Specialised crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people has returned to America’s 988 Crisis Lifeline, more than a year after the dedicated service was shut down.
The “Press 3” option resumed on 30 September, once again allowing LGBTQ+ youth to connect with crisis counsellors specifically trained to support their needs.
The service had been unavailable since July 2025, when the Trump administration’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ended the specialised LGBTQ+ programme.
Its restoration follows more than a year of pressure from LGBTQ+ organisations, mental-health advocates and lawmakers from both major US political parties.
Congressional Equality Caucus chair Representative Mark Takano welcomed the return, while criticising the length of time young people had been without the dedicated service.
“It should never have taken this long for the Administration to restore these lifesaving services,” he said.
What Is ‘Press 3’?
The LGBTQ+ specialised service was originally launched as a pilot in 2022.
Young LGBTQ+ people contacting the national 988 Crisis Lifeline could choose a dedicated option connecting them with counsellors trained in the specific challenges queer and trans youth may face.
The Trevor Project initially helped pilot the programme and later became one of several organisations supporting the LGBTQ+ youth subnetwork.
Before the service was closed, young people could call 988 and press 3, text a dedicated keyword or access specialised support through online chat.
More than 1.5 million contacts were handled through the programme between its launch and shutdown.
Why Was The Service Shut Down?
On 17 July 2025, SAMHSA ended the specialised LGBTQ+ service.
At the time, the agency said congressionally allocated funding had been exhausted, with more than US$33 million spent supporting the programme.
LGBTQ+ organisations and lawmakers strongly criticised the decision.
While LGBTQ+ callers could still use the general 988 service, advocates argued that removing access to counsellors specifically trained in LGBTQ+ issues stripped away an important layer of support for young people experiencing crisis.
Congress later approved funding and directed the administration to restore the dedicated service.
Senator Tammy Baldwin, who played a prominent role in pushing for its return, welcomed the reinstatement after more than 14 months without the service.
The Trevor Project Welcomes Its Return
The Trevor Project, which helped establish the original programme, has also welcomed the restoration.
CEO Jaymes Black said bringing specialised services back was critical to tackling self-harm risk among LGBTQ+ youth.
“We are grateful to see that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s ‘Press 3’ specialised services for LGBTQ+ youth have been restored,” Black said.
The organisation estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people in the United States seriously consider attempting self-harm each year.
Black said The Trevor Project would monitor the relaunch to ensure LGBTQ+ young people receive care meeting appropriate clinical standards.
The organisation’s own crisis services also remain available independently of 988.
How To Access The Service
LGBTQ+ young people in the United States experiencing a mental-health or suicidal crisis can now call or text 988.
When calling, users can follow the prompts and select option 3 for specialised LGBTQ+ youth support.
The restored service is intended for LGBTQ+ young people under 25.
Anyone experiencing an immediate life-threatening emergency should still contact emergency services.
For advocates who spent more than a year fighting for its return, the restoration represents more than simply reconnecting a phone menu.
It means LGBTQ+ young people in crisis once again have a dedicated pathway to somebody trained to understand what they may be experiencing.
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Social Handles: @TrevorProject, @SenatorBaldwin, @RepMarkTakano
