LGBTQ+ youth support option ends on national crisis line after Trump administration cuts
LGBTQ+ youth support option ends on national crisis line after Trump administration cuts
LGBTQ+ youth can no longer access specialized support through the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline ? known as Option 3 ? one month after the Trump administration announced its end.
CHICAGO - LGBTQ+ youth no longer have access to Option 3 — a specialized support line through the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — one month after the Trump administration announced it would shut it down.
Since it was launched in 2022, the selection has made a difference in countless lives across the nation.
What we know:
he hotline remains operational, but Option 3 provided tailored crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ callers, connecting them with trained counselors who shared or understood their lived experiences.
Since debuting in 2022, the 988 Lifeline — funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — has served an estimated 1.5 million LGBTQ+ young people through Option 3, which was supported by The Trevor Project.
The Trump administration cited insufficient funding as the reason for discontinuing the option last month.
"Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline 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. Anyone who calls the Lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help," a statement published by SAMHSA said.
Emily Sherrill, a licensed clinical social worker with Thriveworks in Chicago, said ending Option 3 could have devastating consequences.
"To begin with, people that identify as LGBTQ+ are already at a disproportionately high rate of mental health issues, specifically depression and suicidal behavior," Sherrill said. "They might be able to get the same help, but it's not going to be the same specialized help."
According to The Trevor Project, 47% of LGBTQ+ youth in Illinois wanted mental health care in the past year but did not receive it. Forty-one percent seriously considered suicide, and 12% attempted it, according to the nonprofit.
"LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers," said Mark Henson, Vice President of Advocacy & Government Affairs with The Trevor Project. "And the number one reason why LGBTQ+ youth don't access healthcare is fear."
"A lot of people are still not comfortable, not only with their own sexuality and gender identity, but also with having anybody in their life find out about that and that's why the 988 Number 3 option was perfect, because it gave them a way to talk to someone who was trained to give them exactly what they need," Sherrill said.
On Thursday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi took part in a bipartisan press conference in Washington, D.C. to urge Option 3 to be restored.
"President Trump is undoing the very legislation that he signed into law," Krishnamoorthi said. "Unfortunately, because of this DEI initiative, a lot of LGBTQ+ youth are at risk to D-I-E. They are going to die because an administration is pursuing a political agenda and not an agenda to help people. That to me is malfeasance. Today, on a bipartisan basis, we come together to say, fund the line, save the line, and hold the line."
Governor Pritzker called the shutdown "cruel." Meanwhile, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is ensuring that it will continue to offer affirmative care to the LGBTQ+ community.
"As part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I remember growing up how important it was just to know someone out there got it," said Dulce M. Quintero, IDHS Secretary. "988 is a way to connect, especially in moments when things feel heavy. In Illinois, we’re focused on keeping those connections strong, and making sure people know they’re not navigating this alone. Whatever is happening at the national level, our commitment here is to keep building with love, trust, and community."
Allies, like Sherrill, encourage LGBTQ+ young people in need of support to reach out.
"I would say directly to the community of youth that is struggling right now, you matter, your life matters, you have a purpose and you're here for a reason," Sherrill said.
What's next:
The Trevor Project is continuing tailored crisis intervention around the clock for the LGBTQ+ youth community.
- CALL: 1-866-488-7386
- TEXT: "START" to 678678
- Via Online Chat HERE
Other resources:
The Center on Halsted, which focuses on the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ community members, remains a key resource in Chicago.
Thriveworks in Chicago offers clinician-founded therapy and psychiatry services. Providers like There, Sherrill and other providers specialize in LGBTQ+ challenges, anxiety, coping skills and trauma.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) also remains a resource for members of the LGBTQ+ community.