The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency last week announced that it would phase out the “Press 3” option for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which oversaw LGBTQ+ youths by specialized counselors. The change is part of a broader restructuring aimed at consolidating services and providing a unified response to all individuals seeking mental health support.
In a statement, Samhsa said that instead of “LGB+ Youth” silo services, she will instead integrate resources to support all help seekers through a single access point. In particular, the agency’s updated languages refer only to “LGB+” individuals, usually omitting the “T” that represents transgender, and are scrutinized by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
“All people who contact 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, and culturally competent crisis counselors who can help with suicide, substance misuse, or mental health crisis, or other emotional distress,” the agency said. “Anyone who calls a lifeline will continue to receive compassion and help.”
Before the “Press 3” option was introduced, the Trevor Project, an organization focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth, was the sole provider of services. It has since become one of the seven organizations that make up the LGBTQ Youth Subnetwork.
Jaymes Black, CEO of Trevor Project, called the decision “devastating” and criticised them for describing it as a politically motivating rollback of an evidence-based, bipartisan support system.
“Suicide prevention is about people, not politics,” Black said in a statement. “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. The fact that this news comes midway through Pride Month is calm.
Lifeline has served more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people since its inception, according to the Trevor Project. Black emphasized that the organization’s own counselors remain available around the clock and encouraged young people to reach out directly.
“I want all LGBTQ+ young people to know you’re worthy, you’re loved and you belong to. Despite this heartbreaking news,” Black said. “The Crisis Counselors on the Trevor Project are here for you 24/7 to help you navigate what you might be feeling right now, as we have always been.”
The Trump administration’s change to the 988 Lifeline will take effect within 30 days. In the meantime, LGBTQ+ individuals, families and advocates have been encouraged to explore alternative mental health resources, and Angelenos offers a variety of options.
Local resources for LGBTQ+ mental health support
For people in the Los Angeles area, the following organizations provide comprehensive, culturally competent mental health services for LGBTQ+ individuals: The following list was curated by the Los Angeles Times.
Responding to the Alternative Crisis in Los Angeles County: Access the county’s 24/7 helpline for culturally responding mental health professionals trained to serve LGBTQ+ individuals.
TREVOR Project: Provides national crisis services and peer support. Text “Start” to 678-678 and call (866) 488-7386 or visit thetrevorproject.org for live chat support.
Trans Lifeline: A nonprofit organization deployed by trans individuals that provides emotional and financial support. (877) 565-8860, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm.
Desi LGBTQ+ Helpline (DEQH): Provides support for LGBTQ+ individuals in South Asia. (908) 367-3374 Call Thursdays and Sundays between 5pm and 7pm or submit your request online.
Los Angeles LGBT Center: Provides housing, legal aid, healthcare and mental health services. Visit lalgbtcenter.org or call (323) 993-7400.
APLA Health: With eight locations in LA and Long Beach, APLA offers comprehensive health and support services. Available online.
Yellow Chair Collective: Specializes in culturally responsive LGBTQ+ apiling counseling, particularly for Asian Americans and multicultural clients. Learn more about EllowChairCollective.com.
Planned Parenthood: Some centers offer gender maintenance care and mental health support groups for strange young people aged 14-21.
Calhope: A national resource that provides free mental health support and links to LGBTQ+ appiling services. Call (833) 317-4673 or visit calhope.org.
As domestic infrastructure changes, mental health professionals and advocates emphasize the vitality of timely and culturally competent care, especially for LGBTQ+ young people who continue to face rising depression, anxiety and suicide.
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