Breanna Reeves
As of July 17, 2025, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program was terminated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Since the launch of the program in 2022, an estimated 1.5 million LGBTQ+ young people have contacted the service, either through text, chat or a call, according to SAMHSA data.
“This administration has made a dangerous decision to play politics with real young people’s lives. The 988 Lifeline’s Specialized Services Program was created to serve Americans at highest risk for suicide — including veterans and LGBTQ+ youth — with best-practice crisis care that meets these populations’ unique needs,” Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black stated in a press release.
“I am heartbroken that this administration has decided to say, loudly and clearly, that they believe some young people’s lives are not worth saving.”
Those who reach out to the 988 Lifeline will no longer have the option to “press 3,” “text PRIDE,” or connect via online chat to a counselor who is trained in supporting LGBTQ+ young people under the age of 25.
While the federal program is ending, a new partnership with The Trevor Project, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) will support resources for those in the state. The partnership will provide the state’s 988 crisis counselors enhanced competency training from experts, ensuring better attunement to the needs of LGBTQ youth, on top of the specific training they already receive.
“To every young person who identifies as LGBTQ+: You matter. You are not alone. California will continue to show up for you with care, with compassion, and with action,” stated Kim Johnson, secretary of CalHHS. “Through this partnership, California will continue to lead, providing enhanced support for these young people.”
Across California, twelve 988 call centers remain staffed around the clock by trained crisis counselors, ready to support anyone in behavioral health crises, including LGBTQ youth.
“While the Trump administration continues its attacks on LGBTQ kids, California has a message to the gay community: we see you and we’re here for you. We’re proud to work with the Trevor Project to ensure that every person in our state can get the support they need to live a happy, healthy life,” stated Newsom.
Specialized services for LGBTQ youth are also available through The Trevor Project’s hotline at 1‑866‑488‑7386, which continues as a state-endorsed access point.
According to The Trevor Project, misinformation spreading on social media has falsely reported that a new Canadian suicide prevention lifeline will support American LGBTQ+ youth. This is not true.
