The Trump administration has announced the discontinuation of a specialized suicide prevention service designed specifically for LGBTQ+ youth, raising alarm among mental health care advocates and community organizations. The decision affects the national 988 suicide crisis lifeline’s targeted support option that has served thousands of young people since its implementation in 2022.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health care Services Administration confirmed that the Press 3 option, which connected LGBTQ+ callers up to age 25 with specially trained crisis counselors, will be eliminated effective July 17. This specialized service provided immediate access to counselors with specific expertise in addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth experiencing mental health care crises.
The elimination of this targeted intervention comes at a time when LGBTQ+ youth continue to experience disproportionately high rates of suicide attempts and mental health care challenges compared to their peers. The specialized service was designed to address these elevated risk factors through culturally competent crisis intervention and support.
Partnership with Trevor Project faces restructuring
The Press 3 option originally launched through a partnership between federal agencies and the Trevor Project, a leading organization focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth. This collaboration provided a direct pathway for young people in crisis to access counselors trained specifically in LGBTQ+ issues and challenges.
Under the new structure, the Trevor Project will become one of seven organizations within an LGBTQ+ Youth Subnetwork, rather than serving as the primary specialized provider for the federal lifeline. This restructuring raises concerns about the accessibility and consistency of specialized support for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing mental health care emergencies.
The change represents a significant shift in how federal mental health care resources are allocated and delivered to vulnerable youth populations. Advocates worry that the broader network approach may dilute the specialized expertise that has proven effective in serving LGBTQ+ youth in crisis situations.
Community leaders express serious concerns
Trevor Project leadership has voiced strong opposition to the policy change, characterizing it as an incomprehensible decision that removes evidence-based support for high-risk young people. Chief Executive Officer Jaymes Black emphasized the organization’s disappointment with eliminating a bipartisan service that has effectively supported vulnerable youth during critical moments.
The organization’s leadership has also criticized the administration’s broader approach to LGBTQ+ issues, particularly noting concerns about the exclusion of transgender youth from various federal programs and initiatives. These policy changes are viewed as part of a pattern of reducing federal support for LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.
Mental health care advocates have highlighted the timing of these changes during Pride Month, traditionally a period of celebration and increased visibility for LGBTQ+ communities. The contrast between celebratory messaging and policy rollbacks has created additional stress within LGBTQ+ communities already facing elevated mental health care challenges.
Organizations mobilize response efforts
Despite the federal program changes, the Trevor Project has committed to maintaining its 24-hour crisis support services for LGBTQ+ youth through its own resources and funding mechanisms. The organization continues providing direct crisis intervention, counseling, and suicide prevention services independent of federal partnerships.
Community advocates are encouraging supporters to take action through donations, petition signatures, and congressional advocacy efforts aimed at restoring specialized LGBTQ+ youth services. These grassroots mobilization efforts focus on demonstrating continued public support for targeted mental health care interventions.
The response campaign emphasizes the critical nature of specialized crisis intervention services for LGBTQ+ youth, who face unique stressors including family rejection, discrimination, and social isolation. Advocates argue that general crisis services may not adequately address the specific challenges and risk factors affecting this population.
Broader implications for mental health care policy
The elimination of the Press 3 option reflects broader shifts in federal mental health care policy priorities under the current administration. These changes affect not only crisis intervention services but also funding priorities and program structures across various federal agencies.
The policy rollback occurs amid ongoing debates about federal responsibilities in addressing mental health care disparities affecting marginalized communities. The decision raises questions about how specialized services for vulnerable populations will be maintained and funded in the absence of federal coordination and support.
