Surge in 988 Suicide Hotline Calls Signals Escalating Mental Health Crisis—Here’s How the Service Works

The federal government will shut down the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s dedicated “Press 3” service for LGBTQ youth on 17 July 2025, ending a pilot program that has fielded nearly 1.3 million calls, texts and chats since 2022. In a statement, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) said future funding will focus on “serving all help seekers,” assuring that every caller who dials, texts or chats 988 will still reach a trained, culturally competent counselor. Why the change matters • LGBTQ young people remain among the highest-risk groups for suicide; 40 % considered suicide and 10 % attempted in the past year, according to The Trevor Project. Specialized counselors—often with shared lived experience—have been credited with de-escalating crises quickly. • Advocates warn that losing the shortcut may discourage some teens from seeking help, while smaller nonprofits such as The Trevor Project lack the capacity of the national line. • States are responding: California pledged emergency state dollars to expand its own LGBTQ-affirming crisis services on the same day the federal cut was announced. What happens on July 17 • Callers will no longer hear “Press 3 for LGBTQ Youth.” Instead, they will connect to the general 988 network and may be routed to any available counselor. • Veterans can still “Press 1” and Spanish speakers can “Press 2.” • Chats (988lifeline.org) and texts (send any message to 988) remain open 24/7. How to find LGBTQ-affirming help • Trevor Lifeline 866-488-7386, TrevorText (text START to 678-678) and TrevorChat (thetrevorproject.org) are available 24/7. • Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860 (U.S.) offers peer support run by trans counselors. • Many states list regional warm lines and queer-friendly providers at 211 or on Department of Health websites. Tips for parents, schools and allies 1. Save 988 and other crisis numbers in your phone and post them in classrooms, dorms and community centers. 2. Ask students or children to create a personal safety plan that lists triggers, coping tools and trusted contacts. 3. Encourage inclusive language and zero-tolerance anti-bullying policies; hostile school climates double suicide risk for LGBTQ teens. 4. Host listening sessions so youth can voice concerns about the hotline change and suggest local solutions. SEO quick facts readers search for • What is the new suicide hotline number? 988 is the nationwide, three-digit code for mental health, suicide and substance-use crises. • Can you text the suicide hotline? Yes—just text 988 from any U.S. phone. • Is the old number (800-273-TALK) still active? Yes, it forwards to 988. • Does 988 trace your location? Counselors see area code only; they can request help if someone is in imminent danger. Bottom line The U.S. suicide hotline remains just three digits away, but the July 17 policy shift means LGBTQ youth will lose an easy, identity-affirming pathway. Advocates urge families, educators and state leaders to fill the gap by promoting 988, expanding local queer-affirming lines and normalizing mental-health conversations—because one supportive voice can still save a life.