Hotlines across the country will no longer provide services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis. The Trump administration will finish its support next month.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has counselors for those considering emotional distress and suicide, but links LGBTQ+ youths with specially trained counselors. Studies have shown that this population experiences a significantly higher proportion of suicidal ideation. However, the specialized service will end on July 17th.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Department, which funds the 988 Hotline, said in a statement that callers do not have the option of “push 3” for LGBTQ+ specific services. The agency said it will focus on providing services to everyone seeking help, not “silo LGB+ youth services.”
Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles have other options, including particularly trained mental health counselors. However, supporters of the 988 Service say the loss leaves a hole in crisis intervention.
According to Terra Russell-Slavin, Chief Impact Officer at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, this is another way people don’t feel like they’re not seeing them, they don’t know where to reach out for help, or they don’t feel safe enough to ask for support.
They noted that the announcement of substance abuse and mental health services management used the acronym “LGB+.” Despite being a group vulnerable to suicidal ideation, trans young people said, “They literally… have removed the word “trans” from the purpose of the hotline.”
Less than 30 days later, the program “providing life-saving services to over 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people” is no longer available to those who need it,” James Black said.
“I don’t understand the administration’s decision to remove bipartisan evidence-based services that have effectively supported young high-risk groups throughout the darkest moments,” Black said.
Linda Yoon, founder of Yellow Chair Collective, said the Trevor project is a lifesaving resource for many strange young people, including some of the Collective’s clients. The group focuses on providing LGBTQ+-affirming counseling among other services and providing mental health support to Asian Americans and multicultural groups.
“It’s very concerning to lose federally funded support,” Yoon told The Times. “These professional services exist for reasons: they meet needs that are often overlooked or unequipped to address.”
Experts say queer youth have a significantly higher rate of suicidal ideation than non-LGBTQ+ peers.
According to the Trevor project, more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people in the United States seriously commit suicide each year, with at least one attempting suicide every 45 seconds.
Yoon and her team are putting young people at risk with their clinical research.
“Many of our LGBTQ+ youth clients have more complex and risky cases,” she said.
More than 50 queer youth seek services from the Yellow Chair Collective, and many are seeking help after the crisis or when they struggle to access the care they need elsewhere.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was a resource that the population was known to its clients. In the future, the group will introduce them to the Trevor project. This said Yoon will continue to provide crisis assistance independently 24/7.
The Trevor project can be accessed at (866)488-7386. You can also text and chat.
Suicide Prevention and Crisis Counseling Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with the idea of suicide, call 9-8-8 for help from a professional. The US’s first national triple-digit mental health crisis hotline 988 connects callers with trained mental health counselors. “Home” text to US and Canada 741741 to reach the text line of crisis.
In 2022, approximately 17 years after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was launched with a federal grant from the Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, 988 began the pilot phase of specialist services for LGBTQ+ youth. At the time, the Trevor project was the sole provider of services. Ultimately it was one of seven centres that provided help.
Last year, the counselor helped an estimated 500,000 people, according to the Trevor Project. Almost half of them passed the 988 hotline.
At the local level, the Los Angeles County Mental Health Department offers a 24/7 crisis helpline to connect residents with resources that include mental health professionals with specific training and programs designed for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
Yoon still fears the consequences of losing 988 services due to high-risk, strange youth. That help is not only coordinated, but also quick.
“We know that being able to respond in a timely manner is extremely important,” she said.
As for Russell Salbin, they are worried about a moment of crisis. Correct contact can make all the difference. They fear that having to find a new and appropriate number to call could be too many one obstacle.
“All of these just create more barriers,” they said.
A crisis hotline focused on LGBTQ+
Los Angeles County Alternative Crisis Response: Through this program, access the county’s 24/7 Helpline (800) 854-7771 to connect to culturally responded services and resources.
Trevor Project: The project provides national crisis services and peer support. You can access the service by texting “Start” to 678-678 and calling the hotline at (866)-488-7386 or by live chatting professionally online.
Trans Lifeline: Grassroots hotlines and nonprofits provide direct emotional and financial support to trans people at risk. You can call the Monday-Friday hotline (877) 565-8860 for assistance between 10am and 6pm. There are certain holidays where the hotline is closed. The complete list can be found online.
Desi LGBTQ+ Helpline: DEQH provides free, confidential, culturally sensitive peer support, information and resources for individuals and families in LGBTQ+ South Asia. You can get in touch with trained volunteers on Thursdays and Sundays from 5pm to 7pm by filling out the online form or by calling (908) 367-3374.
LGBTQ+ Focus Resources
Los Angeles LGBT Center: With 10 locations, the center provides housing, legal aid, healthcare and mental health services to young people and adults identified as part of the queer and trans community. A complete list of services can be found online or by calling (323) 993-7400.
APLHealth: In eight locations in Los Angeles and Long Beach, providers provide healthcare, mental health, food, housing and other support services to the LGBTQ+ community. You can make reservations for specific services online.
Yellow Chair Collective: The team practices and practices culturally responding, providing trauma information, and LGBTQ+ affirming counseling and psychotherapy services. This practice specializes in serving Asian Americans and multicultural clients. You can learn more about their services or schedule an appointment online.
Planned Parenthood: Participating locations provide mental and physical health resources to LGBTQ+ community members. Resources include support groups for queer youth ages 14 to 21 and gender-affirming healthcare. View all services and book online at your local medical facility.
Calhope: California provides online mental health support for young people and young people through Calhope at (833) 317-4673. Callers can also find guides for specific mental health services that are odd.
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