Trump administration ends LGBTQ+ youth crisis hotline services

In the United States, on June 18, 2025, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that it would cease specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults within the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on July 17. This decision has raised concerns among advocates who argue that the specialized hotline was essential in addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly suicide prevention. The LGBTQ+ youth program, which has been operational since its inception in September 2022, has reportedly served nearly 1.3 million callers. The decision to end the tailored support options had been foreshadowed by the Trump administration's budget proposal for 2026, which sought to cut funding for these essential services. The administration stated that the plan aims to focus on providing uniform help to all individuals seeking support. According to SAMHSA, while support services will continue to be available through the 988 Lifeline, they will no longer include specific accommodations for LGBTQ+ callers, particularly through the previous “Press 3” option designed for their needs. Responding to the announcement, Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project, expressed grave concern about the implications for LGBTQ+ youth who experience higher rates of mental health issues and suicidality due to factors such as family rejection and societal discrimination. Black highlighted the unsustainable nature of removing a program that had effectively provided life-saving support to a high-risk demographic. The cessation of specialized versus non-specialized services points to broader political dynamics and controversies surrounding LGBTQ+ rights. With increasing statistics indicating that suicide rates are at their highest in history—especially among LGBTQ+ youth—advocates are pushing back against the administration's move, viewing it as a setback for mental health care access. The decision aligns with recent judicial rulings and policies which some perceive as an ongoing trend of reducing protections and resources for transgender and LGBTQ+ communities.