAMHSA’s own lifeline performance data.
The announcement came quietly, midway through Pride Month, issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Here are the key points from that announcement:
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will no longer offer a dedicated service line for LGB+ youth through the “Press 3” option. (Yes, they removed the T.)
The focus will now shift to serving all callers, including LGB+ youth, through general crisis counselors instead of a specialized team.
SAMHSA emphasized that all callers will still have access to trained crisis counselors who are culturally competent and equipped to respond to diverse needs.
Get Involved
The number of resources available to LGBTQ+ youth is shrinking. So is the funding. Now more than ever, it’s critical that we help keep our community alive.
Donate to The Trevor Project.
Support one of the few remaining 24/7 lifelines for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.Share these mental health resources with your community.
As call volumes increase for more well-known resources like Trans Lifeline and The Trevor Project, consider amplifying and utilizing these as well.
Call BlackLine
A direct line to emotional support and peer counseling that centers the voices and safety of BIPOC folks, especially LGBTQ+ and trans people navigating harm, grief, or just needing to be heard.
USA: (800) 604-5841LGBT National Helpline
Run by and for LGBTQ+ folks, this helpline offers free and confidential peer support for anyone needing to talk, ask questions, or feel a little less alone.
Phone: (888) 843-4564The Network/LA Red
A survivor-led organization working to end partner abuse in LGBTQ+, BDSM, and polyamorous communities with a trauma-informed and liberation-rooted approach.
Phone: (800) 832-1901Thrive Lifeline
Crisis support by and for marginalized people, especially trans folks, disabled folks, and people of color, offering real-time text-based care that meets you where you are.
Text: (313) 662-8209StrongHearts Native Helpline
A culturally rooted and confidential helpline created by and for Native people impacted by domestic and sexual violence. It honors tradition, safety, and healing.
Phone: (844) 762-8483Note: You can also find all of these in the updated Resource Guide for Parents of Transgender Children.
Spread the word.
Share this post. Text it to your friends and chosen family. Drop it in your group chat. Print it and leave it in your local community space. Do whatever you can to keep people informed and mobilized.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. And do not lose hope.
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Amazing read 👏🏾
these are great I love the extensive inclusion in these resources <3