Overview

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced that the 988 Lifeline will no longer include the Press 3 option for LGBTQ+ youth starting July 17, 2025, shifting to a single access point for all callers.
• LGBTQ+ advocates warn that removing specialized counselors may worsen mental health outcomes for queer youth, who face higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts than their cisgender peers.
• The Trevor Project confirmed it will continue offering 24/7 crisis support independently through its hotline, text and chat services despite the federal funding cut.
• South Carolina groups including We Are Family, Harriet Hancock Center and Uplift Outreach Center are expanding peer support, therapy and outreach efforts to address the impending loss of the Press 3 service.
• Officials say the change reflects a policy to avoid “siloing” youth services and aligns with the administration’s broader stance on gender ideology by removing LGBTQ+-specific designations from federal programs.