Trump administration adjusts, changes ahead for specialized suicide hotline services amid federal shift
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Content warning: This article discusses suicide and mental health crises. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.
In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the mental health and LGBTQ+ communities, the Trump administration has announced it will shutter the specialized LGBTQ+ youth option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—known as “Press 3.”
This decision, set to take effect on July 17, has ignited fierce backlash from advocates, mental health professionals, and lawmakers alike, who warn that the change could put vulnerable lives at risk.
What’s Changing and Why It Matters
A specialized branch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline—known as Option 3, which serves LGBTQ+ youth—is set to be phased out under the Trump administration, according to an announcement from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
In a statement released Tuesday, the agency said: "On July 17, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will no longer silo LGB+ youth services, also known as the 'Press 3 option,' to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option."
SAMHSA emphasized that callers will still have access to trained and compassionate crisis counselors: “Those who contact 988 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.”
It remains unclear whether the specialized Option 3 counselors will be reassigned or whether staff reductions are part of the change. CBS News has requested further clarification from the agency.
Community Reactions: Grief and Alarm
Since launching in 2022, the national 988 hotline has become a critical mental health resource, with calls increasing by 40% after its debut. The removal of Option 3 has sparked strong backlash from mental health advocates and LGBTQ+ leaders.
Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project—an organization dedicated to suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth—described the decision as "devastating."
"This means that, in 30 short days, this program that has provided life-saving services to more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people will no longer be available for those who need it," Black stated.
In earlier news: Information's being taken down: How the executive orders are impacting public health resources
"Suicide prevention is about people, not politics. 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."
Black further criticized the timing of the announcement during Pride Month, calling it “callous,” and noted the omission of transgender individuals in the official language: "The administration's choice to remove the 'T' from the acronym 'LGBTQ+' in their announcement... Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased."
Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), who authored the legislation that created the 988 Lifeline, condemned the move as "cruelly and needlessly taking" away a vital support line.
"During Pride Month, a time to celebrate the progress we've made, the Trump Administration is taking us a step back and telling LGBTQ+ kids that they don't matter and don't deserve help when they are in crisis," she said in a statement.
Also read: Tragic end for “Baywatch” star–Pamela Bach, David Hasselhoff’s ex-wife
Administrative Restructuring and Staff Cuts
The change comes amid broader restructuring at the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is transitioning SAMHSA’s responsibilities to a new entity: the Administration for a Healthy America. As part of this reorganization, SAMHSA has experienced staffing reductions, including among those working on the 988 Lifeline.
The long-term implications of this transition are not yet clear, particularly for at-risk communities that have benefited from tailored mental health support.
Source: CBS New York / Youtube.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am-10 pm ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or by email at [email protected].
You may also reach out to the following:
Read next: Inside NYC’s anti-loneliness club: Where seniors find connection and purpose—one story at a time
Here at The GrayVine, we know that our readers care deeply about the well-being of all Americans—especially those who are most vulnerable. Have you or someone you love ever used a crisis hotline? Do you think specialized support makes a difference? How do you feel about this change?
We invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments below. Your voice could help someone else feel less alone—or even save a life.
In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the mental health and LGBTQ+ communities, the Trump administration has announced it will shutter the specialized LGBTQ+ youth option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—known as “Press 3.”
This decision, set to take effect on July 17, has ignited fierce backlash from advocates, mental health professionals, and lawmakers alike, who warn that the change could put vulnerable lives at risk.
What’s Changing and Why It Matters
A specialized branch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline—known as Option 3, which serves LGBTQ+ youth—is set to be phased out under the Trump administration, according to an announcement from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
In a statement released Tuesday, the agency said: "On July 17, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will no longer silo LGB+ youth services, also known as the 'Press 3 option,' to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option."
SAMHSA emphasized that callers will still have access to trained and compassionate crisis counselors: “Those who contact 988 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 Trump administration is shutting down the specialized 988 crisis helpline option for LGBTQ+ youth (known as “option 3”), sparking widespread backlash from advocates and politicians. Image source: CBS New York / Youtube.
It remains unclear whether the specialized Option 3 counselors will be reassigned or whether staff reductions are part of the change. CBS News has requested further clarification from the agency.
Community Reactions: Grief and Alarm
Since launching in 2022, the national 988 hotline has become a critical mental health resource, with calls increasing by 40% after its debut. The removal of Option 3 has sparked strong backlash from mental health advocates and LGBTQ+ leaders.
Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project—an organization dedicated to suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth—described the decision as "devastating."
"This means that, in 30 short days, this program that has provided life-saving services to more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people will no longer be available for those who need it," Black stated.
In earlier news: Information's being taken down: How the executive orders are impacting public health resources
"Suicide prevention is about people, not politics. 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."
Black further criticized the timing of the announcement during Pride Month, calling it “callous,” and noted the omission of transgender individuals in the official language: "The administration's choice to remove the 'T' from the acronym 'LGBTQ+' in their announcement... Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased."
Mental health leaders and organizations like The Trevor Project have called the decision devastating, highlighting the support it provided to over 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people. Image source: CBS New York / Youtube.
Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), who authored the legislation that created the 988 Lifeline, condemned the move as "cruelly and needlessly taking" away a vital support line.
"During Pride Month, a time to celebrate the progress we've made, the Trump Administration is taking us a step back and telling LGBTQ+ kids that they don't matter and don't deserve help when they are in crisis," she said in a statement.
Also read: Tragic end for “Baywatch” star–Pamela Bach, David Hasselhoff’s ex-wife
Administrative Restructuring and Staff Cuts
The change comes amid broader restructuring at the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is transitioning SAMHSA’s responsibilities to a new entity: the Administration for a Healthy America. As part of this reorganization, SAMHSA has experienced staffing reductions, including among those working on the 988 Lifeline.
The long-term implications of this transition are not yet clear, particularly for at-risk communities that have benefited from tailored mental health support.
Source: CBS New York / Youtube.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am-10 pm ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or by email at [email protected].
You may also reach out to the following:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat
- The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth): Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help
Read next: Inside NYC’s anti-loneliness club: Where seniors find connection and purpose—one story at a time
Here at The GrayVine, we know that our readers care deeply about the well-being of all Americans—especially those who are most vulnerable. Have you or someone you love ever used a crisis hotline? Do you think specialized support makes a difference? How do you feel about this change?
We invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments below. Your voice could help someone else feel less alone—or even save a life.
